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James P,Bo) 
SPIRITUAL TREASURY 



THE CHILDREN OF GOD : 



CONSISTING OF 



A MEDITATION 



EVERY MORNING AND EVENING IN THE YEAR; 



SELECT TEXTS 1)F SCRIPTURE. 

HUMBLY INTENDED TO ESTABLISH THE FAITH, PROMOTE THE COMFORT, AND 
INFLUENCE THE PRACTICE OF THE FOLLOWERS OF THE LAMB. 



BY WMASON, Esq 



A NEW EDITION, IN ONE VOLUME. 



RECOMMENDED BY THE 

REV. W. ROMAINE, M. A. 

REOTOR OF ST. ANDREW BY THE WARDROBE, AND ST ANNE, BLACK-FRIARS. 



In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. — COL. ii. 3 

LONDON: 

PRINTED FOR THOMAS TEGG, 73, CHEAPSIDE. 

R. GRIFFIN AND CO., GLASGOW. 

ALSO J. AND S. A. TEGG, SYDNEY AND HOBART TOWN. 

MDCCCXLV 




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m 




f$* 



EUNGAY : FRINTF.D BY JOHN CHILDS AND SON. 






PREFACE 



READER. 

I HAVE found a sweet savour of Jesu's precious 
name, free grace, and perfect salvation, in these Medi 
tatiohs ; and therefore I am persuaded it will be doin« 
thee great service to recommend them to thy perusal. 
They will be profitable to thee, if thou art hungering 
and thirsting after Jesus and his righteousness ; or if 
thou art one of those happy souls who know Jesus to be 
the Lord by the Holy Ghost, and art desiring to grow 
in the knowledge of his adorable Person, and in the 
love of the Father through him, — may the Lord the 
Spirit witness to thy heart of Jesus, whilst thou art 
reading them, and render them the means of glorifying 
Jesus in thy life and conversation, that thou mayest 
learn from every page to trust him more, to hope more 
in him, and to love him more, who is thy all ; and ii 
thou livest upon him in all, he will be thy heaven 
upon earth, and thy heaven of heavens in eternal glory. 
To his tender compassion I commend thee and thine, 
being thy well-wisher, whoever thou art, in that ever 
dear Lord. 



W. ROMAINE. 

Lambeth- 
June 13, 1765 



Chris t ia n Re ader, 

SIL VER of human eloquence, and Gold of acquired litera- 
(we, have 1 none ; but such as 1 have, I give to thee, plain truth 
in plain stile, in the name of Jesus Christ. He is our one Mas- 
ier. It has been my earnest prayer, that to his glory, mine eye 
might be single. One grand point has been my chief aim, namely, 
to exalt the Lord Jesus, the perfection of his atonement and 
righteousness, and the glory of his salvation. This I have found 
4 he blessed sujyport and joyful triumph of my own soul, while 
exercised with great disorder and weakness of body in this work. 
If the Lord and giver of all grace, is pleased to bless this feeble 
Attempt, to the spiritual profit of any of his dear children, to 
Him only all the glory is due. 

As love covereth a multitude of faults, and the prayer of faith 
availeth much, may these, Reader, be excited in behalf of the fol- 
lowing sheets, and towards him who desires to esteem it his highest 
honour, and greatest glory on earth, to confess and serve the Lord 
Christ, though less than the least of all his servants, and thine 
also for his sake. 

TV. MASON. 

Dock-head, Southwurk. 



A 

SPIRITUAL TREASURY 

FOR THE 

CHILDREN OF GOD. 

JANUARY 1. [MORNING. 

xHOU shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth 
of the Lord shall name. Isaiah lxii. 2. 

This is predicted of the church of God ; which, according to 
covenant-transactions of the glorious Trinity, stands in the 
nearest and dearest relation to Jesus her head. She is here 
spoken of as a single person, ' Thou/ She is called ' Christ's 
body/ and ( the bride, the Lamb's wife.' (Rev. xxi. 9.) Of whom, 
saith God the Father, f I have loved thee with an everlasting 
love.' (Jer. xxxi. 3.) Yea, saith the Son of God to his Father, of 
all his beloved members, ( Thou hast loved them as thou hast 
loved me; and thoulovedst me before the foundation of the 
world.' (John xvii. 23, 24.) Oh most comforting truths of God's 
word : how ancient is the love of God to his church ! That God 
should love us miserable sinners at all, is amazing ; but that he 
should love us with the very same everlasting unchangeable 
love, wherewith he loves his own beloved Son, this surpasseth 
all knowledge. This love is the source of all blessings in time ; 
this love secures all happiness in eternity. 

The Son of God has manifested his infinite love to his 
church, by conflicting with and overcoming all the powers of 
earth and hell for her sake. He most dearly purchased her, 
in a way of strict justice, with his most precious blood. But 
he finds every one of his ransomed ones branded with this old 
name of infamy, a Sinner ; it being near six thousand years 
since first entailed. 9y nature we are all old in sin, and dead 
in sin : but being predestinated unto the adoption of children 
by Jesus Christ, and to be conformed to his image, to the praise 
of the glory of God's grace, therefore we shall be called by a 
new name. 

This the Lord the Spirit effects. Being born of the Spirit, 
and baptized with the Holy Ghost into the faith of Jesus, the 
Lord calls us by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord 
shall name. This is it, (verse 12.) the holy people — the re- 
deemed of the Lord — thou shalt be called ' sought out.' Oh 



JANUARY 1.J 4 [MORNING, 

the blessedness of being sought out ; and how precious is He 
who sought us ! He sought us in the ruins of the fall ; he 
found us in a most miserable condition ; but he calls us by ' a 
new name,' which signifies new creatures in our living head, 
who is the new man. This he makes us. Then we experience 
the blessedness of a new state in, and ot a new life from Jesus. 
He is a new and living way to us. By faith we walk with 
God, live upon Jesus, feel sweet fellowship with him, enjoy 
comforting communion from him, and have joyful access to the 
Father through him. Thus the Lord writes a new name upon 
his members, which no man knoweth, saving he who receiveth 
it. Rev. ii. 17. 

Thus, as Luther testifies, ' a christian is a new creature in a 
new world.' He is a subject of a new King, whose name is 
Love ; and of a new kingdom, wherein dwelleth righteous- 
ness. He is possessed of new hopes, new pleasures, new de- 
sires, and new joys. Yes, and he finds new fears, new sorrows, 
new conflicts, and new enemies too. Though that old serpent 
the Devil and Satan, who deceiveth the whole Avorld, is cast 
out of us, he still wageth war against us. What then ? Every 
trial we meet with, every temptation that besets us, shall only 
glorify the riches of God's love to us, and the power of the 
^^ace of Jesus in us. It shall learn us the use of our spiritual 
weapons, deaden our afiection to earth, quicken our longings 
for glory, endear Jesus more to our hearts, so as with ardency 
to cry out, Oh that I may be found in Him S How glorious 
the privileges, how animating the prospect of all such new- 
named souls ; they are interested in all new-covenant bles- 
sings. New wine of gospel peace and love is put into such 
new bottles. A new song, Salvation to the Lamb that was 
slain, inspires their tongues. Such are lovingly called by the 
word of their JFather, and powerfully enabled by the Spirit ot 
his grace, to serve and glorify him, not in the oldness of the 
letter, but in newness of spirit, in righteousness and true holi- 
ness before him all the days of their life. Happy new year to 
such new-named souls ; every revolving year on earth brings 
them nearer to their Father's house, their Saviour's kingdom in 
glory. Thus, ' if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; 
old things are passed away, behold all things are become new/ 
2 Cor. v^ 17. 

My Jesus, my almighty friend, My feet shall travel all the length 

When I begin thy praise, Of the celestial road, 

Where will the growing numbers end, And march with courage in thy strength, 

The numbers of thy grace. To see my Father God. 

Still has my life new wonders seen When I am filled with sore distress 

Repeated ev'ry year ; For some surprising sin ; 

Behold my days that yet remain I'll plead thv perfect righteousness, 

1 trust them to thy care. \nd mention none but thine 

Thou art my everlasting trust, How will my lips in glory tell 

Thy Person I adore; Thy victories, oh my King! 

And .since 1 knew thy graces first, Mv soul redeemed from sin and hell, 

J sueak Ihy glories more. Shall thy salvation sing. 



JANUARY 1.] 5 [EVENING. 

We see Jesus. Hebrews ii. 9. 



Sights of human pomp and worldly grandeur captivate car- 
nal minds, and ravish natural senses, it is common to hear 
persons say in an extasy, Oh I could sit all night to see a fine 
play. But one sight of the matchless charms, and dazzling 
glories of our Saviour, makes all other things appear mean and 
contemptible. We turn our eyes from them, and say, I put 
away these childish things. I have a heavenly object, inli- 
nitely superior to such low, mean, perishing vanities. I know 
one, who having heard that faithful minister of Christ, Mr. 
Whiten* eld, when he iirst preached in the fields, upwards of 
thirty years ago,* on being asked which he liked best, to hear 
him preach, or to see Vauxhall ; profanely replied, ' Whitefield 
only preaches of heaven, but Vauxhall is heaven itself/ Poor 
soul, he was then blind to his want of Christ, and to his glory 
and excellency. But to the glory of his rich grace, that poor 
sinner is out of hell, and can now happily join the faithful in 
saying, We see Jesus. So then, the once profane sinner is 
changed into a visionary enthusiast. Enthusiasm to see 
Jesus I Enthusiastic this ? Then all are blind but rank en- 
thusiasts : for the essence of the gospel, the joy of sinners, 
and the glory of faith, consist in this sight. What is life itself 
without it? For, alas, we have lost all righteousness, holiness 
and happiness, in ourselves ; but we see all these, with heaven, 
and glory, restored to us in Christ. Oh blessed day, happy 
hour, joyful moment, when the sight of our inestimably pre- 
cious Saviour first saluted the eyes of our mind, and became 
the object of our faith ! It was the beginning of days ; yea 
our birthday to eternal blessedness. This sight is a feast to 
our souls all the year. We delight to begin the year with see- 
ing Jesus. We salute one another with, ( I wish you a happy 
new year.' What mean we, but I wish you to see Jesus. 
What can make the year happy without this ? This creates 
heaven in the soul : then it is a happy year indeed. But with- 
out this precious view of faith, we can get no ease from the 
burden of sin, therefore our soul must be miserable. This 
world can afford us no real happiness. The thoughts of death 
will torment us, and the view of judgment fill us with dread 
and terror. But, oh happy sinners, who can bless God with 
Simeon, and say, ' mine eyes have seen thy salvation/" I see 
Christ : He is all my salvation, and all my desire. Ye heaven- 
born, highly-favoured souls, well may ye say, time hasten on, 
years roll round, moments fly swiftly away, and bring me to 
the full enjoyment of my beloved Saviour, in his kingdom of 
glory. 

We see Jesus, who saw us, loved us, pitied and saved us, 

* About the year 1754. 



JANUARY 1.] G [EVENING. 

when dead in our sins, cursed by the law, and polluted in our 
blood. We look back and see him, an outcast babe, a despised 
man, crucified as a vile malefactor, bearing our sins on the 
cross, made a sacrifice for our souls, and redeeming us to God 
by his blood. We glory in him as the only atonement for our 
sins, and our one righteousness to justify our souls : for he 
is ' the Lord our righteousness.' Jer. xxiii. 6. We look- up, 
and see Jesus crowned with glory and honour, pleading our 
cause, and in erceding for our persons at the right hand of 
God, and ever living to save us to the uttermost. We look 
forward to judgment ; awful day ! we see 

' A trembling world, and a devouring God.' 

But oh how bright the prospect shines ! We see Jesus coming 
with power and great glory, to receive us to his kingdom, 
that where he is, there we may be also. 

Do we thus see Jesus by faith, as revealed in the word of 
truth ? Then are we new creatures in him. We are called, 
with Moses, to endure every fight of affliction, seeing him who 
is invisible. Heb. xi. 27. We are exhorted to lay aside every 
weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and to run 
with patience the race that is set before us, ' looking unto 
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. xii. 1, 2. 
Thus we obey the will of God our Father, who commands us, 
saying, ' Behold mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth ; my 
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased/ Matt. iii. 17. Tsai. 
xlii. 1. 

Jesus is the chiefest good, Jesus gives us life and peace, 

He lias saved us by his blood, Faith and love, and holiness, 

Let us value nought but him Every blessing great and small, 

Nothing else desenes esteem. Jesus for us purchased all. 

Jesus, when stern justice said, Jesus therefore let us own, 

Man his life has forfeited, Jesus we'll exalt alone : 

Vengeance follows by decree, Jesus has our sins forgiven, 

Cried, Inflict it all on me. Jesu's blood has bought us hefu-n. 



JANUARY 2.J 7 [MORNING. 

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh nway the sin 
of the world. John i. 29. 

Nothing can make poor sinners truly happy, but that which 
taketh away the cause of all misery, sin. This is effected : 
the Lamb of God hath taken away all sin, by his sacrifice for 
us. When, by the eye of faith, we behold this Lamb, then all 
sin is taken away from our conscience. When a soul thinks, 
6 Sin has condemned me before God ; the law accuseth me 
daily ; it works wrath in my conscience continually ; and I am 
often ready to cry out, oh wretched that I am, who shall deli- 
ver me ? ' Thanks be to God for a precious Redeemer. The 
Lamb which God provided, hath done it for ever. All our ini- 
quities were laid upon him. ' He bare in his own body on the 
tree,' the sin, the whole of sin, every sin of all that shall believe 
in him, to the end of the world. By the sacrifice of himsel he 
put all away, out of the sight of God, as one puts away an 
offensive thing'. He bore it away into a land of forgetfulness, 
as a thing that is hurtful. So then saith God the Father, to 
all his children in Christ, ' Your sins and your iniquities I will 
remember no more.' Jer. xxxi. 34. 

But one is often ready to say, how can th!s be true ? I 
daily see that I am a sinner ; the remembrance of sin is be- 
fore me, in my thoughts ; though for a season time may efface 
sin from my memory, yet it recurs afresh upon my conscience. 
It may, it will do so, oh soul ; and nothing can effectually take 
it away but this, ' Behold the Lamb of God.' He taketh sin 
away now, this present moment, every moment. At what time 
soever thou beholdest Jesus by the eye of faith, all the sin 
which troubles thee, thou wilt see it all laid on him, and he 
taketh it away from thee. Oh how sweet to have no more 
conscience of sin ! 

Continually to behold this Lamb of God is life to our souls, 
and death to our sins. Sin cannot terrify with its guilt, can- 
not prevail in its power, while the heart is looking to this 
Lamb of God, for he says, ' Look unto me, and be ye saved.' 
Astonishing mystery ! but this is God's truth. Thus to behold 
is to be happy : thus to look is to be holy. May this, oh my 
soul, be thy daily employ below, till thou beholdest the Lamb 
in the midst of the throne above. Thanks to the gracious 
Father for the gift of this precious Lamb *, thanks to this holy 
Lamb for bearing and taking away .sin ; and thanks to the 
loving Spirit, for showing this Lamb to poor sinners and to 
me. ' God forbid I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord 
Jesus Christ.' Gal. vi. 14. 

If sin most vile to me appears, This is the truth by which we In e : 
What must' th' Omniscient see ; By faith beholding Christ, 

Rut, God beholds us in his Lamb, Our consciences from guilt are freed ; 
From sin for ever free. 'ITien unbelief resist. 



JANUARY 2.] 8 [EVENING. 

The nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him 
shall they glory. Jer. iv. 2. 

' Thou wast slain, and thou hast redeemed us to God by thy 
blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and na- 
tion/ This is part of the new song which is sung at the right 
hand of God, in honour and glory to the Lamb. Rev., v. 9. 
Shall we not honour and glorify him here below ? What 
should be the employ of the redeemed and called, every day 
they live on earth, till they join their brethren in heaven ? 
Why, to bless themselves in the Lord. Bless one's self! Is 
not that boasting and vain-glory? Yes, if it arises from any 
merit, self-righteousness or excellence, which we fancy we pos- 
sess. But we are to bless ourselves, because we are in the 
Lord, and blessed by our God and Father, with all spiritual 
blessings in Christ Jesus. Though a sinner, a miserable sin- 
ner, yea, a law-accursed sinner in thyself ; yet bless thyself as 
a rich saint, a holy happy soul in Christ ; beloved of God, cho- 
sen of God, reconciled to God, at peace with God, an heir of 
God, and a joint heir with Jesus. Bless thy soul, that it is 
born again of the Spirit, to partake of such inestimable privi- 
leges. This is an evangelical duty. It raises the affections to 
the Lord of our salvation. It revives the heart, it fortifies 
the mind against sin, and invigorates the soul to all holy 
obedience. Therefore it should be our daily work to bless 
ourselves, and to bless the Lord for what he hath done for us 
and in us. Oh holy Spirit, raise our legal spirits to the exer- 
cise of this gospel practice. Cause our souls to delight more 
in, and to glory more of the Lord our righteousness. s In him 
shall they glory.' One view of Christ by faith, stains the 
pride of all human glorying. Oh what glory shines in the per- 
son of Jesus ! He is God and man in one Christ. What 
glory is displayed in his love to us sinners, in redeeming us to 
God by his blood, justifying us by his righteousness, living to 
pray for us as our advocate, and saving us day by day from 
sin, and everlastingly, from hell to heaven. Let us constantly 
dwell upon and glory in his person, his work, his offices, and 
his everlasting love below, till we come to cast down our 
crowns before him above. 

While our souls are thus sweetly exercised from day to day, 
sin loses its dominion, Satan his power, the world its charms, 
self is denied, fears subside, hopes are lively, love reigns, our 
affections are above, our spirits are on the wing for God ; and 
this is our constant language, God forbid that I should glory, 
save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Gal. vi. 14. 



JANUARY 3.] i) [MORNING. 

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. 
1 John v. 21. 



Idolatry is founded in ignorance of Jesus, the true God, and 
eternal life. None are spiritual worshippers of God but be- 
lievers in Jesus. There are many idols in the world, suited to 
the pride and lusts of our corrupt nature. These we are cau- 
tioned against. But in reading this very exhortation, the idol 
of free-will is ready to present itself; as though disciples, by 
their own power, were to keep themselves. This notion oppo- 
ses the Spirit and power of Jesus, and springs from that grand 
idol, pride. Pride introduces the idol of self-righteousness. 
This blinds the eye to the glory of the righteousness of Christ, 
which is freely imputed through faith. Thus this trinity of 
idols, free-will, pride, and self-righteousness, are in unity with 
each other. By the simple faith of Jesus, we are daily to 
guard our hearts against all their specious pretensions. 

So also every outward object suited to our corrupt nature, 
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life ; 
these naturally call for the attention of our minds, tend to 
attract our hearts, and promise us pleasure, happiness and joy. 
But if these are sought, coveted, and enjoyed, they also be- 
come idols. They rival Jesus, they rob our hearts of the con- 
solation of the Saviour's love ; and him of the glory due to his 
name ; which is ever the indispensable duty of all his beloved 
disciples, to give unto him only. Shall we then say of our own 
righteousness, or of our sins, ye are our glory ? Shall we at all 
hope in the one ; shall we ever seek happiness from the other ? 
Verily, if so, our hearts are not right with God ; we are not 
sincere and upright before him. Can we at any time halt 
between two opinions, between Jesus and self, God and the 
world ? Where then is our faith in Jesus, our love to God ! 
Has not God manifested love enough to us in the gift of his 
beloved Son ? Has not Jesus done enough, suffered enough 
to attract every affection, and to engage our whole hearts in 
love to himself ? Has not the holy Spirit so clearly and fully 
revealed the love of the Father, and the salvation of the Son, 
as to make us happy ? We must confess this. Surely then 
conscious shame, holy blushing, godly sorrow, should fill our 
hearts, if we act not as chaste virgins to our heavenly Bride- 
groom. While we cry in the fervency of prayer to the divine 
Spirit for power, we shall in the fervor of love, and in the reso- 
lution of faith, say, with Ephraim, Get ye hence : ' what have 
, I to do any more with idols ? ' Hos. xiv. 8. 

Mortals with joy behold his face, Archangels leave their high abode 

Th' eternal Father's only Son ; To learn new mysteries here, anil (ell 

How full of truth, how full of grace, The loves of our descending God, 

When through his eyes the Godhead shone. The glories of [mmanuel. 



JANUARY 3.] 10 [EVENING. 

Things that accompany salvation. Heb. vi. 9. 

Mary mistook Christ for the gardener ; and we are very apt 
to mistake our graces for the Saviour. Some put their faith 
in the place of Christ's righteousness. They say, we are justi- 
fied by our faith, and not by the righteousness of Christ. 
Others call the graces of the covenant, the conditions of sal- 
vation. These are sad mistakes. Hereby the glory of Christ 
is eclipsed, and the sinner's eye is turned from the Saviour 
to himself. His trust is placed in his graces, instead of Christ. 
He mistakes the things which accompany salvation, for salva- 
tion itself. What are the things which accompany salvation ? 
Naturally, we have none of them : we have only the things 
which accompany damnation. We are no more able to work 
them in ourselves, than a dead corpse can raise itself to life, 
or a devil in hell change himself into an angel in heaven. 
They are the train of graces which ever attend the King of 
saints. The Saviour brings them, with himself, into the saved 
sinner's heart. They are the graces of his Spirit : such as 
faith in Jesus as a redeeming, justifying, sanctifying Saviour. 
Repentance towards God, as receiving and pardoning sinners 
in Christ ; hatred of sin, and turning from sin to Christ. Hope, 
which is an anchor of the soul, keeping it steady in the expec- 
tation of what the word promises, and faith receives. Love 
to God, excited by his love to us in Christ. Peace with 
God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Joy in God, having 
now received the atonement by faith. Heavenly-mindedness, 
by living on Jesus. Deadness to sin, by the body of Christ. 
Deadness to the world, being crucified with him. Living to 
holiness, being alive unto God through Jesus Christ. Love 
to our brethren and fellow-sinners, being passed from death 
to life. And to all the rest, constant dissatisfaction with 
ourselves, seeing we still are miserable sinners, imperfect 
creatures, unprofitable servants. We look on nothing within 
us as our title to glory, but wholly and solely to Jesus. These 
graces we receive out of his fulness. These are evidences of 
interest in him, make us meet for heaven, and accompany 
salvation. For we have fellowship with God, and his Son 
Jesus Christ. Paul was persuaded of these things concerning 
his christian brethren. See then the glorious nature of Chris- 
tianity. The faith of the gospel, and the hope of salvation 
are not empty notions. But l whom God justified, them he 
also glorified.' Rom. viii. 30. Those whom he adorns with the 
glorious robe of Christ's righteousness, he makes glorious with 
the graces of his Spirit. What God hath joined together, let 
no man put asunder. 



JANUARY 4.] 11 [MORNING. 

J will go in the streng tk of the Lord God ; J will 
make mention of thy righteousness ', even oj thine only. 
Psal. lxxi. 16. 



Wise travellers provide things needful for their journey, and 
guard against such as lie in wait, by the way, to rob them. 
Our gracious God calls not his dear children to forsake their 
native country, to travel to the heavenly city, without furnish- 
ing them with a rich supply of all things necessary for their 
comfort, and also strength to protect them from the power of 
every enemy. No soldier of his goeth a warfare at his own 
charge ; Christ being both their righteousness and strength, 
they can want nothing ; neither riches nor power. Hence 
they go on from day to day, glorying in him as their richest 
treasure, and trusting in him as their almighty strength ; and 
this is their constant song in the house of their pilgrimage, 
and all through their journey. ( Surely, in the Lord have I 
righteousness and strength.' Isai. xiv. 24. Jesu's righteous- 
ness inspires the soul with boldness before God. Jesu's 
strength obtains victory over every enemy. This is the triumph 
of faith. So believers walk safely and comfortably. Children 
of grace are not called -to be idle srieculatists in doctrines, but 
to a life of activity ; to holy walking with Jesus, constant 
hearing of his love, cheerful obedience to his will, diligent 
search of the scriptures, stedfast resistance of Satan, striving- 
daily against sin, and praying always with all prayer and sup- 
plication. 

Well may one ask, c But who is sufficient for these things V 
From natural power and inherent strength, we must all sit 
down in despair. But faith leads, from self, to Jesus. I can 
do all things, through Christ strengthening me ; so will I go 
on against my enemies ; thus I shall be enabled to walk in 
the path of every duty. But after I have done all, still my 
Saviour bids me confess the truth, that I am an uprofitable 
servant. But is not this discouraging to the soul ? No ; for 
it works not to obtain righteousness. It is already clothed 
with that, and in the view of faith, rejoices in it ; abjures all 
other, and will make mention of Jesu's righteousness, and his 
' only,' for acceptance with God, perfect justification before 
him, from every condemnation of the law, and accusation of 
Satan. True, doubts and fears may arise, distressing thoughts 
deject ; but happy is our conduct, joyful shall be our experi- 
ence, while the righteousness of Christ is beheld by faith, as 
our only hope, our only joy, our only crown of rejoicing. For 
we are made the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Cor. v. 21. 

While in thy righteousness I trust, My peace and safety lie in this, 

Which only makes a sinner just ; My creditor my surety is ; 

This truth of faith, Lord, make me prove, The judgment-day I dread the less, 

That, faith thou giv'st, which works by love. ]\ly Judge is made my righteousness. 



JANUARY 4.] 12 [EVENING. 

To this man will I look, even to him who is poor, and 
of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Isai. lxvi. 2. 

The Lord, whose throne is in the highest heaven, and whose 
footstool is the earth, here enquires after a place of residence 
and rest. As though about to quit his throne, he looks to man. 
Behold he tabernacles in man : he makes the human nature his 
temple. Hence he looks to his brethren in the flesh, however 
poor, miserable, and distressed. As his look of love is towards 
them, so he brings them to look for mercy from him. But we 
are all naturally too rich in our own eyes to be indebted to his 
grace, too stubborn of spirit to bow to his sceptre, and too 
stout-hearted to hearken to his voice, and submit to his 
righteousness. Well, glory to the Lord, he has mercy for 
rebels, as well as a heaven for saints ; yea, of sturdy rebels, he 
makes humble saints. How ? Thus : ' The day of the Lord 
of hosts shall be upon every one who is proud and lofty, and 
upon every one who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low.' 
Isai. ii. 12. Oh soul, dost thou see thy poverty, over head and 
ears in debt to law and justice, nothing but rags to cover thy 
nakedness, and liable to be cast into the prison of hell ? Give 
glory to the Lord. The day of the Lord is upon thee, the light 
of truth hath shined into thee ; and as though there was no* 
another man upon the earth, the Lord looks to thee, even to 
thee, thou poor sinner. Thou sayest, I abhor myself, I trem- 
ble to look at myself, I am so poor, so miserable, and so 
wretched. Surely, the Lord must turn away his eyes from me 
with loathing and abhorrence. No : To this man will I look, 
saith the Lord. Yes, saith the humble soul, if I had but a 
contrite spirit, if I did but tremble at God's word, I might 
think so, I should hope so ; but I can see nothing in myself, 
why the Lord should look upon me, and love me. I tremble 
to be found in myself. Oh if the Lord had not looked on thee 
as he did on Peter, thou wouldst never have had such a con- 
trite spirit, nor such a trembling heart. Jesus beholds and 
loves his image there. He was once a poor man as thou art. 
He had not where to recline his weary head, or to find comfort 
for his sorrowful soul, bu- in, and from the loving breast of his 
dear Father. That is thy case. Instead of being a proud 
pharisee, why art thou a poor sinner ? Instead of making a 
mock of sin, why is thy heart broken for sin ? Instead of 
despising the Lord's word, why dost thou tremble to be found 
out of Christ ? All, all is because the Lord looks to thee. Oh 
look, look unto him and be saved from all thy doubts and fears. 
Thy poverty and contrition are not conditions, but blessed 
evidences of salvation. Our Lord assures us, ' Blessed are the 
poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' Matt. v. 3. 



JANUARY 5.] 13 [MORNING. 

The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed 3 
but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither 
shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the 
Lord, who hath mercy on thee. Isai. liv. 10. 

The absolute promises of our gracious Lord are the founda- 
tion of faith, the encouragement of hope, the excitement of 
love, the source of comfort, and the spring of true holiness. 
Why then are not the children of faith always joyful in hope, 
ever comfortable in love, and constantly happy in the way of 
holiness ? Truly, because an enemy hath sown the tares of 
unbelief in our nature. This evil root of bitterness continually 
springs up, and troubles us. It bears the most base, disho- 
nourable fruit, respecting our God ; and is most hurtful and 
poisonous to our souls. Little reason have we to nourish or 
to strengthen this degenerate plant, with the corrupt notion of 
those who deny God's covenant love and faithfulness, and 
dare teach ' That one may be a child of God to-day, and a 
child of the devil to-morrow ; that souls redeemed by the blood 
of Jesus may after all, burn in hell/ Shocking ! It is our 
daily duty, our greatest wisdom, to be on our guard against 
and avoid all such doctrines. They are contrary to the pre- 
vious declarations of our loving Lord, and tend to weaken our 
faith in and hope of perfect salvation by him. But a false 
show of humility works very deceitfully upon men. Hence we 
are prone to look into ourselves, to find some inherent worth, 
some personal goodness, as the cause why the Lord should 
deal thus bountifully with us. 

Alas, pride is at the bottom of this. Our eyes are hereby 
diverted from the alone object of faith, Jesus, and turned to 
self. Then no marvel unbelief prevails, and we lose sight of 
God's free grace, rich love, and inestimably precious promises. 
Soul, know thyself. Though an object of mercy, a subject of 
grace, and an heir of promise, yet not one single drop of mercy, 
or of grace, nor one word of promise is made to thy person, 
but only as thou standest in and art related to thy precious 
Saviour, according to covenant love. Therefore, God's cove 
nant of peace shall not, cannot fail. Sooner shall the hills 
and mountains be removed, yea heaven and earth shall pass 
away, but thy Lord's love and kindness shall never depart 
from thee. The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Here to 
doubt, is to dishonour the God of truth- Here stedfastly to 
believe, is to glorify the God of love. ' He sent redemption 
unto his people ; he hath commanded his covenant for ever/ 
Psalm cxxi. 9. 

Oh what a stedfast hope have I, Then why should faith or courage fail. 

Built ou thy faithful word ! Or comforts me forsake ? 

Though all things fail beneath the sky, Let faith but look within the veil, 

Thy truth stands fast, my Lord All's safe for Jesu's sake. 



JANUARY • 14 [EVENING. 

In ivhom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed 
ivith that holy Spirit of promise. Ephes. i. 13. 

Some consider this sealing as the highest assurance, which 
hut few obtain. Others, as a state of perfection in holiness, 
and entire freedom from the being of sin. This some pretend 
to, but no one enjoys in this life. But it is plain the apostle 
means nothing more, than what all believers in common are 
favoured with. Not after ye believed, but ■ in believing/ ye 
were sealed, says the learned Mr. Hervey. That is, as soon 
as ye received the truth in the love of it, ye were sealed by 
the Spirit, as the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 
Consider what is implied in being sealed. A seal is to make 
an impression of its contents. Sealing an instrument is 
making it valid, and acknowledging it as our act and deed. 
The heart of a believing sinner, melted by the word and Spirit 
of God, is the subject of this sealing. The contents of this 
seal is grace and truth, which came by Jesus Christ. John i. 17. 
This is sealed upon the earth, by the act and deed of the Holy 
Spirit. This impress of salvation by the grace and truth of 
the Son of God, is made so deep and lasting on the believing 
heart, that time with all its changes, sin with all its malignity, 
the world with all its charms and frowns, and Satan with all 
his power and fraud, can never, never efface it. It will re- 
main as the impress of the seal on the wax. It answers to the 
revelation of Jesus made in the word, as the impressed wax to 
the seal. Such a sealed heart is God's jewel. He has dis- 
tinguished it as his own. It will receive no other impression, 
but from the broad seal of heaven, salvation by the blood and 
righteousness of the Son of God only. Now, is this sealed 
upon your heart ? Do you reject with abhorrence every other 
hope ? Do you believe in, look to, and trust Jesus for all 
your salvation ? Rejoice : you are sealed. Consider again, 
that All believers are sealed. The sealer is ' the Spirit of pro- 
mise/ He is alike promised to all the believing members oi 
Christ, and they are heirs of promise. They have fled to Jesus 
for refuge, and laid hold of him as their hope : and nothing 
but consolation, strong consolation, awaits them from the God 
of promise. He is the ' Holy Spirit.' By this sealing he im- 
presses the heart with the love of Christ, of truth, and of holi- 
ness. Hereby he fulfils our Lord's prayer for his members : 
c sanctify them through thy truth/ John xvii. 17. Therefore, 
though in heaviness through manifold temptations, though in 
dejection from many enemies, let not go your confidence of 
faith. Rate not yourself an unbeliever, think not yourself 
under the curse of the law. Deny not the Spirit's work ; for 
if you believe on Jesus in your heart, you are sealed unto the 
day of redemption. Ephes. iv. 30. 



JANUARY 6.] 15 [MORNING 

Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming 
the time, because the clays are evil. Ephes. v. 15, 16. 



Light and life are communicated from Jesus to his members, 
not merely to fill their heads with gospel truths, as matters of 
speculation, or to make them fluent talkers about religion, but 
chiefly to affect their hearts, renew their minds, and cause them 
to be close and consistent walkers with Jesus. Without this 
we only seem to be religious ; we deceive ourselves, and our 
religion is vain. We cannot stand approved in the sight of 
God, before men, nor to our own consciences. ( The wise 
man's eyes are in his head ; ' he looks around him and sees 
the evil of sin, the vanity of this present world, that its gay 
pleasures, alluring pastimes, bewitching diversions, are the 
gilded bait of the god of this world, whereby he ensnares un- 
wary fools to kill their precious time, and to blind and destroy 
their immortal souls. The wise man looks above him, he di- 
rects the eye of faith to his Saviour as his example ; to have 
his Spirit for his guide, to be kept by his power, to have his 
steps directed by his grace, that his word may be the rule of 
his life, and that his walk and conversation may please his 
Lord, and adorn his gospel. Without this constant circum- 
spection we betray the greatest folly, and make sad work for 
future grief and repentance. Lord keep us from this ! 

Time is the gift of God. It is too precious a jewel to be 
lavished away upon vanity. It is the wisdom of the wise to 
improve time to the noblest and best of purposes, in acquiring 
more knowledge of spiritual and eternal things. It is the fool- 
ishness of folly for God's wise virgins, at any time, so to debase 
themselves as to sacrifice their precious moments upon heathen- 
ish altars, devoted to vain delights and sinful pleasures. We 
dare not, we cannot comply with these things, consistently with 
faith in Jesus, love to God, and a good conscience. 

The days are evil, iniquity abounds, the love of many wax- 
eth cold, heresies prevail, the way of holiness is awfully neg- 
lected; but the Lord's arm is not shortened that he cannot 
save. He can keep us close to himself in the most perilous 
time. Constant watchfulness and earnest prayer are our 
daily duty. ' Let us consider one another, to provoke unto 
love and to good works • not forsaking the assembling of our- 
selves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhort one 
another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.' 
Heb x. 24, 25. 

From precious faith a precious strife Wherever faith does justify, 
Of precious virtues fiow, It purifies the heart ; 

A precious heart, a precious life, The pardon and the purity 
And precious duties too. Join hands, and never part. 



ANUARY B.J lfi [EVENING. 

Blessed is the man, unto whom the Lord imputeth not 
iniquity. Psalm xxxii. % 

When the Spirit bears witness to the believing heart, thou 
art this blessed man, what a heavenly transport of love, peace 
and joy abounds ! Every believer in Christ is this blessed 
man, though they do not ail enjoy the sense of this blessedness. 
The law may charge sin upon the conscience, Satan may bring 
many accusations, and the poor sinner may reckon many ini- 
quities against himself, and be ready to rate himself a cursed 
man, when the Lord imputes not a single iniquity to him, but 
pronounces him blessed. Sight often opposes truth ; sense 
prevails against faith ; hence the soul is in fear and distress. 
What can one do in such seasons ? Believe against sense, 
hope against hope. Oppose God's declarations to nature's 
feeling. Mind, it is not said, blessed is the man who hath no 
iniquity, but unto whom the Lord imputeth none. Well, but 
if I see, and know and feel, that I have iniquity, surely the 
Lord will impute it to me, and charge it to my account. What, 
after God hath charged sin to thy surety's account, reckoned 
with him for it, and received full satisfaction at his hands, will 
he charge it again to thee ? No, God is just. He knows he 
imputed to, and laid upon his Son, the iniquity of us all. Isai. 
liii. 6. God made Christ to be sin for us, that we might be 
righteous in him. 2 Cor. v. 21. ' In him ;' oh blessed state! 
We stand righteous in Christ, are blessed in Christ. No 
iniquity is imputed to us, but the Lord imputeth righteousness 
without our works. Rom. iv. 6. This is the blessedness of 
faith: every believer in Jesus is thus blessed. If the Lord 
impute no iniquity to him, who shall ? Who shall lay any 
thing to the charge of God's elect ? Oh believer, glory in thy 
blessedness, and give the Lord the glory of it. Nor sin, nor 
death, nor hell shall rob thee of it in time, nor to eternity. 
But if the Lord imputes no iniquity to thee, he hath also cre- 
ated a new spirit within thee ; a spirit without guile, that is, 
upright with the Lord Jesus, that trusts in him, and cleaves 
to him only. Look at St. Paul. See the uprightness of his 
soul : he was like a chaste virgin to Christ. Imitate him. 
Propose what you would to him, but Christ ; whether the 
pomps of the world, the pleasures of sin, the glory of self- 
righteousness, says he, away with it all, I renounce it all as 
dross and dung. God forbid that I should glory, save in the 
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yea, doubtless, I count all 
things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ 
Jesus my Lord. Phil. iii. 8. 

Though sin infects our ruined race, Thus are we blessed alone through faith 

And seals us under wrath ; Of Jesus crucified, 

Y«t God imputes through his rich grace, No sin will God impute, he saith, 

Christ's righteousness and death. To those for whom Christ died, 



JANUARY 7.J 17 L MORNJNG. 

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound ; they 
shall walk, oh Lord, in the light of thy countenance 
Psal. lxxxix. 15. 



The psalmist alludes to the jubilee-trumpet, which was 
sounded throughout the land on the great day of atonement 
This was an ordinance of the Lord. (Lev. xxv. 10.) It was a 
joyful sound of liberty to God's people. A true type and just 
emblem this, of the blowing the great trumpet, and the sound 
of the everlasting gospel, restoring life, liberty, and salvation, 
to perishing captive souls. Has the gospel thus proved the 
power of God to the salvation of our souls ? Surely then we 
must esteem it as the most joyful sound that ever saluted our 
ears. Joyful, that it is not clogged with any terms and con- 
ditions : joyful, that it is not, as some call it, a milder law, 
proposing mercy on easier performances than the legal yoke. 
No ; such notions are subversive of the very nature of the 
gospel ; they only humour self-confidence, and elate the pride 
of sinners. 

We are all naturally deceived by such human, anti-evange- 
lical systems. Hence we grow vain in our imaginations, and 
our foolish hearts are darkened to the freeness and glory of 
the gospel. But when the Sun of righteousness arises upor 
the heart, these mists of ignorance and error are scattered. 
Then we truly know the gospel to be nothing but good news, 
glad tidings, a joyful sound indeed ; a free declaration of what 
the infinitely blessed and eternally glorious Trinity have plan- 
ned, and what the adorable God-man hath effected, for the 
salvation of the lost and guilty. It is one joyful, consistent, 
harmonious sound of free grace, undeserved love, and un- 
merited mercy ; free from any jarring discords of wrath and 
terror. It proclaims not pardon to-day, and condemnation 
to-morrow to believers ; now peace with God, anon war against 
us; now happiness in the heaven of his love, by-and-by a hell 
of miseiy from his anger and hatred ; once justified by his 
grace, and after all left to perish to eternity in our sins. God's 
blessed people reject such debasing notions, knowing they are 
contrary to the truth, and destructive of the joy of the gospel, 
damp their love, deaden their affections to a God of love, cool 
their zeal for his glory and service, and stop their progress in 
true holiness. But by the love of the truth, they solace them- 
selves with the joyful sound, are enabled to walk in the light 
of God's countenance, in the comforts of his love, and in the 
joys of J esu's salvation. Such are blessed now in the know- 
ledge of God's truth ; they shall be blessed in the enjoyment 
of God's eternal glory. 

Oh blessed dav, oh happy hour ! Spirit divine, thine was the power, 

That brought this joyful sound, Which gave the hearing ear : 

Of pard'ning love through Christ's rich gvare, My heart, with love, in praises join, 
To heal my mortal woutfd. To thee, my Lord, most dear. 



D 



JANUARY 7.] 18 [EVENING. 

God hath sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit 
in our hearts. 2. Cor. i. 22. 



None but a sinner believing in Christ can say, God hath 
sealed me : but every believer in him may truly say so. This 
seemed very plain from a former meditation. l)o all believers 
alike enjoy the comfort of this sealing ? No : no more than 
amy one believer, alike, at all times, enjoys the comfort of it. 
It is a certain truth, that by faith we have peace with God, 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. v. 1. Though every 
believer is alike justified before God, and is at peace with God, 
yet every one has not the like sense of peace, nor any one at 
all times : so it is of this blessed privilege of sealing. But 
if it is not looked upon and believed, that it may be alike en- 
joyed in common by all believers, many will rest short of the 
comfort of it : and this indeed is the case. How few believers 
are crying, Lord give me the comfort of this sealing. In be- 
lieving we are sealed ; in believing we enjoy the comfort of 
it. But here is also another precious blessing of the Lord to 
his people, ' The earnest of his Spirit/ This also is the pri- 
vilege of all believers. Consider, what is an earnest ? It is 
a pledge given in covenants and bargains, as a part, to insure 
the whole. This is common in things of this life. So in 
salvation, God gives his Spirit as the earnest and pledge of 
our certain enjoyment of all the glory and blessedness of hea- 
ven. This is according to covenant love and promise, to sin- 
ners who believe in Christ. But how is the Spirit an earnest 
of this ? Mind, it is ' in our hearts.' He brings our hearts to 
believe in, and to be in love with Christ. Yea, he brings 
Christ into our hearts, and he dwells there by faith. He bears 
witness of Christ, and of salvation by him. He takes of the 
things of Christ, such as adoption by him, union to him, pardon 
of sin through his blood, justification in his righteousness, 
peace with God, and joy in God, through his mediation, and 
the hope of eternal life, through his intercession. He shows 
these unto us. Thus says Christ, ' he shall glorify me/ John 
xvi. 14. And thus he fills us with joy and peace in believing. 
He bears witness to our spirits, that we are the children of 
God, by faith in Christ Jesus, and that salvation is sure, in 
him, to us. Oh believers, see your inestimable privilege. Give 
the Lord the glory of it, and plead the comfort of it. This will 
endear the love of Father, Son, and Spirit, to your hearts ; 
cause you to look down with contempt on the world, to hate 
all sin, to love holiness, and to look up with longing delight 
and growing meetness for heaven and glory. And be assured, 
that as truly as God gave his Son to die for your sins, and 
hath given his Spirit as an earnest in your heart, eternal life 
also shall be yours, by his free Rift. Rom. vi. 23. 



JANUARY 8.] 19 [iWORNING 

Because thy loving kindness is better that life, my lips 
shall praise thee. Psalm lxiii. 3. 

Forsake all, and possess all ; give up all, and enjoy all. This 
is the doctrine of Jesus, and the experience of faith. So we 
overcome the world, by preferring the love of Christ to every 
thing besides. Most blessed enthusiasm ! Really tasting that 
the Lord is gracious, truly feeling the comforts of his love, 
actually partaking of fellowship with Jesus, communion of the 
Holy Spirit, freely conversing with the Father of all consola- 
tions — how transporting, how ravishing to the soul ! With what 
holy indifference does the enraptured heart look down upon the 
objects of sense. The gilded toys of time that so attract the 
views, the empty shadows of sense that so bewitch the heart ; 
yea, life itself with ail its comforts — what are all, compared to 
one moment's enjoyment of the lovingkindness of the Lord. In 
competition, as shadow to substance ; in worth, as the dust of 
the earth to the gold of Ophir. Sense is but short-lived fancy ; 
faith is reality and substance. It brings love, the kindness of 
love, yea, the God of lovingkindness himself into the sinner's 
heart. This changeth a fallen son of Adam into a glorious 
saint in Christ, a miserable sinner into a comfortable, holy, 
humble praiser of our covenant Lord. 

Thus it is when the soul hath found God in Christ, who is its 
life, its glory, its treasure, its heaven, its all. But this know- 
ledge consists not only in ecstasy of soul and rapturous sensa- 
tions, but faith is an habitual principle ; love is an active grace, 
hope has a purifying efficacy. Not only are the lips opened in 
praise, the tongue loosed to speak of the glory of Jesus, but the 
life, the practice, the conversation, will also be savoured with the 
grace of truth, as an evidence that we know his love, and have 
been with Jesus. So we prove that he has taught us wisdom, 
not to prefer heaven to earth in word only, but in conduct also. 
Therefore, having received all from him freely, in love by grace, 
we desire to do what he has commanded, to avoid what he has 
forbidden. The fruits of righteousness are by him, to the glory 
of God the Father; therefore we pray to be filled with them 
The works of the flesh, the works of darkness, we desire to mor- 
tify, and have no fellowship with, because contrary to love, 
and the enjoyment of it. ' We have known and believed the 
love that God hath to us. God is love ; and he that dwelleth 
in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.' 1 John iv. 16. 

Of all the joys we mortals know, Sweet are my thoughts, and soft my cares, 
Jesus, thy love exceeds the rest : When the celestial flame 1 feel : 

Love, the blest blessing here below, In all my thoughts, and all my fears, 

And nearest image of the blest. There's something kind and pleasing still. 



JANUARY 8.] 20 [EVENING 

Ye are sealed unto Ike day of redemption. Ephes. iv. 30. 



"Who are thus sealed? Every believer in Christ. This was 
shewed in the last meditation. This sealing here, and else- 
where, is spoken of as a thing done. Ye are, ye were, 
God hath sealed us. 2 Cor. i. 22. If all believers are not 
sealed, it is absurd to exhort them: ' grieve not the Spirit, 
whereby ye are sealed/ Know, believers, that this is your 
inestimable privilege. Rejoice in it, and give the Lord the 
glory of it. May the Spirit, the sealer, help us to make some 
improvement of it. (1) Are all believers sealed unto the day 
of redemption! ? Then is their state safe, and their salvation 
sure. c The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, 
the Lord knoweth them who are his.' 2 Tim. ii. 19. They 
shall be mine, saith the Lord, when I make up my jewels. 
Mai. iii. 17- It is horrid blasphemy to assert, that any soul 
may go to hell, whom the Spirit has sealed with the broad 
seal of heaven. (2) Are we thus sealed by the Spirit? Then 
let our souls adore his eternal power and godhead, and praise 
him for his work in us. What power, short of omnipotent, 
could open our blind eyes, quicken our dead souls, subdue our 
rebellious wills, and bring our proud, self-righteous hearts, to 
submit to the righteousness of Christ, and to receive him for 
our whole salvation ? Has the Spirit sealed us as the sons of 
God, and possessed our hearts with the peace of God, through 
faith in Christ ? (3) Beware that you do not grieve the Spirit. 
Do we bear the impress of the Spirit's seal? Shall we then do 
the devil's drudgery in our lives, with God's seal upon our 
hearts ? Oh ye sealed ones of God, be singular for God ; be 
exemplary in your lives before him. Consider whose image 
and superscription you bear, sink not below your dignity, shun 
vanity fair, avoid what gratifies the flesh, flee the scenes of 
folly, leave them to souls who know not the love of your Savi- 
our. Live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit. (4) Sealed 
believer, know that this sealing of the Spirit is the finish- 
ing grace of the covenant of love. Now you are \ complete 
in Christ/ Col. ii. 10. Your title is clear to the heavenly 
inheritance. Live by faith upon the comfort of it, reject all 
doubts and fears concerning it. Soon you shall possess it ; 
lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. vi. 12. 

May the blest Spirit in my heart, O may I never once forget 
Sweetly diffuse abroad What a poor worm 1 am : 

The love of God, th' incarnate Go<l, From death and hell rcdeem'd by blood, 
Who bought me with his blood. The blood «f God's dear Lamb. M 



JANUARY. 9.] 21 [MORNING 

Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise 
of the life that now is, and of that which is to come 
1 Tim. iv. 8. 



While under the law, we naturally think, for so much work, 
so much wages. God will be faithful to his word of promise, 
if we perform those terms and conditions he requires of us. 
Such are the notions of a legal spirit ; they are the result of 
pride, they swell with a vain conceit of doing something to 
make God a debtor to our works ; they are founded in igno- 
rance, both of ourselves, and of the word of God's rich grace 
and free promises ; not one of which is made, absolutely, in 
respect to us, or to any thing we either believe or do ; but only 
as we are in Christ Jesus, members of him, our blessed head. 
For ' all the promises of God are in Christ Jesus yea and 
amen, unto the glory of God/ 2 Cor. i. 20. 

Every believer in Christ is a holy, godly soul; he is ex- 
horted to be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus. He 
has all cause for daily comfort and joy. He is fully assured 
of his interest in that blessed catalogue of mercies : ' ministers, 
the world, life, death, things present, or things to come, all are 
yours.' Why? Wherefore has he property herein? ' Because 
ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's.' 1 Cor. iii. 22, 23. There- 
fore he shall want nothing; he shall enjoy every thing he can 
will or desire, as a godly person. True godliness is profitable 
to bring the will into cheerful acquiescence with the will of 
God, and to enable the soul to say, Thy will be done. All 
the blessings of providence, all the riches of grace, all the 
glories of eternity, are secured by Jehovah's promise to the 
godly in Christ Jesus. 

Through the faith of Jesus, godly souls are profitable to 
their fellow-sinners, and fellow-members in him. Their good 
conversation, their holy walk, the Lord owns and blesses, to 
win others to the knowledge and love of God, to a hatred of 
sin, to renounce the vanities of the world, and to quit the 
slavery of Satan. 

Oh christian, remember thy calling, be careful of thy walk, 
watchful over thy conduct ; see to it, lest Jesus be wounded 
in the house of his friends. Pray earnestly, and study daily 
that thy profiting in godliness may appear to all, to the glory of 
him who hath loved us r and washed us from our sins in his 
own blood. Are you ambitious ; are you covetous ; do you 
love gain; are you earnestly desirous to enjoy it? Hear, 
believe, and rejoice. ' Godliness with contentment is great 
gain?' ITim. vi.6. 

Oh my Lord, how strange the grace Now the promise is enjoyed, 

Which nnarodly godly makes ! Hope of greater is employed : 

1 have fonnd thisjnalter true, Ail is mine by gift of grace ; 

All the glory is thy dne. Make me long to see thy face. M. 



JANUARY 9.] 22 ^EVENING 

L.ord remember me, when thou earnest into thy kingdom 
Luke xxiii. 42. 



When Joseph had interpreted the chief butler's dream, how 
pathetically does he plead with him. i Think of me, when it 
shall be we'll with thee/ But alas, such is the base ingratitude 
of man, that all was in vain. When restored to his dignity at 
court, he thought no more of poor Joseph in prison. Exalted 
stations elevate the mind above feeling for the distressed. But 
it is not so with the King of kings ; he is ever the friend of 
poor sinners, and remembers us in our low estate. Behold, 
for us he now hangs on the accursed tree, between two cursed 
sinners. One was taken, and the other left. See your own 
state in both. Behold the marvelous power of the Lord's 
sovereign grace in one. (1) Here is a reviler of Jesus changed 
into a petitioner to him. There was no alteration in any 
outward circumstances, all things continued just the same. 
Christ hung, to all appearance, as a mere man dying at his 
side. What then caused the change in him ? Oh hide your 
heads, and blush at your proud notions of free will ; fall down 
and adore distinguishing grace. One malefactor is left to his 
free will, and expires blaspheming Jesus : the other dies be- 
jdeving in him, and praying to him. He was snatched by grace 
from the gates of death and hell, as a brand which our Saviour 
would not suffer to be burned. Now do you see your nature 
as wicked, and your state equally as desperate as that of the 
malefactor. Then you will be humbled. Do you see that 
nothing but the same grace of Christ can save you ? Then you 
will exalt the free grace of Christ. (2) See the effects of it. 
He owns the justness of his sentence, reproves his free will 
brother, and proclaims the innocence of Christ. Oh fall down, 
and own that the sentence of the law, which curses you for sin, 
is just. Repel the pride and self-righteousness of your heart, 
exalt the love and grace of our Saviour. (3) Hear his prayer. 
Lord, though thou diest as an ignominious man, yet thou art 
the Lord of life and glory. ' Remember me/ There is no 
Saviour but thee, no salvation but by thee. I am a hopeless, 
helpless sinner; unless thou save me, I must be lost eternally. 
Thou art a King, thou hast a kingdom ; oh bring my soul into 
it. Now have you just the same plea this thief had? Have 
you no other, do you desire no better ; do you expect salvation 
from the same Saviour, on the very same terms? Then you are 
taught by the same Spirit, have the same faith, and shall soon 
be in glory with the same Lord, who is rich in mercy unto all 
who call upon him. Rom. x. 12. 



JANUARY 10.] 23 [MORNING. 

To the praise of the glory of Ids grace, wherein he hath 
made us accepted in the Beloved, Ephes. i. 6. 

When Jacob was about to meet his offended brother Esau, 
he was greatly afraid and distressed. He sends a present to 
appease his wrath, before he durst venture into his presence 
' Peratlventure he will accept of me/ says he. Gen. xxxii. 20. 
Now his hope was not founded on the affection of his brother, 
but upon the favour which his present should procure. He 
was not influenced by love, but fear and terror ; hence his ex- 
pectation arose only to a peradventure. So it is natural for 
sinners to conceive of and act towards an offended God. 
Instead of believing his gospel of free grace, and confiding in 
his messages of rich mercy in Christ, we are prone to think of 
sending presents, of doing something to pacify God's wrath, 
and conciliate his love to us. Some terms of accommodation, 
some conditions of peace, we naturally think, and we hear 
many contend for, must be fulfilled by us. This notion keeps 
the soul always in suspense. It may flatter it with a perad- 
venture, God will accept me ; but there is not the least ground 
for hope of acceptance upon such a human system. It springs 
from the corrupt reasonings of man, is founded in the pride 
of nature, which ever rejects the faith of the gospel. 

Happy for us, to ' hear what God the Lord will speak : for 
he will speak peace to his people, and to his saints.' Psal. 
lxxxv. 8. Not because of their prayers, tears, repentance, 
faith or obedience : but for an infinitely higher cause than all 
these, even because he loved them, and hath made them ac- 
cepted in the Beloved. Here are no legal ifs and peradven- 
tures ; but the certainty and assurance of free love and unme- 
rited favour. This is the most blessed, stedfast anchor-hold 
of faith. Its language is not, What shall I do to be accepted ; 
but how shall I please my God, who hath made me accepted 
in the Beloved. In this way only, God secures all the praise 
and glory of his own grace to himself. The belief of this ex- 
pands the heart with love, fires the soul with gratitude, excites 
to praise, and influences to all true holiness. Hell may terrify 
with horror, the law work wrath in the conscience, a sight of 
sin cause us to tremble before God ; but grace, the free unme- 
rited favour of God in Christ Jesus, that alone changes rebels 
to saints, subdues sin, mortifies lusts, triumphs over all the 
curse and ruin of the fail, and raises its happy subjects to the 
exalted heights of salvation and glory. Happy those who 
know and believe, that grace reigns through the righteousness 
of Christ unto eternal life, Rom. v. 21. 

Content to be in Jesu's debt for all, Freed froiulaw-debt, and blest with gospel ease 

At sov'reign grace's feet we prostrate fall ; Our work is now our dearest Lord (o please ; 

All glory to the Lord that grace is free, Hy living on him, as our ample stock, 

Else never would it light on guilty me- And leaning on him as our potent rock. 



_ 



JANUARY 10.} 21 [EVENING. 

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God : every Spirit that 
confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is of God 
1 John iv. 2. 



You study too much, it will kill you, says one and anothei. 
What, the study of Christ, who is the life, health, and joy of the 
soul, kill one? Precious death, to die in such sweet exercise. 
It is only to fall asleep in J esus, and awake with him in glory. 
I am sure, through grace this delightful study will kill the 
life of sense, the power of sin, and the delusions of Satan. 
Christ help us to study him more and more ! The apostle here 
warns us against false spirits, which are not of God. He bids 
us believe not every spirit, but try them ; for many false pro- 
phets are gone out under a spirit of delusion. We are in dan- 
ger of being deceived by them. Here is a fixed rule to know 
whether they are of God or not. (1) l Know ye the Spirit of 
God.' Many pretend to have received him, to preach by his 
inspiration, to glory in ecstasies of comfort, and revelations 
from the Spirit. Look at them with a godly jealousy, be not 
hastily carried away by them. Do not condemn your own 
state because you feel yourself a burdened sinner, groan under 
your burden ; and though from day to day you are looking 
unto Jesus, yet have not those ecstasies and transports which 
they pretend to. (2) Know the Spirit of God hereby : 
1 every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the 
flesh is of God/ This is the true testimony of the Spirit of God, 
keep your eye steadily on this. What is implied in this? That 
God and man in one Christ is come to save us. The end of 
his so coming was ' to finish transgression, to make an end 
of sin, to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in 
everlasting righteousness/ Dan. ix 24. Christ hath perfectly 
and everlastingly done all this for our souls. Therefore, if the 
whole of this is not confessed, if any part of it is denied, then 
the vision and prophecy is not allowed to be sealed up and 
finished. And if comforts and joys arise not from the firm 
belief of Christ's finished work for us, but from what we have 
done, or can do towards our own salvation, this is not of the 
Spirit of God, but another spirit, the spirit of pride, of delusion, 
and of antichrist. For it is against confessing that Christ is 
the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the all in all of a 
sinner's salvation. Beware of that spirit which bears witness 
of any thing in you, for righteousness to justify you before 
God, or as the ground of your acceptance in his sight. Away 
with it all as filth and dung, reject both the spirit and his testi- 
mony. Know ye, the Spirit of God beareth witness, because 
the Spirit is truth. 1 John v. (i 



JANUARY 11.] 25 L M °RNING. 

Jesus said, ye knoiv not what ye ask. Mark x. 38. 



Strange ! What, James and John, two disciples of a despised 
and rejected Master, who had not where to lay his head, yet 
dreaming of earthly pomp and worldly grandeur, and petition- 
ing for the highest, pitch of worldly glory ? Yes, nothing less 
than the right hand of pre-eminence, and the left hand of 
power, would suit them Human nature, how earthly, carnal, 
and selfish ! How low are we fallen, yet how lofty in pride ! 
What are the best of men, when left to their own spirits ? 
Truly, we know not what to pray for as we ought. Jesus, 
Master, instruct us what to do. Teach us what to pray for. 
Let thy word, ' my kingdom is not of this world, ' be ever 
uppermost in our minds. 

Poor Baruch could not be honoured of God, and commis- 
sioned to read the roll to the princes of Judah, but he thinks, 
now I am somebody. I have got in the way to earthly 
honour and preferment. But his brother, Jeremiah, is sent to 
him, with this question and reproof, ' Seekest thou great things 
for thyself? Seek them not.' ( Jer. xlv. 5.) How many dis- 
tresses w T ere brought upon the children of Israel by the mixed 
multitude that went with them. So the swarms of corrupt lusts, 
earthly affections, and carnal desires which are found with us, 
are ever opposing the glory of Jesus, and exciting us to seek 
that happiness in nature and sense, which can only be found 
in the spiritual reign of Jesus in the heart. 

But so kind and gracious is our dear Saviour, that he 
crosses our wills and denies our request, when contrary to our 
spiritual interest. Thus in love he answers our prayers : he 
withholds what we ask, and gives what he knows is best for us. 
If disciples ask what is unfit to receive or unlawful to be<>-, 
shall we complain of God's love if he denies ? Granting is not 
always the effect of love. If so, Paul had been less loved than 
Satan. Satan asked but once concerning Job, and his request 
was granted. Paul besought the Lord thrice, that the messen- 
ger of Satan might depart, yet was denied in that. Yea, blessed 
Jesus thrice prayed his Father that the cup might pass from 
him ; but that could not be. The Lord delights in the pros- 
perity of his people ; therefore withholds no good thing from 
them. Not our judgment, but his wisdom must determine this. 
We pray to be in the height of comfort, and on the pinnae' e of 
joy. But love answers by keeping us in the safe vale of humi- 
lity and self-abasement. Lord, what prOud, aspiring creatures 
are we ! Enable us to obey thee, and humble us under the 
mighty hand of God. 1 Pet. v. 6. 

I'm heard, when answer'd soon or late, Peace then, mv soul, for Christ knows best, 

And heard, when I no answer get : Either to give or to withhold ; 

Yea, kindly answered when refused, On him still wait, on his word rest, 

By Jesus loved when harshly used. Against thy fears he firm and hold M 



JANUARY 11.] 2() [EVENING. 

If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of 
his. Rom. viii. 9. 



This is one of the most awful truths in the bible. He who 
hath not the Spirit of Christ, doth not know Christ, will not 
believe on him, cannot love him. Then that dreadful sentence 
stands out against him ; living and dying so, it will certainly 
fall upon him. ' If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, 
let him. be anathema, maranatha;' that is, under the most 
dreadful curse, till the Lord cometh to execute the severest 
vengeance. 1 Cor. xvi. 22. Jesus, Master, save us from this. 
Holy Spirit, rather let us be destitute of every blessing, than 
want love to Christ. Oh shed a Saviour's love abroad in our 
hearts, and that shall kindle ours. What is it to have the 
Spirit of Christ? How may we know that we have the Spirit of 
Christ? Consider the appellation here given, ' the Spirit of 
Christ.' This will greatly help us to solve these questions. 
You may perceive the spirit a man is of, by his temper and 
conduct. The men of this world have the spirit of the world, 
their walk and conduct show it. They set their affections on, 
seek all their happiness in, and expect all their comfort from 
the riches, honours and pleasures of this world. So it is with 
us all by nature. We have not the Spirit of Christ. But when 
the fulness of time comes, according to his covenant engage- 
ments with God the Father, and God the Son, God the Spirit 
is pleased to visit our souls. Then he opens our eyes, to see 
both our own sin and misery, and to behold the righteousness 
and happiness there is in Christ. He enables us to believe in 
Christ, to savour the things of Christ, and to cry out, none but 
Christ, none but Christ be my portion, in time and to eternity. 
Have we a sigh in our hearts after Christ, to be our wisdom, 
righteousness, sanctification, and redemption? This is of the 
Spirit of Christ. Do we groan under a body of sin and death, 
and cry out, oh wretched that we are, who shall deliver us ? Do 
we thank God for Jesus Christ, as the only Saviour, justiher 
and deliverer ? We have the Spirit of Christ. Can we come 
to a throne of grace, seeing ourselves miserable sinners, yet 
believing the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin, and 
the righteousness of Christ justifies from all condemnation, and 
therefore cry, God be merciful to me a sinner — Jesus save me 
or I perish ? This is from the faith of Christ, this is the prayer 
of faith, the Spirit of Christ has inspired it. Do we delight 
to hear of Christ, to have fellowship with him, to live upon him, 
to walk with him, and to have the poAver of his grace subdue 
the power of sin in our hearts, lips and lives? Verily we 
have the Spirit of Christ. The Spirit lusteth against the 
flesh, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Gal 
v. 17. 



JANUARY. 12.] 27 L M0RN1 ^ G ' 

The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my 
feet like hind's J eel, and he will make me to walk upon 
mine high places. Hab. iii. 19. 

* The righteous are as bold as a lion.' The words of wisdom 
are not like the pithy sayings of the heathen, which merely 
describe states and things to which men never arrive nor 
enjoy ; but they assure us, such and such has been, and still 
is the knowledge and experience of God's saints. So children 
of wisdom are taught their privileges, and their souls are 
drawn out in prayer and diligence, that they may also partake 
of the fulness of the blessings described. Whence is the bold- 
ness and courage of the righteous derived? See the young 
stripling David, how boldly he advances to the mighty giant 
Goliah, with an insignificant weapon in his hand, yet assured 
of success. For the faith of Omnipotence was in his heart, 
and these soul-encouraging words in his mouth : ' I come to 
thee in the name of the Lord of hosts.' 1 Sam. xvii. 45. 

Faith receives all its courage and strength from its author 
Jesus. It. is armed with Omnipotence; therefore he saith, 
' all things are possible to him who believeth.' So Paul, ' I 
can do all things/ Why? Because he was a great apostle? 
No : prophets and apostles are all of one mind, even with the 
weakest believer : ' It is Christ who strengthens me. ' ' The Lord 
God is my strength. ' Are our hearts weak and low, ready to 
sink and faint ; are our graces upon the decline ; are our ene- 
mies strong, and our troubles increased ? To whom should we 
fly, but to our almighty Lord and Saviour. For this very end 
he makes his people's e feet like hinds feet ;' swift to run from 
danger, and to fly to him for safety ; also ' to run the way of 
his commandments with great delight.' 

Such happy souls shall also walk with composure and com- 
fort upon the high places of safety and security, above the 
reach of their implacable foes. Oh those are sweet seasons, 
when we mount up with wings as eagles ; soar aloft in the 
exercise of faith, dwell high in the contemplation of love, con- 
verse much with Jesus in glory, though on earth in the body. 
How safe are the people of God : how joyful should they be 
in faith, how confident in hope, how fervent in love! ' For 
they shall dwell on high, their defence shall be the munition 
of rocks; their bread , shall be given them, and their waters 
shall be sure. ' Isai. xxxiii. 16. 

Salvation is for ever nigh And grace descending from on liigb, 

The souls that fear and trust the Lord, Fresh truth and glory shall afford. 



JANUARY 12.] 28 [EVENING. 

Jesus said, my mother and my brethren are those who 
hear the word of God and do it. Luke viii. 21 

Looking at things which are not seen keeps the soul from 
fainting, and invigorates it to every holy duty. Do I believe 
Christ now thinks of me, and is this moment pleading my 
cause in heaven ? How then can I live unholy, and .walk 
uncomfortable on earth ? True, if 1 did but know that Christ 
loved me. How do you expect to know it? Do you believe he 
loved his mother and his brethren after the flesh ? It cannot be 
doubted. See then how near and dear to Christ, in a spiritual 
sense, are all who hear the word of God and do it. They bear 
Christ in their hearts, as truly as his virgin mother carried him 
in her womb. They are as verily allied to him by faith, are 
his brethren in spirit, as others were by blood. (1) To hear 
the word of God implies such an understanding of it, faith in 
it, hope from it, and love to it, as to cause our souls to delight 
in God the speaker, and our affections to cleave unto him. 
(2) Paul speaks of tasting the good word of God. Heb. vi. 5. 
There is a precious savour in the word : to hear it is to have a 
spiritual relish for it. Just as food is savoury to the palate, 
so is the word of God to the soul. (3) The word testifies of the 
word : the letter of the word, of the spirit of the word : the 
written word, of the essential word, even the Lord Jesus. God 
speaks in the word of Christ, by Christ, and of himself in 
Christ. Therefore to hear the word of God, is to receive Christ 
into the heart by faith ; to know the Father's love in him, and 
to expect full and final salvation by him. (4) There is a still 
and small voice, in which our Beloved speaks internally, the 
words of his gospel. He says, ( My sheep hear my voice/ We 
know the voice of our Shepherd. It is the delight of our souls 
to hear him. Is this all ? Do we only hear ? Are the brethren 
and sisters of Christ all ear only ? No, blessed be God, we are 
born again by the word of God. 1 Pet. i. 23. Therefore we 
not only hear the word, but do it. What is implied in this ? 
That God's precepts are regarded by us, as weil as his promises 
to us. The one, being fulfilled in us, causes the other to be 
dear to us. In one word, where there is a heart to hear the 
word of God, there is a desire to do the will of God. These 
are inseparable. Let us not deceive ourselves. i This is his 
commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son 
Jesus Christ, and love one another. 1 John iii. 23. In believ- 
ing Ave have everlasting life John vi. 40. In loving we enjoy 
the comforts of it. 2 Cor. vi. 6. In doing the will of God, we 
evidence that we are born of God. 1 John ii. 17. Oh may 
the word of Christ dwell id us richly, in all wisdom. Col. 
iii. 16. 



JANUARY 13.] 29 [MORNINC/. 

I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because 1 have 
sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute 
judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, 
and 1 shall behold his righteousness. Micah vii. 9. 



Sin, though atoned for by the blood of Jesus, and through 
the faith of this the soul be made holy and happy, yet it still 
dwells in us. Hence all our griefs, our sufferings, our wretch- 
edness. God's judgments are sometimes secret, always just, 
ever in love to his own. Misery would never afflict us, if sin 
did not infect as. A good instrument may be out of tune ; the 
hand of a skilful musician is necessary to set it, and display its 
harmony and sound. God disciplines by afflictions for our profit 
and his glory. The faith, patience, and valour of God's soldiers 
are best known in times of exercise : then how animating to 
view the love, and trust to the faithfulness of a covenant God. 
To see a father's love to the soul in the rod of his displeasure 
against sin, how supporting ! I will bear the chastisements of 
my Father — my sins deserve them. Yea, wrath and hell are 
my desert. My mouth is stopped — I have nothing to plead—- 
guilt silences me. 

But see, hear, and rejoice, oh soul. The church beholds a 
blessed person. Who is that he she thinks upon and men- 
tions ? f Until he plead my cause/ Oh it is the dear advocate 
Jesus, the ever precious pleader for poor sinners. How reviving 
are the sacred pages : they ever testify of the blessed name, 
and soul-comforting work of Jesus ! He never intermits in his 
plea for the life of the soul : he prevails over the desert of sin 
by his atonement and prayers. Shortly he will speak destruc- 
tion to all sin by the word of his power. 

In the meantime he sends his Spirit the Comforter, the third 
person in the glorious Trinity. ' He will bring me forth to the 
light. ' Here see Old Testament faith in New Testament love. 
It is the Spirit's office to bring souls out of the dark dungeon 
of nature's sorrows, to see Jesus the light of life. ' I shall 
behold his righteousness.' Then it is a day of comfort after a 
night of distress. Is the righteousness of Jesus mine ; am I 
righteous by that in the sight of God ? Then truly it is in 
righteousness that God deals with me, and will save me. This 
faith humbles the soul to the dust, strips it of proud murmurings 
and self-righteous pleas, and inspires it with boldness at a 
throne of grace. This is the confident plea of faith ; ( for thy 
righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble : destroy all 
them that afflict my soul, for I am thy servant.' Psal. cxliii- 
11,12. 



JANUARY 13.] 30 [EVENING. 

When she was come to Solomon, she communed with 
him, of all that was in her heart. 1 Kings x. 2. 

Behold a rare instance of sovereign grace. A king and 
queen met, to talk of the things of God. Human pomp and 
worldly grandeur, do not always shut the heart against the 
grace of God. Though ' not many wise men after the* flesh, 
not many mighty, not many noble are called ; ' yet it pleases 
our Saviour to call some. He chooses one and another of the 
wise, mighty and noble, to bow to his grace, honour his name, 
and shine as distinguished lights in the world. But in general, 
the gospel runs most, and thrives best among the poor. 
( Hearken, my beloved, hath not God chosen the poor of this 
world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom ? ' James ii. 5. 
Here is a visit paid by a happy queen, to a wise king. They 
were both wise and happy, for they were wise unto salvation. 
(1) See the cause of her visit. She heard of Solomon's fame 
concerning ' the name of the Lord/ This is the most noble of 
all fame. Most blessed, when that is the first and chief spring 
of all our concerns. But, behold a greater than Solomon is 
here. The fame of King Jesus is proclaimed all through the 
scriptures. i In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and 
knowledge/ Col. ii. 3. Yet how few of rich and poor seek 
unto him ? Awful ! This royal queen, our Lord declares, shall 
rise up in judgment with, and condemn all such. Matt. xii. 42. 
Most happy those who seek unto Jesus. (2) See the end of 
her visit, ' to prove him with hard questions. ' Most probable 
with intricate cases of conscience, which concerned the peace 
of her soul. Most happy to have free access to Jesus, to pour 
out our hearts before him, and to tell him of our doubts and 
sorrows. Not more free and open was Solomon's heart to hear 
and answer her hard questions, than the friend of sinners is to 
all who come unto him. (3) She communed with him of ' all 
that was in her heart.' Oh it is well with, and well for us, to 
lay all open before our Lord, and to keep back no temptation, 
however vile, beastly and devilish. He knows what is in us. 
He likes we should confess it to him. (4) The effect of this 
visit was joy and rapture. ' There was no more spirit in her.' 
She was wrapt in ecstasy. She cries, ' One half was' not told 
me: it exceeds the fame which I heard/ One sight of Jesus 
by faith, one whisper from his loving hear , will cause this. 
Let us more and more meditate upon the fame of Christ, and 
prove it from hour to hour in looking to him, seeking him, 
calling on him, and living upon him, till we reign with him 
in heaven. Then in the highest ecstasy we shall say, not 
one half of thy glory, oh Jesus, has been told n* 



JANUARY 14.] 31 [MORNING. 

Love as brethren. 1 Pet. iii. 8. 



Love without reason is a rnad passion. Profession without 
love, is but ' a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal ; ' unmean- 
ing noise to others, unprofitable to him that makes it. Love 
is of God. It is that precious ointment that is poured forth 
from the Father of love upon the head of our spiritual Aaron, 
and runs down to the skirts of his garment, even upon all his 
brethren, the children of love. Love descends from God, 
through Jesus, to us, spreads itself among the brethren, and 
ascends in grateful odours to the God of love. 

The prophet asks, l Have we not all one Father?' Yes, 
saith our elder brother, e I ascend unto my Father, and your 
Father.' John xx. 17. Hence the holy Spirit draws the image 
of Jesus, ' the first-born among many brethren,' upon each of 
their souls ; and possesses them Avith the faith of Jesus. And 
whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God ; 
and every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that 
is begotten of him. 1 John v. 1. Faith in Jesus is the band 
and cement of brotherly love. Are we the brethren of Jesus, 
beloved and chosen by one Father, born again of the same 
Spirit, partakers of the same grace, heirs of the same promises, 
travellers to the same kingdom ; and shall we not love each 
other ? Alas, alas, we mourn for the loss of property or health ; 
but what greater cause is there to lament the loss of love 
amongst God's dear children, Jesu's beloved brethren! 

We are all like Simeon and Levi, brethren in iniquity : and 
as with them, so anger and self-will is also found with us. 
Both are the effect of pride, and are contrary to faith and love. 
The question is not, are we perfectly freed from every passion 
and temper contrary to love? Nor are we to expect this from 
our brethren. God loves us not as sinless, but as he views 
us in Christ Jesus. Do we really love the children of God 
as such — love the members of Jesus purely for his sake? 
Instead of indulging, do we curb and resist, watch and pray 
against our tempers, which are contrary to love ? This is a 
blessed evidence that the root of love is in us. Let us be impor- 
tunate with Jesus, that the fruits may abound more and more 
to the glory of God, whom we love, ' because he first loved 
us.' 

Love lays her own advantage by Love is the grace that keeps her pow'r 

To seek her neighbour's good : In all the realms above ; 

So God's own Son came down to die, Thrve faith and hope are known no more, 

And bought our lives with blood. But saints for ever love. 



JANUARY 14.] 32 [EVENING 

The kingdom of God suffer eth violence, and the violent 
take it by force. Matt. xi. 12. 



We say, hunger will break through stone walls. Desperate 
circumstances make men violent. Thus it is with a convinced 
sinner. He sees himself in the city of destruction ; and Moses 
has set his house on fire about his ears, as Bunyan says in his 
Pilgrim's Progress. Now, he cannot think of God, sin, death, 
judgment, heaven and hell, with an air of indifference. No, he 
is awake. He sees the importance of them. His soul is alive ; 
he feels the weight of them. He finds sin has destroyed him : 
the law terrifies him. Death stares him in the face : judgment 
alarms him. He trembles to see hell moved from beneath to 
receive him. Now his fancied good works, his morality stand 
him in no stead. He hungers after righteousness. His appre- 
hensions of wrath make him violent. His hunger is keen : he 
besieges the kingdom of God with eager prayer. He forces 
his way through every opposition : he breaks through every 
wall of obstruction, with, oh give me Christ, or I perish. Give 
me his blood to pardon me, his righteousness to justify me, or 
I am lost for ever. This is fleeing for refuge. This is like one 
escaping for his life, from dreadful flames and devouring fire. 
This is being violent : such take the kingdom of God by force. 
Though, by grace, we are brought into the kingdom of God, 
and enjoy pardon of sin and peace with God, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ ; yet the Lord forbid that we should so lose our 
conviction of divine truth, as to have done with holy force and 
violence. Soldiers of Christ, to arms. What ! think of laying 
down your arms, and folding your hands to sleep, on an enemy's 
ground, when all around are up in arms against you ? Come, 
come, there is enough yet before you to alarm you, and to call 
up your violence. Sin is within you. Satan is plotting against 
you. The world would ensnare you. Death and judgment 
approach you. ' The day of the Lord will come, as a thief in 
the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great 
noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the 
earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burnt up.' 
Dream not over dry doctrines and empty speculations, so as to 
be proof against the force of these solemn events, and to lose 
your holy violence. For seeing that all these things shall 
come to pass, what manner of persons ought we to be in all 
holy conversation, looking for the coming of the day of the 
Lord. 2 Pet. iii. 11, 12. 

Let us ask the important question, Vain is all our best dsvotion, 
(Brethren be not too secure) If on false foundatinns built : 

What it is to be a Christian ; True religion's more than notion, 
How we may our hearts assure ? Something must be known and felt. 



JANUARY 15.] 33 [MORNING. 

Mine iniquities are gone over my head; as a heavy burden 
they are too heavy j or me. Psal xxxviii. 4. 

Those who think lightly of sin, and account iniquity a tri 
fling thing, evidently show that the god of this world hath 
blinded their eyes to the infinite atonement of Jesus, and har- 
dened their hearts through the deceitfulness of sin ; therefore 
they are insensible of grief, and without feeling of godly 
sorrow for sin. When Jesus is known in the heart, sin is truly 
abhorred, forsaken, and overcome. But it is most distressing 
to the regenerate soul when the load of guilt and the burden 
of sin are suffered to lie, day after day, upon the conscience. 
Oh the insupportable agony of such a state, none know but 
those who have experienced it ! One would ask, is not this 
contradictory to that comforting assertion, ' There is now no 
condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus ?' Inconsistent 
with that triumphant challenge, ' Who shall lay any thing to 
the charge of God's elect V No ; for though charge and con- 
demnation may be brought by Satan, the accuser of the bre- 
thren ; the law may condemn, and our own spirits must confess 
we are sinners ; yet our covenant God hath no condemnation 
against us. For he hath laid all our iniquities upon Jesus ; 
and this is the free and full charter of his covenant concerning 
his children : ' Their sins and their iniquities will I remember 
no more.' 

Jesus is the only balm in Gilead, the only physician for sin- 
distressed, sore burdened, heavy laden souls. We may seek 
rest, but all in vain, from any other object. Nothing can quiet 
and relieve the distressed soul but this one truth, Jesus hath 
actually borne, hath fully suffered, hath perfectly atoned for 
all the sins of his people ; so that the Lord has discharged all 
their sins, and will remember no sin, no not one sin against 
them. Oh when one beholds this general release, every debt 
crossed by Jesu's blood, and God acquitting from every 
accusation from law and conscience, then our souls return 
to their rest. This is the faith of God's elect. So the Spirit 
bears witness to Jesus. So he is glorified and delighted in, 
as ' the chiefest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely.' 
And while our hearts are kept simple, loving, faithful to 
him, we live upon his grace, and feast upon his love ; and 
holy longings inspire our hearts, that we may fully enjoy 
him in glory. Oh then, 

Sin, iny worst enemy before Then shall I see, and hear, and know 

Shall rex my eyes and ears no more All 1 desired and wished below ; 

My inward foes shall all be slain, A.nd every power find sweet employ 

Nor Satan break my peace again. In that eternal world of joy. 



'ANUARY 15.] 34 [EVENING. 

Who remembered us in our low estate, for his mercy 
endureth for ever. Psal. cxxxvi, 23. 

Oh soul, never, never forget these two things, thy Lord's 
Memory, and Mercy. The one was towards thee from eter- 
nity, the other endures for ever. What hast thou to do in this 
little spot of time but to love, serve and delight in thy ever 
mindful, ever merciful Lord ? (1) Consider thy low estate : 
never lose sight of it. Never forget it, lest thou grow vain in 
thy imaginations, and unmindful of thy Lord's love. At hell's 
dark door we lay. Lower we could not be, unless shut up in 
the bottomless pit. Most awful state! Oh tremble at the 
thought : dead in sin. A child of wrath by nature : under the 
curse of the law, and the power of the devil. Blind to our 
danger, insensible of our destruction. Not a desire to escape 
damnation. Nay, we sported ourselves with our own deceiv- 
ings. Yet, (2) He remembered us. Who ? Jehovah, Father, 
Son, and Spirit. The Father loved us from eternity, before we 
fell : he remembered and pitied us when fallen. The Son 
stood up for us in eternity, and engaged to redeem us from our 
low estate. The Spirit, with equal love, seeing we could never 
rise, nor come out of the horrible pit into which we were fallen, 
undertook to quicken our dead souls, to come to Jesus for all 
the blessings of salvation. What love and remembrance is 
here ! Study it, oh my soul, all thy days. A whole eternity 
will be swallowed up in wonder, love and praise. (3) Mercy 
is the effect of his loving remembrance. Why does God delight 
in mercy ? Because God is love. Never look at your mercies, 
but remember they all flow from God's love. Consider that 
precious word, ' God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love 
wherewith he loved us.' Great love is the cause of rich mercy. 
See when it abounded to us, and the effects of it ; ' even when 
we were dead in sins, he quickened us together with Christ ; by 
grace ye are saved.' Ephes. ii. 4, 5. Therefore, (4) ' His 
mercy endureth for ever. ' Some talk of the mercy of God, 
without scriptural views of his love. Hence they make mercy 
to endure but for a few days or years to poor sinners, then 
it comes to an end, and the once objects of mercy, become the 
subjects of God's curse and damnation. So they give the lie 
to the Spirit of truth. But his mercy endureth for ever, because 
the love of Father, Son and Spirit, changes not. (5) Study to 
improve thy Lord's memory of thee, and his mercy to thee. 
Did he remember thy person in love, in thy low estate ; and 
will he remember thy sfris no more? Heb. viii. 12. Then in 
thy lowest state of dejection remember him. Look to him, and 
call upon him, that thou may est walk worthy of the Lord. 
Col, i. 10. 



JANUARY 16.] 35 [MORNING. 

Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree 
of the garden? Geo. iii. 1. 

It is a grand masterpiece of that wisdom which is earthly, 
sensual, devilish, to call in question the truth of God's word ; 
to insinuate a doubt about it. But here appears more modesty 
even in Satan, than in some of his servants ; for he only puts 
a query upon it, whereas they absolutely deny and ridicule the 
truths of Jehovah. In the same way that the old serpent 
attacked and prevailed against the innocence of our first 
parents, he still attempts to destroy the comforts and oppose 
the holiness of God's children, by artful suggestions against 
the truth of God's word. If he can but raise a doubt in our 
minds concerning what the Lord hath spoken, he strikes at the 
very foundation of our faith, hope, love, and obedience. As 
he abode not in the truth, he is a restless implacable enemy to 
the truth, and to every soul who embraces the truth as it is in 
Jesus. 

Really, one finds Satan like a laborious domestic chaplain, 
preaching in season, and out of season, in one's ears : ' Hath the 
Lord spoken this ; hath he forbidden that ; how can this doc- 
trine be true ? It is so contrary to reason, so inconsistent with 
the nature of things. You a child of God ; you a believer in 
Jesus ; your sins atoned for by Jesus ; your soul clothed with 
his righteousness and sanctified by his Spirit? Is not everlast- 
ing love mere imagination; electing grace, the creature of 
fancy ; the safety and perseverance of the saints of Jesus, the 
whim of a heated brain? Is Jesus the essentially true God? 
Hath the Lord spoken so much against sin ; doth he require 
so much strictness and holiness of life as is contrary to the 
rest of the world, and exposes to their hatred and contempt ? 
Hath God said so and so?' 

Thus with art and sophistry, he insinuates and puts on the 
air of a candid disputant for truth. What did Eve get by 
listening to him, and conversing with him ? Rather, what did 
she not lose ; even the life, the love, the joy, the peace of her 
soul. It is our wisdom not to parley with or study to answer 
Satan's suggestions, but instantly to £ resist him stedfast in 
the faith ; ' taking the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, 
wherein is contained the truth, the whole truth, and nothing 
but the truth. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 
being able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which 
> in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim.. iii. 16. 

See how the prince of darkness tries Oh thou my sun, and thou my shield, 
All his malicious arts ; My soul in safety keep ; 

He spreads a mist around my eyes, Make haste, before mine eyes are scal'd 
And throws his fiery darts. In denlh's eternal sleep. 



JANUARY 16.] 36 [EVENING. 

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it 
is written^ I believed, therefore have I spoken ; we also 
believe, and ti ere/ore speak. 2 Cor. iv. 13. 

We should gr« atly admire these phrases, * according as it is 
written — according to the scriptures.' If our faith is not 
founded upon an 1 agreeable to these, it is only a fancied delu- 
sion. 'The sani i spirit of faith.' With whom? Paul ever 
has his eye upon Christ. He refers to Psalm cxvi., where 
Christ speaks by \ 'ie mouth of David. But what need had 
Christ of faith? ^ ever forget that he was perfect Man, like 
unto us : as such all the graces of the Spirit dwell in him. 
Faith in his Father's promises, hope in his love, delight in his 
law, zeal for his glory, holy fear and reverence of his name. 
You see the whole chain of graces in that word, ' who in the 
days of his flesh, when he offered up prayers and supplications, 
with strong cryings and tears, unto him who was able to save 
him from death, and was heard in that he feared. ' Heb. v. 7. 
Here is faith in the ability of God, hope in him. It is joyful 
to consider, there is not a grace in us, but what was in Christ 
our head, and flows to us from him. i The spirit of faith/ 
It is a spiritual gift, a lively grace. It is not a dead notion in 
the head ; it brings the enjoyment of God into the heart. If we 
share in the graces of Christ on earth, we shall surely enjoy his 
kingdom in glory. See the genuine effects of faith. ' We 
believe, and therefore speak.' Faith in the heart opens the 
lips. We shall speak, (1) To God the Father, as to our Father, 
with the holy boldness, and loving confidence of children. Vie 
shall delight to draw near to him, to tell him of our sorrows, 
our enemies, our sins, and of all that is in our hearts. For like 
as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them who 
fear him. Psal. ciii. 13. (2) For the glory of God, we shall 
speak of his everlasting, electing love, the freeness of his 
sovereign grace, and the riches of his abundant mercy, in 
giving his Son to be our Saviour. (3) We shall speak of his 
Son's redemption of us from all sin, the glory of his righte- 
ousness in justifying us from all condemnation, and everlast- 
ingly saving us from sin to holiness, from hell to heaven. 
Lastly, we shall speak to the glory of the Spirit, in quickening 
our dead souls, and making us happy in the Father's love and 
Son's salvation. Such is the spirit of faith. Lord help our 
unbelief. Lord increase our faith. 

When we pray, or when we sing, With a fixt habitual faith 
Or road, orspeak, or hear, Jesus Christ to keep in view, 

Or do any holv thing, Trusting wholly in his death 
He this our constant care. hi all we ask or do. 



JANUARY 17.] 37 [MORNING. 

And all they in the synagogue, when they heard 
these things, were filled with wrath. Luke iv. 28. 

Human nature, how low fallen in misery and wretchedness ; 
yet how high doth it rise in pride ! Though the meek Lamb of 
God is the preacher of sovereign grace and distinguishing love, 
yet the wrath of man dares to exalt itself against his doctrine. 
Fury bursts forth like fire, vengeance and resentment break 
the bounds of the law of God and man, and would instantly 
have put Jesus to death. 

Pride is the firstborn of Lucifer. ' Ye shall be as gods, ' hath 
tainted our whole nature with the cursed leaven, and will be 
the last enemy that is destroyed in us. Out of the abundance 
of pride in the heart, the mouth is opened against God's sove- 
reign grace, discriminating love, and divine dispensations. 
' Be still, and know that I am God,' is a lesson the proud 
nature of man is averse to. ' I will be gracious to whom I will 
be gracious, and I will shew mercy on whom I will shew 
mercy/ though spoken from the mouth of the Lord, yet the 
hearts of sinners rise in wrath against it. They look with an 
evil eye upon the good pleasure of the Lord : dare challenge 
and call in question his truths, and his dealings with the chil- 
dren of men. 

Disciple, this day, a real likeness, a true picture of thy proud 
nature is presented to thy view. Behold thyself in thy proud 
brethren. See thy natural aversion to the sovereignty of God's 
truths, and thy Saviour's doctrines. All these worshipping 
Jews, priests as well as people, conceived wrath even in God's 
house : yea, their teeming hearts were filled with it against 
Jesus, a man who told them the truth. The histories of the 
Sareptan widow and Naaman the Assyrian, they were well 
acquainted with, but could not bear the doctrine contained in 
them. Good Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his 
heart : do we not feel the stirrings of it also? Oh what cause, 
what daily cause for his practice. Stout words proceed from 
unhumbled hearts. When our voices are heard on high against 
God's severeign determinations, it is a sad proof that our 
hearts are not laid low with a sight and sense of being guilty 
before God. Those who challenge God's purposes, have some 
plea founded upon their qwn imaginary goodness. ' Be clothed 
with humility ; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace 
to the humble.' 1 Pet. v. 5. 

' Shall man reply against the Lord, But, oh my soul, if truth so brio-lit 

And call his Maker's ways unjust ? Should dazzle and confound thy sight, 

The thunder of his dreadful word Yet still his written will obey, 

Can crush a thousand worlds to dust. And wait the great decisive day. 



JANUARY 17.] 38 [EVENING 

Will the Lord cast off for ever? Will he be favour- 
able no more? Psal. lxxvii. 7, 



Paul speaks of some who had cast off their first faith. What 
was the consequence ? Having damnation. 1 Tim. v. 12. If 
the power and liveliness of faith abate in the heart, a sense of 
condemnation is in the conscience. Hence, poor, sensible 
sinners call in question the Lord's love and grace towards them. 
Tney are prone to think, they have quite tired out his patience, 
and that nothing but wrath and misery await them. What 
shall we say to such ? The Saviour himself speaks to them. Is 
it in wrath ? Does he say, because you have forsaken me, I will 
cast you off for ever ; die and be accursed for your folly ; I 
will show you no more favour? Oh no. True they have de- 
served this, they have reason to fear and expect this, were 
it not for the love of his heart, and the grace of his word. 
Therefore they may joyfully sing, 

The love divine which made us thine, 
Shall keep us thine for ever. 

Therefore love divine speaks, grace is upon his lips. Let the 
children of fear and trembling hear. ' Remember from whence 
thou art fallen.' Call to mind the loving days of thine espou- 
sal. Then thy heart glowed with love, and was fired with 
affections to me. But how art thou fallen, by the love of other 
objects. I have never changed in my love to you, nor in my 
dealings with you : they were all in love. Repent : change 
your mind, in regard to your hard thoughts of me, as though I 
would cast off for ever, and be favourable no more. Change 
your conduct towards me. That ever you should prefer idols, 
vanities, things of nought to me, and leave the enjoyment of 
my love, to seek happiness in them ! Cast off them, for I will 
never cast off you. Show no favour to them, for I will show 
all favour to you. Do thy first works, Rev. ii. 5. Search 
my word, study my grace, dwell upon my love, meditate upon 
my sorrows, sufferings and death for your salvation. Attend 
to the preaching of my gospel, come to my table, come to me 
as a poor sinner, deceived by sin, and betrayed by folly. Come 
to me for my promised grace, peace and rest, power and 
strength, to serve and obey me. Oh may these gracious words 
from our all-gracious Lord, quicken the hope of our souls, take 
up the prophet's words, in spite of sin, satan and unbelief: 
' Come and let us return unto the Lord. ' Hosea vi. 1. 

'I he sinner who by precious faith Not as the world the Savionr gives, 

Has known his sins forgiv'ii, He is no fickle friend, 

Is from that moment pass'd from death, Whom once he loves, he never leaves, 

And seal'd an heir of heav'n. But loves him to the end. 



JANUARY 18.] «il> [MORNING. 

Search me, oh God, and know my heart ; try me, and 
know my thoughts; see if there be any wicked way in 
me, and lead me in the ivay everlasting. Psalm cxxxix. 
23, 24. 

He that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his deeds 
may be made manifest that they are wrought in God. John 
iii. 21. This is an infallible touchstone of true conversion, 
given by the oracle of truth. He that trusteth to his own heart 
is a fool. Prov. xxviii. 2o*. Sincerity may be attended with 
diffidence. Sincere upright souls know they have to do with a 
heart-searching God : to him they appeal, and desire to be 
searched and tried by him. What avails the soul, to obtain a 
favourable opinion from our vain fellow-mortals, if we are con- 
scious that all is not right within ! What peace, what comfort, 
what joy, though men approve, and the soul itself be ever so 
confident, while conscience testifies that my ways do not please 
the Lord, but are contrary to his will ! True love to Jesus 
excites godly jealousy in the heart. 

While in the flesh, we are ever exposed to deceits from a 
subtle foe, a deceitful heart, and an ensnaring world, yea and 
from false teachers also. Intricate paths may present, dark- 
ness may overtake, and Satan may thrust sore at the soul that 
it may fall, or be driven into by-ways of error and wickedness. 
Here is the wisdom and patience of saints, when they cannot 
see their way, to cry to their guide. Jesus is the way, the only 
way, the way everlasting ; in which the saints in all ages have 
walked to glory. Faith in Jesus is inconsistent with every 
wicked way. Though in our present state there is no entire 
freedom from sin which dwelleth in us, consequently no per- 
fection in righteousness performed by us ; yet the more we 
abide in Jesus, the closer we cleave to him, the more stedfastly 
we behold him, so much the more, through the grace of the 
holy Spirit, we shall be dead to sin, and alive to holiness. We 
shall experience the ways of wisdom to be ' ways of pleasant- 
ness, and all her paths to be paths of peace.' Prov. iii. 17. 
This is the end of simple-hearted, sincere souls, in their 
appeals at a throne of grace, that with open face, beholding 
as in a glass the glory of the Lord, they may be changed into 
the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of 
the Lord. 2 Cor. iii. 18. 

His Spirit purifies our frame, Oh let thy grace surround me still, 
And seals our peace with God ; And like a bulwark prove, 

Jesus and his salvation came To guard my soul from every ill, 
By water and by blood. Secured by sovereign love. 



JANUARY 18.] 40 [EVENING, 

/ will make an everlasting covenant with them, and 
ivill not turn away from them to do them good. Jer. 
xxxii. 40. 



A minister lately preaching on the tremendous solemnity of 
the last day, at the close of his sermon, thus addressed his 
hearers: i Most awful as my subject has been, most solemn 
things as you have heard, I have one thing more to add, which 
is as awful. It is this. £ Ere to-morrow's sun, perhaps, you 
will forget all you have heard, of this solemn subject.' Awful 
conclusion ! Is not this too much our case, respecting the cove- 
nant love and faithfulness of our God. Else why those unrea- 
sonable doubts, groundless suspicions, heart-rending jealousies, 
and soul-dejecting fears which possess us? Else whence that 
slowness of heart to approach the Lord, to cast our care upon 
him, put our trust in him, glory of him, live upon him, and 
rejoice in him ? The Lord will ever be mindful of his covenant. 
Psal. cxi. 5. But shame to us, we do not remember as we 
ought that we are the Lord's covenant people ; that he has 
made an everlasting covenant with us, in Christ our head and 
representative. He is the mediator of this covenant. The 
moment we believe on Jesus, we have that f one heart' which 
is towards him, and we chose him, as our l one way. ' This 
the Lord promises in the former verse. Then we enter upon 
the everlasting covenant. This is said to be made with us, for 
the grace of it is applied, the blessings are bestowed, and the 
promises of it made good to us. But here is a future prospect. 
The Lord gives one special promise, which includes every 
mercy, comfort and blessing, our souls can wish for. ' I will 
not turn away from them, to do them good.' Lord make us 
strong in faith, that we may give glory to thee, for this exceed- 
ing great and precious promise. Consider, (1) This and every 
other promise is in Christ Jesus. All the promises are in him, 
2 Cor. i. 20 (2) It is absolute and unconditional in regard to 
us : for Christ, our head, has fulfilled all the terms and condi- 
tions of the covenant for us. Hence every blessing comes 
freely by him, and through him, to us. Our every plea, for 
every promise and grace is, for Christ's sake. Most precious, 
and most prevailing plea ! A perfect atonement, and perfect 
righteousness, faith has to present, and plead to divine jus- 
tice. Therefore let us come with boldness to a throne o 
grace. (3) Will God never turn away from us to do us 
good? Oh how should this endear him to our souls. How 
watchful, how careful ought we to be, not to turn away from 
him to do evil. Lastly, we may bid defiance to sin, the world 
satan, death and hell. For if the Lord will do us good, what 
shall harm us? If God be for us, who shall be against us? 
If every good is thus promised, heaven, the chief of all good, 
is secure to us. 



JANUARY 19.] 41 [MORNING. 

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples 
indeed. John viii. 31. 



As mutual love subsists between Jesus and his believing 
members, so there is a mutual choice of each other. Hence, 
saith the church, ' I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine. ' 
Cant. vi. 3. So also there is a mutual inhabitation ; every be- 
liever dwells in Christ, and Christ in him. This is only com- 
fortably experienced by continuing in the truth. For ' whoso- 
ever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, 
hath not God ; he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he 
hath both the Father and the Son. ' 2 John 9. 

Many profess to be disciples of Jesus in name ; but what 
profit is this ? If souls have not been sick of sin, alas, Jesus 
will be a physician of no value to them. If souls have not 
seen themselves lost, their state accursed, and their case hope- 
less and desperate, so that none but Jesus can restore and 
save them, they will but lightly esteem our Saviour. However 
precious Jesus is to others, he will be bat little regarded by 
them. They may profess his word, but not being his disciples 
indeed, they will not continue long ; they will only follow him 
for a season. Ah, poor souls, how soon are they offended ! 
Little things put them to a stand ; trifles turn them back. 
Temptations and trials prove what they are. Other objects 
engage their affections, and they presently fall quite away, and 
follow the Lamb no more. 

Continuance in the truth is the touchstone of faith; thus 
only is it evidenced. Disciple, remember, { if thou comest to 
serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation:' so surely as 
thou art a disciple indeed and in truth, thou must become a 
crucified servant of a crucified Lord. As thou hopest for 
the comforts of faith, so expect the trials of faith, and the exer- 
cise of patience. Thou must abide the tribulations of Jesu's 
word, as well as its consolations. The master deceives none ; 
he tells us what we are to expect, every thing grievous to flesh 
and blood. But blessed be his gracious name and precious 
love, he hath bid us i fear not,' and hath given us the most 
comfortable assurances. ' I have redeemed thee. I have called 
thee by thy name ; thou art mine. When thou passest through 
the waters (of affliction) I will be with thee ; and through the 
rivers (deep and overwhelming distress) they shall not overflow 
thee : when thou walkest through the fire (fiery darts of Satan, 
hot temptations within, and burning malice of men without) 
thou shalt not be burnt ; (like the burning bush, thou shalt not 
be consumed) neither shall Vae flame kindle upon thee. ' Thou 
shalt be fire proof. Why all this safety in the midst of 
such danger? Most joyful reason : ' For I am the Lord thy 
God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.' Isai. xliii. 
1 — 3. 



JANUARY 19.] 42 [EVENING. 

The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matt. 
x. 30. 



I never can understand this, says carnal reason. Therefore 
reject it, says human pride. What didst thou ever gain, oh 
christian, by indulging carnal reasonings, or giving way to 
human pride ? Verily, many a sad hour, many an uncomforta- 
ble frame. Oh how happy doth simple faith make the heart : 
it receives every word which the Lord speaks, and draws com- 
fort from it. It serves carnal reason and pride, as David did 
his ten concubines. He put them in ward, and shut them up, 
to the day of their death. 2 Sam. xx. 3. For verily they are like 
the spies which Moses sent out, who brought up an evil report 
of the land. Therefore, listen not at all to their suggestions. 
Our Lord never spoke a word, to be the subject for thy curious 
speculations ; but that thou shouldest humbly believe it, exer- 
cise thy believing mind upon it, and derive peace aDd comfort 
from it. Our Lord had been telling his disciples things very 
disagreeable to flesh and blood, that they were as sheep among 
wolves, would be hated of all men for his name's sake, and 
persecuted. Yet, says he, fear not them who can only kill the 
body ; they cannot touch the soul. But what disciple is there, 
who is not subject to fear the wrath of man? Fear of being 
hurt is natural to us all. What can deliver a man from, and 
set him above this fear ? Nothing but the power of faith. Here 
is the Lord's word, the very hairs of your head are all num- 
bered. Now you are brought to the suburbs of comfort, be- 
lieve and enter into it. If the minutest particle of my body 
lies open to my heavenly Father's eye, if not one hair can fall 
to the ground without his permission — then carnal reason, 
avaunt. Fears be gone. Men and devils do your worst, my 
loving Father stands between your wrath and my soul. I am 
safe while omnipotence lives, and everlasting love changes 
not. Ah, but when I think of the hairs of my head, I think of 
my sins. If the former are numbered, the latter are all re- 
corded ; and they are more in number than the very hairs of 
my head, therefore my heart faileth me. Psal. xl. 12. Then 
let sense and reason be subject to faith. Hear and rejoice at 
what thy Lord saith. I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy 
transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins ; return unto me, for I 
have redeemed thee. Isai. xliv. 22. 

Still with my God I leave my cause, Not all the pains that e'er 1 bore, 

And trust his promis'd grace : Shall spoil my future peace, 

He rules me by his well known laws For death and hell can do no more, 

Of love and righteousness, Than what. my Father please. 



JANUARY 20.] 43 [MORNING. 

Thus saith the Lord, Cursed is the man that trusteth 
in man, and maketh flesh his arm,, and whose heart de- 
partethfrom the Lord. Jer. xvii. 5. 



It is very remarkable, after the prophet pronounces the curse 
of confiding in the flesh, and the blessedness of trusting in the 
Lord, he immediately adds, ' The heart is deceitful above all 
things, and desperately wicked,' ver. 9. Hence we may infer, 
that the poison of pride, vain confidence in the flesh, and self- 
righteous hopes, may lurk under the most exalted pretensions 
to piety, holiness, and perfection. This matter calls for great 
care and circumspection. 

As many as are of the works of the law, or who in anywise 
seek to be made righteous by doing, are under the curse. Gal. 
iii. 10. Think it not contrary to the holiness of God to pro- 
nounce such to be cursed, as though the Lord did not hate sin, 
and love and approve true holiness. No : but such deceive 
their own souls, and flatter themselves in their own sight. 
They dishonour the perfection of God's law, by bringing down 
its purity and spirituality to a level with their own works and 
obedience. They reject the righteousness of Jesus, deny the 
faith of him, look to their own holiness, trust in themselves 
tha I they are righteous, confide in the power of the flesh, and 
so their hearts depart from the Lord. Pride and self-exalting 
is at the bottom of all this. As they appeal to the law, they 
must go to the law, and hear its sentence, which sounds 
nothing but curse, and wrath, and hell. 

These are precious evangelical words of Luther : ( So we 
teach and comfort the afflicted sinner. Brother, it is not possi- 
ble for thee to become so righteous as to feel no sin at all. In 
that thou dost feel and acknowledge it, it is a good token ; 
give thanks to God. Christ healeth them that are broken in 
heart, and saveth sinners. Follow not the judgment of reason, 
which telleth thee, Christ is angry with sinners ; but kill reason 
and believe in Christ, and the sin which remaineth in the« is 
pardoned for Christ's sake, in whom thou believest, whose 
righteousness is thy righteousness, and thy sin is his sin. 
Every christian is an high priest. This is the daily sacrifice of 
the New- Testament, which must be offered up. The evening 
sacrifice is to kill reason : the morning sacrifice is to glorify 
God.' On Gal. iii. 6. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the 
Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Jer. xvii. 7. 

I am the man who stood accurst, But, Jesus, Lord, what hast thou done ? 

My heart departed from the Lord ; Turn me. a proud self-righteous foe. 

Flesh was my arm, pride was my lust, To trust in tliee, and thee alone, 

My just deserts to be abhorred. And all my former hopes forego M. 



JANUARY 20.] 44 [evening. 

1 have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions, 
and as a cloud thy sins ; return unto me, jor 1 have re- 
deemed thee. Isaiah xliv. 2*?.. 



Thus of miserable sinners, God makes happy saints. Here 
is the work of each divine person in the ever glorious Trinity. 
God the Father blots out sins in the court of heaven : God the 
Son by his atonement on the cross : and God the Spirit in the 
court of a sinner's conscience. Believe, and enjoy the comfort 
of this. Now may the God of hope fill us with all joy and 
peace in believing, and make us to abound in hope, through the 
power of the Holy Ghost. Rom. xv. 13. When the women came 
to the sepulchre, to see our Lord, they said, who shall roll 
away the stone from the door ? Mark xvi. 3. But, behold it 
was done. So a poor broken-hearted sinner says, this thick, 
black, impenetrable cloud of my sins intercepts between my 
soul, and the light of God's countenance ; it prevents the com- 
forting rays of the Sun of righteousness from shining into my 
soul. Oh who can disperse it? None but God. Behold he 
hath done it, look up and be joyful. Did you think a storm of 
divine wrath and terrible vengeance was gathering over your 
guilty head? Behold, love speaks, grace proclaims, mercy 
declares, I have dispersed the cloud, I have blotted out thy 
sins. Grace superabounds over all the aboundings of sin A 
deluge of pardoning love, mercy and grace, washes away all 
thy transgressions. They are all dispersed, like a cloud, driven 
away by the sun. What, all this rich love, mercy and grace, 
to such a hell-deserved sinner as I am ; and that too, without 
any terms and conditions, requisites and deserts of mine ! Yes, 
all is of rich love, free grace, and sovereign mercy. But behold 
the end of this ; it is to attach thy heart to a sin-pardoning 
Lord. For he says, ' Return unto me.' Nothing attracts the 
gracious heart from sin, the world, and vanity, to the Lord, 
like free and full declarations of gospel grace and pardoning 
love. Oh my soul, return from thy backsliding ways, thy un- 
believing thoughts, thy jealousies and suspicions Of thy Lord's 
love, to him. For ' I have redeemed thee.' Look on thy sins, 
and see thyself redeemed from them by blood divine. Look to 
heaven, see it purchased for thee, and secured by thy Re- 
deemer's righteousness. Now glory of, and live like the son 
of God, and a joint heir with Christ. Oh may his blood make 
all serene within ; may that purge our conscience from dead 
works, to serve the living God. Heb. ix. 14. 

Redeeming grace, forgiving love, Thy Saviour calls, my soul return, 
'Tis a most glorious theme ! To taste his pard'ning love, 

It fills tis with the joys above, This makes thy frozen heart to burn, 
God's glory to proclaim. While praise ascends above. M. 



JANUARY 21.] 45 [MORNING. 

Let us go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his 
reproach. Heb. xiii. 13. 

The profession of Jesus is easy to nature. There is nothing 
irksome to the flesh in being called a christian. But to know 
Jesus in heart, to confess him with the tongue, and to follow 
him in our life, will ever expose us to reproach and contempt. 
But if, with Philip, we have really found that blessed person of 
whom Moses and the prophets wrote, we must, we shall speak 
of him to others. We shall esteem Jesus our beloved as our 
richest treasure. Our hearts and affections will be going out 
after him. Moses's choice will be ours : we shall esteem the 
reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. 
But fleshly wisdom is contrary to all this. That ever prompts, 
' Save thyself, take care of thy good name ; fear lest thou be 
cast out as evil, beware of thy character, go not too far, thou 
wilt sustain damage. In the camp of this world, riches, plea- 
sures, and honours are enjoyed. Study the happy mean : thou 
mayest hold with the world, and yet not quit Jesus. ' Nay, but 
thou canst not love and serve two such contrary masters ; 
thou wilt soon grow tired of one or the other. The inward 
glory and peace of Jesus will not, cannot be enjoyed but while 
the heart and affections are placed on him. The faith of Jesus 
is contrary to the woild, it cannot be reconciled to its vain 
customs and sinful maxims. Faith is the victory that over- 
cometh the world ; the world is an enemy's camp. A despised 
Nazarene is the christian's glory ; to bear his reproach is our 
highest honour. 

The heaven-born soul, though like a captive imprisoned in 
flesh, yet hath free access to Jesus by faith. So it endures 
present reproaches, seeing him that is invisible. And do we 
hope for future sight, and eternal fruition of him who endured 
the cross and despised the shame for us ? Let us take and bear 
his cross ; despised disciples let us be. Look down on the 
world with contempt. Look up to Christ with joy. Go forth 
to meet him in love, oh soul. Remember, ever bear on thy 
mind, Jesus went forth cheerfully to meet all his conflicts and 
agonies for us. It is but a little while ere we shall go forth 
from the body to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we be 
ever with the Lord. 1 Thess. iv. 17. 

When I can read my title clear Should earth against my soul engage, 

To mansions in the skies, And hellish darts be hurled, 

1 bid farewel to every fear, Then I can smile at Satan's rage, 

And wipe my weeping eyes. And face a frowning world. 



JANUARY 21. J 46 

Is not this the carpenter s son ? Matt. xiii. 55. 

. Such indignity I cannot bear, such insult is intolerable. 
Ah ; what art thou who speakest thus ? Thou sinful dust, thou 
proud worm of earth, look unto Jesus. See the King of kings. 
The Son of God becomes a mean man, the son of a carpenter ; 
yea more, himself a carpenter, the son of Mary. Mark vi. 3. 
Mark his condescension, learn humility hence. Behold his 
treatment and contempt, learn patience and submission. Asto- 
nishing mystery! Let reason bow, and faith adore. Sinner, 
behold with joy and wonder, thy God in flesh. Born under that 
curse for sin, ( in the sweat of thy brow thou shaft eat thy bread. ' 
Gen. iii. 19. He works at a mean trade, and follows an ordi- 
nary occupation. Oh ye great and mighty, who are above 
trade, and despise those who follow it, saved ye must be by this 
carpenter's son, or perish everlastingly. He is the one and 
only object of hope and salvation. He is God and man in 
one Christ. One, not by conversion of the godhead into flesh, 
but by taking the manhood into union with his divinity. Well 
might Isaiah stile him Wonderful, chap. ix. 6. He is so, both 
as God and as man. And as God and man in one Christ, won- 
derful in love, sufferings and power, to save sinners. Wonder- 
ful in his humility, for he made himself of no reputation, and 
took on him the form of a servant. The Jews were ' astonished 
at him, and said, whence hath this man this wisdom, and these 
mighty works ? ' Yet they were offended in him, because of the 
meanness of" his birth, parentage and education. Exceeding 
foolish : so is judging of Christ by sight and sense. But he 
says, ' Blessed is he who shall not be offended in me.' Matt, 
xi. 6. It is the blessed nature and peculiar office of faith, to 
pierce through the mean appearance of the humanity, and to 
see the godhead of Christ : here is the sure evidence of our 
vocation. Though Christ is to the Jews a stumbling-block, 
and to the Greeks foolishness, yet to them who are called, 
' Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God/ 1 Oor. i. 24. 
Now do you see salvation finished by the power, and accord- 
ing to the wisdom of God, by this carpenter's son ? Mean and 
contemptible as he appeared in the eyes of others, do you see 
such matchless beauty, such divine glory shine in his person 
and work, as to say, My Lord and my God ? Beware of look- 
ing on this as a common call. Know, it is of special, peculiar, 
distinguishing grace. Give glory to the holy Spirit for it. 
Rejoice at the meanness of thy Lord, and love him for it. All 
was for thy salvation, rejoice in him. Though to the eye of 
sense mean and contemptible, yet he is able to save unto 
the uttermost all who come unto God by him. Heb. vii. 25. 



JANUARY 22.] 47 [MORNING. 

For /lis anger endureth but a moment: in his favour 
is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh 
in the morning. Psalm xxx. 5. 



Verily here is a glorious assemblage of comforting truths, 
like a reviving cordial of rich compounds to enliven drooping 
spirits. Too, too often do God's children judge of their Fa- 
ther's love from corrupt ideas. Through the carnality of their 
natures, the depravity of their judgment, the weakness of their 
faith, the uncertainty of thei,r frames and feelings, and the art- 
ful insinuations of Satan, their loving Father is considered as 
an implacable being, full of wrath and anger against them. 
But this is contrary to God's revelation of himself in Christ 
Jesus as a God of love. So also is it injurious and hurtful to 
the souls of the faithful ; for it damps their love, distresses 
their spirits, deadens the exercise of their graces, and hinders 
their increase in holiness ; the essence of which is founded in 
the love of God. Therefore such views come not from God. 
But thus Satan gains an advantage, and triumphs over poor 
souls, with, '. There, there, so would I have it. ' 

What can the believer do, whither can he fly, what course can 
he take ? All legal efforts are in vain — creature acts ineffec- 
tual-— from self and nature no hope can spring. What can he 
think ? Truly, stand amazed that he is out of hell. He cannot 
sink lower in his views of himself, than what his just deserts 
are. But never so miserable can he be in his own sight, but 
the grace of God in Christ Jesus is alsufficient to afford hope 
and help. In nature's despair, grace triumphs. A sense of 
momentary anger heightens returning favour. The joy of the 
morning is improved by a past night of sorrow. God ever rests 
unchangeable in his love to his people. This is the essence of 
gospel grace and truth. That we vary and fluctuate in our 
apprehensions of his love, is natural to our Very existence, as 
old and new creatures. But we have a more sure word of pro- 
phecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light 
that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day- 
star arise in your hearts. 2 Pet. i. 19. The testimony of Jesus 
is the spirit of prophecy. Bev. xix. 10. The favour of God 
to sinners is in Christ, who is their life, and the source of all 
their graces and comforts. His love is unchangeably the same 
to Christ, and to all who- are united to him by faith. Bejoice 
therefore in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. Phil, 
iv. 4. 

How wiY\ the pow'rs of darkness boast My heart shall feel thy love, and raise 

If but one praying soul be lost ! My cheerful voice to songs of praise. 

Rut 1 have trusted in thy grace, Thine anger bat a moment stajs> 

And shall again behold thy face. Thy w ig Ufe and , eng . (h of - days . 

Whate'er my fears or foes suggest, Tho' grief and tears the night employ, 

Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest ; Thou, Morning-Star, rcstor'st .iiy joy. 



JANUARY 22.] 48 [EVENING. 

Whosoever abide th in him sinneth not. 1 John iii. 6. 



Beware, oh my soul, of licentious spirits, who make Christ 
a minister of sin, instead of a Saviour from all sin. Such are 
strangers to the sweet experience of abiding in Christ, whereby 
sin is dethroned in the heart, the power of it subdued in the 
life, and holiness maintained in the soul. To abide in Christ 
is to continue to believe in, and rest upon him, as the dwelling 
of our souls. ' Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place in all 
generations.' Psal. xc. 1. This is the claim and confession 
of the faithful. Ask a believer, where dwellest thou ? He 
will reply, on my own freehold, my Father's patrimony, where 
my treasure is, in Christ. Such a one sinneth not. What, 
never sin in thought, word, or deed ? Has he no sin in him ? 
This state is the earnest desire of his soul. Verily, he doth 
not abide in Christ, who doth not long for it. But so far from 
being in it, every believer feels he is a lump of sin, knows that 
nothing but sin dwells in his flesh, and finds if left to himself 
he can do nothing but sin. Yet he sinneth not. (1) He abides 
in the truth. He cannot so sin, as to lie against the truth, and 
say, ' I have no sin.' (2) So as to reject the record of truth, 
that eternal life is in Christ, and make the God of truth a liar. 
For he believes that free remission of sin, and full justification 
unto eternal life, is by the blood and righteousness of Christ 
only. (3) As a new creature in Christ he sinneth not. He 
lives above the power of sin, hates all sin, walks contrary to 
sin, and strives against every sin. (4) He sinneth not, as 
under the law of works, for he is under the grace of Christ. 
Though sin lives and rages in his flesh, yet he lives not in sin. 
He is dead to sin, and it reigns not over him. Of every evil 
(let who will abuse it, at the peril of his soul) he may say with 
Paul, ' It is no more I who do it, but sin which dwelleth in 
me. ' Rom. vii. 17. (5) He sinneth not as the ungodly do, or 
as he himself did, while unregenerate. Then the whole man, 
spirit, soul and body, loved sin, wilfully and habitually com- 
mitted sin, with enmity against God. But now the least sin 
is his grief, the very motions of sin his distress. Lastly, he 
sinneth not to the damnation of his soul. For there is not one 
condemnation against him, as he is in Christ Jesus, and he is 
kept by the power of God unto salvation. Precious abiding 
of faith ! Victory over every enemy is sure. For we are more 
than conquerors through Christ who loved us. Rom. viii. 
37. 

Stand up my soul, shake off thy fears, What tho' thine inward lusts rebel ? 

And gird the gospel armour on ; 'Tis but a struggling gasp for life ; 

March to the gates of endless joy, The weapons of victorious grac , 

Where thy great captain Saviour's gone. Shall slay thy sins and end the strife. 



JANUARY 23.] 49 [MORNING. 

Oh my God, my soul is cast down within me : therefore 
will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the 
Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Psalm xlii. 6. 

In times of dejection and distress, the thoughts of a dear 
friend, who has comforted us in times past, tend to alleviate 
the mind. If we are assured of his love to us, we question not 
his readiness to assist us. So under the affecting loss of a 
dear brother, Martha addresses the Saviour, f Lord, if thou 
hadst been here, my brother had not died/ John xi. 21. 

Inexpressible blessedness, to live in a holy familiarity with 
the God of love! How simple are David's words, how freely 
doth he pour out his complaints, and tell God of his sorrows ! 
Though his soul was bowed down within him, heaviness of 
mind beset him, the sweet sunshine of joy was overcast by the 
dark cloud of sorrow, yet faith's piercing eye looks through all. 
Regardless of his own frames and feelings, he has direct re- 
course to God. 

Oh my God, how sweet, how animating are appropriating 
views to the soul ! Though cast down, though dejected in self, 
and all within heightens the gloom, yet all above is hopeful 
and encouraging. Though no confidence in ourselves, yet Jesus 
is before the throne for us. ' I will not, I cannot, I dare not 
forget this. Rejoice not over me, oh mine enemy. I will 
still remember my God ; my thoughts shall be yet towards 
him, my hope is in him, my expectations from him. Though 
it is now dark, I will remember past times of light and love. 
Though now bowed down, yet my God has been the lifter-up 
of my head. The light of his reconciled face in Jesus hath 
shined upon me. Clouds may intercept my joyful views ot 
this, but not prevent his sight of me, nor turn away his love 
from me. My case is before him, my soul lies open to his view. 
The times of refreshing shall come from his presence. He 
rests in his love.' Such are the reasonings of faith. Departed 
saints' experience should encourage living saints' confidence. 
Cast down, mourning souls, when they enjoy not God's com- 
forts, should meditate on his loving purposes, rich promises, 
and free grace in Christ Jesus; holding fast the word of 
his truth. Of what singular and blessed use is it to retain 
divine truth in the memory, and to bring back a fresh and 
lively sense of God's best dealings with us. Remember this, 
and show yourselves men. God is faithful, by whom ye were 
called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 
1 Cor. i. 9. 

Amidst temptations sharp and long The gospel bears mv spirit up ; 

My soul to this dear refuge flies : A. faithful and unchanging God, 

Hope is my anchor firm and strong, Lays the foundatiou for my hope 

While tempests blow and billows rise In oaths, and promises, and bloo 

H 



JANUARY 23.] 50 [evening. 

Thou shall swear the Lord liveth. Jer. iv. 2. 



A rebel under an attainder, a malefactor under sentence 
of death, cannot be sworn to give evidence in any court. Such 
is thy case, oh sinner. Thou art naturally under an attainder 
as a. rebel against the King of kings, and art under sentence 
of death by the law of God. But if an earthly monarch, by a 
royal act of sovereign mercy, forgives a rebel, and pardons a 
malefactor, they are then good evidences in court. So it is 
with thee, oh believer ; thy attainder is taken off, thy pardon 
is passed under the broad seal of heaven, by a sovereign act 
of thy gracious Lord. But never forget the love of Jesus, who 
obtained this for thee. Well, now thy Lord challenges 
thee : \ Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord.' Isai. > 'iii. 10. 
He subpoenas us into court. He commands us, ye ' shall 
swear.' The Lord, in our days of ignorance, got great dishon- 
our from us, by our taking his holy and sacred name in vain. 
If not by profane oaths and horrid imprecations, which, alas, 
few have been free from, yet in many other ways. Now we 
are pardoned by him, and returned to him, he will get honour 
and glory from us. Swearing an oath is for the confirmation 
of the truth, or to put an end to all strife. Heb. vi. 10. Chris- 
tian, attend to the form of thy oath ; thou shalt swear, c the 
Lord liveth/ Can you swear this in truth, from your own 
knowledge ? Hearsay evidence cannot be . admitted in any 
court. But if thy heart is quickened and turned to the Lord, 
if thou believest in the Son of God, verily thou canst give sure 
evidence that the Lord liveth. The Lord Jesus liveth in thee 
by faith. Thou hast fellowship with him, who saith, ' I am 
he who liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive for ever- 
more, Amen ; and have the keys of death and hell/ Rev. i. 18. 
Solemnly attest, and steadily persist in this truth, in the pre- 
sence of angels and men. Confirm it by thy solemn oath, 
before the Judge of all. So shall it put an end to all strife in 
thy own conscience. As surely as the Lord hath quickened 
thy spirit, he liveth to save thy soul to the uttermost. Honour 
thy Lord, by thy sacred testimony to his life, and life-giving 
influence. Record thy solemn oath to thy Lord, in the court 
of conscience. Produce it against the false accusations, and 
lying evidence of Satan. Fulfil thy Lord's word. Unto me 
every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. ' In the Lord 
have I righteousness and strength.' Isai. xlv. 24. 

Lamb of God, in thee we trust, Heaven and earth shall pass awav, 

On thy fixt love depend : But thy word shall firm abide*: 

Thou art faithful, true and just, That's thy children's stedfast stav, 

And l<M«st to the end. When all things fail beside. 



JANUARY 24.] 51 [MORNING. 

Sanctify them through thy truth, thy ivord is truth. 
John. xvii. 17. 



Thus prayed our great High Priest on earth, What he asked 
in his humiliation, is founded upon the word and will of his 
Father, and he hath power to effect it in his exaltation. Hence 
we have the fullest assurance of the perfect sanctification of 
all his members, hence the desires and breathings of soub 
after holiness are encouraged, and the prayers of the faithful 
gather the strongest confidence of success. 

While our Beloved expresses his affectionate concern for his 
peopled salvation, we see an equal regard for the honour and 
glory of his Father's word. Love for holiness, and love of the 
truth are inseparable. As the gospel prevails in the heart, 
holiness is increased. It is first life, then liveliness in the 
soul ; it is the ministration of the Spirit, in the sanctification 
of the spirit. Whatever working we find of the Spirit in the 
heart, it is by the word of truth. The life of believers is from 
Christ, who is the truth; therefore increasing light, refreshing- 
comforts, stronger affections shall abound, and all by that 
same law of grace and truth, whereby the soul was at first 
converted to the faith of Jesus. The law of the Lord is per- 
fect, converting the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing 
the heart, and enlightening the eyes. Psal. xix. 7, 8. 

There is a peculiar glory in the order of salvation. ' God 
hath chosen us from the beginning/ before the foundation of 
the world, ' to salvation.' But how is this made manifest? 
Only < through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the 
truth/ 2 Thess. ii. 13. Thus faith and holiness flow from 
electing love. So every word of God's truth is prized, and the 
fulfilment of every promise is expected. We love the truth, 
because it discovers God's most ancient love to us in Christ. 
It reveals Christ's righteousness to us for our justification, 
revives our hearts with the knowledge of pardon by his blood, 
and the certainty of full sanctification and perfect glory 
through his intercession. So Jesus prayed — so we believe — 
so poor sinners are saved. Saved, unspeakable mercy ; saved 
from the power of sin and the prevalence of pride. Happy the 
heart where the love of holiness prevails, agreeable to the word 
of truth. Dreadful delusion, when the truth is held in unrighte- 
ousness ; or zeal for holiness is contended for, while the truths 
of electing love, Christ's righteousness, his members ' certain 
salvation are opposed and denied. Glory to the Father for 
his everlasting love. Glory to Jesus for his justifying righte- 
ousness and atoning blood. Glory to the Spirit for his sanc- 
tifying influences, will ever be ascribed to them by truly sancti- 
fied hearts. What God hath joined together, let no man pin 
asunder. 



JANUARY 24.] 52 [EVENING 

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God 
Isaiah xl. 1. 



Who are the people of God? I am of that number, saith 
one, for I feel my heart as full of comfort as ever it can hold. 
It may be so : then this text is not for thee. But it will 
do thee no harm to examine into the nature of thy comforts, 
the tendency of them, and how thou earnest by them. Saith 
another, I am sure I cannot think myself one of the people of 
God. Why not? Because, instead of the comforts of God's 
children, I have continual sorrow and conflicts, am oppressed 
by Satan, harrassed with temptations, groan under a body of 
sin and death, and dread after all, that I shall perish in my sins, 
through unbelief. Thou art the very person, one of the happy 
number of the Lord's people of whom he here speaks. He 
describes his people as poor and afflicted, who trust in his name. 
Zeph. iii. 12. What is his holy and blessed will concerning 
you? Why, that you should be comforted. He knows your 
sorrows, he sees that you want comfort, and he therefore com- 
mands it to be administered. This is a commission, peculi- 
arly directed to the Lord's ministers. I am not honoured with 
that high calling : yet the Lord may graciously condescend to 
administer comfort, by means of one so weak and mean as I. 
For Paul says to private christians, ( Comfort one another with 
these words. ' 1 Thess. iv. 18. Therefore it is your duty ; the 
Lord succeed us in it ! Mind then, thou poor sorrowful sinner, 
who art afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted. 
Behold thy Lord is mindful of thee. Take notice of the love 
of his heart, the sounding of his bowels over thee, and the 
vehemence he speaks with concerning thee — ' Comfort, com- 
fort. ' Thou hast sorrow upon sorrow in thyself. Here is com- 
fort upon comfort from thy Lord. He is the God of all com- 
fort, and would have thy soul comforted. Look not within to 
find any cause why thy Lord should have such love to thee, 
or concern for thee. The cause lies in his own loving heart. 
He freely gave his Son for thee, he freely promises his Spirit 
to thee, he commands comfort, comfort to be spoken to thee. 
Now, wilt thou go and indulge thy besetting sin of unbelief, 
and say, after all this, My Lord careth not for me, he hath 
forgotten to be gracious ? Oh rather bring that bosom sin of 
unbelief to thy Lord ; beg of him to slay its power, that it dis- 
honour him no more by disbelieving his precious word. For 
he saith, f Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she 
should not have compassion upon the son of her womb ? 
Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Isai. 
vlix 15 



JANUARY 25.] 53 [MORNING. 

Whosoever he he of you that forsaketh not all ihat 
he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke xiv. 33. 

( Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again,' 
saith Christ, John iii. 7. The blessed effects of this spiritual 
birth will be evident in the life. Earthly objects will be for- 
saken, heavenly ones prized. Jesus will be chosen as our 
beloved master and only hope. He being esteemed our trea- 
sure, our hearts will be with him, our affections towards him ; 
and it will be our chiefest delight to hear his voice, and to fol- 
low him in the regeneration. Coming to Christ, is turning our 
backs upon the ' lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the 
pride of life.' By the faith of Jesus we renounce and forsake 
all these things as our curse and shame. The clearer views 
we have of Christ's glory, and the stronger our faith is in him, 
so much the more we become dead to all besides. Thus it is 
manifest who are the disciples of Jesus ; their Master so 
teacheth them. We have need to pray daily, Sun of righte- 
ousness, shine brighter on our minds. Lord, increase our 
faith ! For the flesh, with its affections and lusts, still abide 
with us ; and as the life of Jesus increaseth through faith in 
the heart, so shall we more and more groan under whatever 
is contrary to it. The victory is obtained only through faith. 
In its nature very simple, but in its fruits and effects most 
comprehensive. Hereby we enjoy more happiness and com- 
fort in Christ, than all that this present world can give us. 
Ye sons of earthy ye disdain us ; we pity you. As ye are now, 
so once were we. We enjoyed your carnal gratifications, and 
feasted on your vain delights too, too long. We confess it, 
and grieve for it. Now we have found Jesus, we have another 
and a better life. In divine pleasures, spiritual joys from 
Christ, and sweet communion with him, we anticipate future 
glory. We enjoy a heaven of comfort in a world of sorrow. 
Therefore, in forsaking all, we gain all. In following Jesus, 
though painful and grievous to the flesh, yet it is consolation 
and joy to the life of our souls. 

Experience will ever prove, that he who walks most by 
faith, will be the most comfortable disciple. He who lives 
nearest Christ in faith, will follow him closest in love ; and 
consequently keep at the greatest distance from the world's 
vain pleasures, and the carnal delights of the flesh. ' If ye 
live after the flesh, ye shall die : but if ye, through the Spirit, 
do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.' Rom. viii. 
13. 

Mistaken souls, that dream of heav'n, Faith must obey her Father's will, 
And make their empty boast As well as trust his grace ; 

Of inward joys and sins forgiv'n, A pard'nina; God is jealous still 
While thev are slaves of lust ' For his own holiness. 



JANUARY 25.] 54 [EVENING. 

Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, where is 
thy victory 1 . 1 Cor. xv. 55. 

Says a celebrated poet, ' All men think all men mortal but 
themselves. ' True, there is a natural propensity in us so to 
think ; but new born souls not only know they are mortal, 
dying creatures ; but in the exercise of grace, they can indulge 
the thoughts of death with pleasing reflections. For death is 
not only a conquered enemy by the Captain of our salvation, 
but he is also enumerated in the catalogue of our blessings. 
' Death is yours :' yours to deliver you from all your evils of 
sin, sorrow and temptations : yours to introduce you into the 
presence of your God and Saviour, and into the enjoyment of 
all the glory and blessedness of bis kingdom. But death has 
a sting, and the grave a victory. This sting is sin. And what 
gives strength to sin, and victory over the sinner, is the law. 
That darts the sting into us, and so fixes it in us, that for any 
thing we can do, we must feel its poisoned sting to all eternity. 
But, ' Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed gar- 
ments from Bozrah? This, who is glorious in his apparel, 
travelling in the greatness of his strength?' He answers, ' I 
that speak in righteousness, mighty to save/ Isai. Ixiii. 1. 
It is that glorious Warrior, our almighty Conqueror Jesus, 
who has disarmed death of his sting, and obtained a complete 
victory over the grave. Do you ask what is this to us ? Why 
truly, we can draw no comfort from it, unless we believe in 
him, and look upon his victories as obtained for us. Thus 
viewing our triumphant, risen, ascended Saviour, we shall be 
enabled, in the confidence of faith, to say, ' Oh death where is 
thy sting?' Thou hast lost it in the flesh of Christ. By his 
death he hath deprived thee of it. Through death he hath 
destroyed him w r ho had the power of death, that is, the devil : 
and delivers them who through fear of death, were all their 
life time subject to bondage. Heb. ii. 14, 15. Art thou in 
bondage through fear? Who holds thee under it? Thy worst 
enemy the devil. By what means? Unbelief. Because thou 
dost not believe thy best Friend, thy dear Redeemer. Dost 
thou say, ! would believe, but cannot. What, canst thou not 
believe thy Lord ? He says to all thy questioning doubts, ( I 
speak in righteousness.' I have wrought out and brought in 
an everlasting righteousness to clothe your naked soul, and 
to make you stand before the throne of God perfect and entire, 
lacking nothing. Believe this, and triumph over sin and 
death. ' Mighty to save. ' Can the power of sin, death and 
hell, withstand my might ? Look unto me, and be saved from 
thy bondage and fear. Receive his word, and rejoice in the 
comfort of it. Christ hath fulfilled it : "Oh death, I will be 
thy plague: Oh grave I will be thy destruction.' Hosea xitt. 
14. 



JANUARY 25.J 55 [MOANING. 

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified 
in due time. 1 Tim. ii. (J. 



The gospel is quite sufficient to answer every objection, and 
to silence every cavil against salvation by Christ. This 
sacred oracle we are to consult day after day. Do we ask, 
why are any sinners saved ? It assures us that God hath 
loved them ; this is the cause. If we enquire, how God doth 
save them? It tells us that it is in a way of strict justice, 
consistent with the honour of God's law, the perfection of his 
righteousness, holiness and truth. Therefore redemption is by 
stipulated price, the blood of the covenant, the precious blood 
of Christ, as of a lamb without spot. Do we seek to know who 
are the redeemed of the Lord ? Jesus assures us, ' he gave 
his life a ransom for many/ even for all whom the Father hath 
given him. Matt. xx. 28. 

The word of God mentions no one in particular, but sets 
forth salvation in general. and extensive terms. It is exactly 
suited to the most vile and accursed state of sinners, perfectly 
sufficient to relieve the mind, encourage hope, forbid despair, 
under a sense of the most complicated sins and accumulated 
guilt, of lost, wretched, and undone souls ; for the ranson of 
Jesus is sufficient, alsufficient. The price he paid for our re- 
demption is fully equivalent to satisfy for all our transgres- 
sions, and to answer every demand of law and justice. To 
this very end Christ gave himself, and thus is he testified of in 
the gospel of grace. This essential and important enquiry, 
have I redemption in the blood of Christ, even the forgiveness 
of my sins, is also explicitly answered ; for ' he that believeth 
shall be saved, he is justified from all things.' Thus the Holy 
Ghost testifies in the word. Where this is received and be- 
lieved in the heart, the same Spirit also bears witness to it 
with our spirits ; and the faith of God's elect is evidenced, by 
bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit. 

There is a time, a due time, when Christ shall thus be testi- 
fied of to the souls of God's chosen. The ransom price being 
paid, he will set the captives free, and say to the prisoners, go 
forth ; to them that are in darkness, show yourselves. They 
shall feed in the ways of light and truth, and their pastures 
shall be in all high places, even the mountains of consolation 
and the hills of joy. Tjiey shall not hunger nor thirst after 
any other hope but Jesus, neither shall the heat nor the sun 
smite them, trials and afflictions shall profit them. He that 
hath mercy upon them shall lead them ; they shall not be left 
to walk in their own crooked ways ; but by the springs oF. 
water, of refreshment and holiness, shall he guide them. Isai. 
xlix. 9, 10 



JA.NUARY 26.] 56 [EVENING. 

Is his mercy clean gone for ever ; doth his promise 
Jail J or evermore? Psalm lxxvii. 8. 

It is one thing for God to desert, and another to disinherit. 
The former he frequently does by his children, the latter he 
never did to any one of them. He may change in his conduct 
towards them, but never in his love for them. That is a sweet 
expostulation of the Lord's, ' how shall I give thee up 
Ephraim?' Hos. xi. 8. It reminds one of the tender affections 
of a loving father to a disobedient son, with a pen in his hand, 
just going to execute a deed to disinherit him. But love pleads, 
his fatherly bowels yearn, and his heart melts. Though he is 
disobedient, yet he is my child, my heir, the son of my loins. 
I cannot give him up, I cannot cut him off, I will not do it. 
The love of God to his children infinitely exceeds that of the 
most tender- parent. He allows there may be such monsters 
in nature, as for a mother not to have compassion on the son of 
her womb. But, says the Lord, ( I will never forget thee/ 
Isai. xlix. 15. He will rest, or be silent in his love. Zeph. 
iii. 17. Though thou dost not hear the voice of comfort, and 
the melody of joy, yet his love is the same ; he cannot change, 
' God is love/ 1 John iv. 8. Nothing but love to his people 
in Christ ; therefore it is impossible for his mercy to be clean 
gone, or his mercy ever to fail. It was of his rich mercy and 
great love, that he quickened us when dead in sins, Ephes. ii. 
4. Therefore we cannot perish for want of mercy. God's 
promises are all in Christ Jesus, Yea and Amen, to his own 
glory. 2 Cor. i. 20. Therefore, God would lose the glory of 
his truth, if one of them should fail. Why then should any 
poor sinner thus question his mercy and his promise? Take 
shame to thyself. Say with the Psalmist, 'It is my infirmity.' 
No marvel, if under infirmities you call in question the mercy 
and truth of a faithful, covenant God ; that you should question 
your own state, and think you are not a vessel of mercy, and 
that not one promise is for you. But your very questionings, 
fears and concerns show it. The dead in sin look not for the 
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Unregene- 
rate souls see nothing of the exceeding great and precious pro- 
mises which are in Christ Jesus. They have no concern about 
them. Instead therefore of questioning God's mercy, plead it. 
Own this as thy sin to doubt of it . Instead of doubting his 
promises, look at them, glory in them, and give God the glory 
of them. Stagger not at the promise through unbelief. ' Be 
strong in faith, and give glory to God.' Rom. iv. 20. 



JANUARY 27.] 57 [MORNING 

Jesus said unto them, when ye pray, say, Our Fa 
I her. which art in heaven. Luke. xi. 2. 



Faith in the heart excites prayer from the lips. Thus the 
faith of God's elect manifests itself, that it cometh from the 
Lord the Spirit. By it the soul is led to J esus the mediator, 
and by him to God the Father. So each person in the Godhead 
is known, worshipped, and glorified by believing souls. While 
we see and feel nothing of our misery and wants, no marvel 
that prayer is an irksome task. From a sight of ourselves, 
and the knowledge of Jesus, we come to him daily with sim- 
plicity of heart, Master, teach us to pray. It is the highest 
honour, the sweetest privilege, the most blessed exercise of 
the soul to draw nigh to God. What greater on earth than to 
come to the throne of the King of kings ? And that fear and 
shame may not beset and keep us back, knowing our vile 
nature and sinful practice, hear our Lord and Saviour's encou- 
raging direction : ' When ye pray, say, Our Father. ' 

And can it bo that I, a child of wrath by nature, a son of 
perdition by nn, a vassal and slave of Satan by practice, and 
accursed by tne holy law ; can it be that God will own me, 
and bless me as his child? Yes, grace triumphs over nature's 
deserts; love glories over creature's demerits. The lips of 
truth have said it, and who shall dare reverse it? By the 
sword of the Spirit slay the unbelief of the heart. What Jesus 
hath taught his disciples to call God, that he is to them. As 
Jesus is the Saviour of all men, but especially of them who 
believe, so God is the universal parent of all ; but in a special 
manner, the Father of all the dear members of his beloved Son. 
A Father by covenant love, by election of grace, by precious 
promises, by strict justice. A Father in holiness and truth, 
because of the suretyship of Jesus, the righteousness of Jesus, 
the atonement of Jesus, the holiness of Jesus. And the 
weakest, feeblest member in the faith of Christ, possesses 
Jesus, with all his blessings, as man and mediator. Hence 
God is their Father : he loveth them with complacency and 
delight. The paternal affections of his heart yearn over them. 
Children's hearts should continually be drawn out to their 
Father in holy affection, in fervent desires, and humble confi- 
dence. Nothing doubting, but gathering all confidence of hope, 
as being taught by Jesus. ' In whom we have boldness and 
access with confidence, by the faith of him.' Ephes. iii. 12. 

Lord I address 1hy heavenly throne ; There shed the choi est loves abroad, 

Call me a child of thine ; And make my comforts strong ; 

Send down the Spirit of thv Son Then shall 1 say, My Father, God, 

To form tnv soul divine." With an unwavering tongue. 



JANUARY 27.] 58 [evening. 

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, ive cue 
of all men most miserable. I Cor. xv. 19. 



Here is a supposition, and a consequence drawn from it. 
Consider, (I.) This hope in Jhrist. It is not common to all men, 
it is a precious grace of the holy Spirit, and springs from faith 
in Christ. It looks to the promises in Christ, and is nourished 
and supported by them. It is a ' lively hope/ We are begot- 
ten again to it, according to the abundant mercy of God our 
Father, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 
1 Peter i. 3. By it we are made to differ from all other men, 
who though they may talk of hope in God, yet have no hope, 
but are without Christ, and without God in the world. Ephes. 
ii. 12. Here is the proof of it. ' Every man who hath this 
hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure/ 1 John iii. 
3. Mind : Christ is the object of this hope. It is in, or on 
Christ. The man who is the subject of it, purines himself. 
How ? By the blood of Christ, and by the grace of Christ. 
From what? From all sin ; from the love of this world, from 
all its pomps and vanities. He lives not in them, he walks 
not after them, he hates them, he despises them. Hope on 
Christ springs up in his heart, and that kills the love of the 
world in him. (2) What is it to have hope in this life £ only ? * 
To have our prospect bounded by the narrow limits of time 
and sense, to take up with the joys and pleasures of the pre- 
sent world, to set our affections on them, and seek all our hap- 
piness in them, without looking after and longing for the invi- 
sible glories of a better world. (3) Why then are we of al] 
men the 6 most miserable V Because we are new creatures in 
Christ, have a new and spiritual nature from him, communion 
and fellowship with him ; therefore we cannot enjoy the plea- 
sures, honours and riches of this world, as others do. We are 
' crucified to the world/ We are also miserable from the 
malice, hatred and persecution of the men of the world, for 
our hope in Christ. We are miserable from the burden of a 
body of sin, which others feel not; from the fiery darts of 
Satan, which at others he shoots not ; the workings of unbe- 
lief, which others find not ; that we ever offend the Lord, which 
others care not for ; that we cannot perfectly and persever- 
ingly obey his will in all things, which others concern not 
themselves about ; that ever the Lord hides his face, and 
deserts our souls, which others know nothing of. From these 
and innumerable other things, christians, of all other men, are 
most miserable. But, oh blessed hope in Christ. e He is our 
hope/ 1 Tim. i. 1. While Jesus lives, our hope lives. Time, 
with all its changes cannot frustrate it. Death, with all its 
terrors cannot destroy it. Eternity with all its glories, will be 
the end and fruition of it. 



JANUARY 28.] 59 [morning. 

Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done 
the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Heb. 
x. 36. 



Are the christain's exercises great, and his patience small ? 
Yet can he ever be at a loss to know by whom this grace is 
increased ? Verily the Lord he serveth is ' the God of pati- 
ence.' Hath he need of patience? Hear the Comforter's 
declaration, by St. Paul : ' My God shall supply all your need, 
according to his riches in glory.' Mind, disciple, this is cove- 
nant mercy ; therefore, with every other grace it comes through 
a Mediator. Hence it is added, c by Jesus Christ.' Phil, 
iv. 19. We do the will of God when we believe on his Son 
Jesus, and love one another. 1 John iii. 23. And all the pro- 
mises are in Christ Jesus, ' yea and amen,' sure and certain to 
every believing soul. By faith we have the earnest of eternal 
life ; having received the first fruits, the harvest shall follow in 
due season. But there are many conflicts to be engaged in, a 
great fight of afflictions to be endured on earth, before we shall 
be crowned in glory ; therefore patience is necessary. Pati- 
ence must have its perfect work. By faith we stand, by pati- 
ence we endure. Believing, we look forward in hope ; this 
brings patience in sufferings. 

But Satan has a very poignant dart, which he dared to cast 
at Jesus ; no marvel that he shoots it against us also. ( If 
thou be the Son of God,' why doth thy loving Father suffer 
such distress and affliction to fall on thee ? Faith can answer, 
All is my Father's will, all is from his love, all shall be to 
his glory, and all shall be for the good and profit of my soul. 
I cannot doubt his love, I dare not murmur against his dis- 
pensations, I desire patience under all, I will not cast away 
my confidence. Time is short, sufferings are but for a moment, 
eternity is near, afflictions are not worthy to be compared with 
the glory that shall be revealed in us. Through Jesus, we have 
access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice 
in hope of the glory of God. We glory in tribulation, knowing 
that tribulation worketh patience. Rom. v. 2, 3. Yet a little 
while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 
Now the just shall live by faith. Heb. x. 37, 38. Christ ac- 
complishes the most glorious things in us by degrees. Pati- 
ence must endure the whole military exercise ; it is as neces- 
sary as faith to the enjoyment of the promised inheritance. 
Through faith and patience we shall inherit the promises. 
Heb. vi. 12. 

"Pis God tliat lifts our comforts high, If smiling' mercy crown our lives, 

Or sinks them to the grave ; Its praises shall he spread ; 

He gives, and (hlessed be his name) And we'll adore the justice too 

He takes but what lie gave. That strikes our comforts dead. 



JANUARY 28.] (50 [EVENING. 

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against 
all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Rom. 
i. 18. 



One sin ruined the whole race of Adam, it brought curse 
and wrath upon every soul of man. Every man that ever lived, 
that now lives, and that ever shall live upon this earth, is by 
nature a child of wrath ; and the wrath of God is revealed from 
heaven against his sin, not one soul excepted. How is this 
wrath revealed? (1) At the giving of the holy law on Mount 
Sinai. Exod. xix There the Lord revealed all the terror and 
glory of his majesty, as the most holy, sin-hating God. Think 
of the mount that burned with fire, the blackness, darkness 
and tempest ; the awful sound of the trumpet, the terrible voice 
of words, which they who heard, entreated they should not be 
spoken any more. And so terrible was the sight, that even 
Moses said, ' I exceedingly fear and quake.' Heb. xii. 21. 
Think of this, and think not what is called the least sin a little 
thing, for it has lighted up the fire of God's wrath. (2) See 
the wrath of God revealed, in drowning the old world, in burn- 
ing Sodom and Gomorrah, in the matter of Korah, and in his 
judgments upon the ungodly in all ages. ' God is angry with 
the wicked every day. ' Psal. vii. 11. The fire of his wrath 
and indignation ever smokes against all sin. Remember this, 
and be watchful. (3) Reflect on the wrath of God revealed 
from heaven, when he took vengeance on his beloved Son, for 
the sins of his people. See our iniquity -bearing, sin -atoning, 
curse -sustaining Lamb of God, on the cross. There see what 
sin is, there view the indignation of God against it, his justice 
punishing it, and the awful vengeance be executed upon it. 
Oh my soul, think of thy Saviour's inconceivable sufferings for 
sin. Here see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, view its crimson 
dye in the atoning blood of the Son of God. Ever think of 
this, love the Lamb, and strive against all sin. (4) The wrath 
of God is revealed against sin, even in his own children. He 
equally hates their sins, will punish sin in them, and them for 
sin too. Beware of any doctrine that makes light of sin, or as 
though God has not the same abhorrence of sin, indignation 
and wrath against sin in his own children, as well as others. 
Do not hold the truth in unrighteousness. Never think of re- 
conciling a holy God to abominable sin. (5) The wrath of 
God is revealed in the conscience of his people. By the law r 
is the knowledge of sin, and the law worketh wrath. Rom. 
iv. 15. It fills the mind with terrible apprehensions of the 
wrath of God, and a fearful looking for of his judgment, and 
fiery indignation against sin. Bless Jesus, that his blood 
cleanseth from all sin. And lastly, remember the awful day, 
when, ( God will take vengeance on them who obey not the 
gospel of Jesus Christ.' 2 Thess. i. 8. 



JANUARY 29.J 61 [MORNING. 

He that believeth on him, is not condemned. Johu 
iii. 18. 



Dost thou believe on the Son of God, is the most important 
question in the world. Faith in Jesus is the one thing need- 
ful. Without this the day of life is a state of sin and condem- 
nation; the night of death full of terror, and the day of judg- 
ment most dreadful. It cannot be otherwise. As we are all 
malefactors, under the sentence of the law, the thoughts of 
execution must be most alarming. But ' what the eye doth 
not see, the heart doth not rue.' Sin naturally blinds men's 
eyes, hardens their hearts ; and vain self- righteous hopes 
deceive their souls into an insensibility of their undone state. 

What a special mercy to know one's self; what distinguish- 
ing grace to know Jesus ; what peculiar favour to know one is 
delivered from condemnation by him ! This is the joyful privi- 
lege of every believer. Though the law condemns him as a 
transgressor, yet God doth not impute sin, but imputes righte- 
ousness to him ; a righteousness which is equivalent to every 
demand of the law, even the perfect righteousness of the ever- 
blessed man and mediator Jesus, our brother, our surety in the 
flesh. Therefore we are not condemned. 

Sin cannot condemn us, it is all atoned for by the blood of 
Jesus. The law cannot condemn us, that is satisfied ; yea 
more, it is magnified and made honourable by the. obedience of 
the God-man Jesus, more so than it could have been by all the 
obedience of a world of innocent spotless saints, or of the whole 
company of the heavenly host of angels and archangels. The 
justice of God cannot condemn us ; for what charge can the 
strictest justice bring against a righteous person ? God's faith- 
fulness and truth cannot condemn, they are engaged in the 
behalf of the righteous. ' God is faithful and just to forgive 
us ; ' and his love and mercy embrace such on every side, for 
the righteous Lord loveth righteousness. 

Lo, thus is the man blessed that believeth in Jesus. Righte- 
ous in Christ, through faith; yet not faith, but Jesus is his 
righteousness. By faith he ever glories in Jesus as his all in 
all. He that abides in Jesus, enjoys - what ? Perfect freedom 
from the being of sin? No: but the blessedness of perfect 
freedom from all condemnation for sin. He brings forth fruit 
to the glory of God ; he is an heir of ' the inheritance among 
them who are sanctified by the faith which is in Jesus. ' Acts 
xx vi. 18 



What thou \ias.t spoken in the word, Who shall condemn ? Fuith boldly cri«*, 

Apply unto my conscience, Lord ; I have a friend bevond the skies : 

That faith may echo back the sound, If Satan, sin, and law beset, 

And love, and joy, and peace abound. My surety doth from all acquit. M. 



JANUARY 29.] 62 [EVENING. 

.Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to 
the Lord. Lam. iii. 40. 



This book is justly stiled, the Lamentations. The dear chil- 
dren of God were now in captivity and deep distress. Jeremiah 
most pathetically enumerates and laments their great calami- 
ties. We shall never get out of this book of Lamentations, 
while in the body. We daily see cause for lamentation on one 
account and another ; and indeed if we did not, it would be a 
sad sign that our eyes are blinded by self-righteous pride, or 
our hearts hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. { As 
sorrowing, yet always rejoicing,' is the christian motto. Times 
of calamity, and seasons of distress, call for self examination, 
and soul-searching. This will keep down murniurings and 
complainings. (1) Let us i search,' look for and enquire after 
something, that may support and comfort us, and teach us to 
improve our distress. Soul, let thy circumstances be what they 
may, thy Lord's advice is ever seasonable. { Search the scrip- 
tures.' Why? ' They testify of me. ' John v. 39. Christ is 
the head of the covenant, in him the Father loves us : through 
him his love flows to us. Afflictions flow from covenant love, 
and shall answer covenant purposes. The scriptures are writ- 
ten for our comfort, there we find that we have the common lot 
and inheritance with all saints. (2) ( Try our ways,' by that 
standard of justice and perfection, the law of God. Oh how 
will this make the sense of sin abound ! Is the law of God 
holy? Our ways are unholy. Is the law spiritual? We are 
carnal, sold under sin. Is the law just? Our ways are unjust. 
Is the law good ? In us, that is, in our flesh, dwells no good 
thing. What must we do? Must we sit down in melancholy, 
give up all hope, and write despair upon our hearts ? No, 
blessed be God. Though sin has destroyed us, there is salva- 
tion in the Lord for us. (3) ' Turn again to the Lord.' Such 
is the acting of a gracious heart. Having once tasted that the 
Lord is gracious, and known the precious love of Christ, it 
cannot be happy in sin. It cannot bear to live at a distance 
from the Lord, its life and love. Believing that all our iniqui- 
ties were laid upon Christ, that he bore them in his own body 
on the tree, it cannot rest till it again finds pardon in his blood, 
the peace of God, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Bless the Lord, 
oh my soul, for that gracious word : ' Return ye backsliding 
children, and I will heal your backsli dings. ' Jer iii 22. 

Sin and the pow'rs of hell, Remember all thy grace, 
Persuade me lo despair ; And lead me in thy truth, 

Lord make me know thy cov'nant will, Forgive the sins of riper years, 
That I may 'scape the snare And follies of my youth 



JANUARY BO.] 63 [MORNING. 

The wicked flee when no man pursueth ; but the 
righteous are bold as a lion. Pro v. xxviii. 1. 



Watchful and bold, is the christian's motto. Watchful to 
avoid sin, bold to resist the enemies of his soul. For he is 
engaged in a righteous cause, animated by righteous hopes, 
made righteous by a righteous Lord ; from whom he derives all 
his strength and courage. In Jehovah Jesus have I righteous- 
ness and strength. Isai. xiv. 24. This is the glorying of his 
soul. Not his own inherent strength, not his own personal 
righteousness, are the cause of his fortitude; but the arm of 
Jehovah is his shield, and the perfect righteousness of Jesus is 
his breastplate of defence against every enemy. Being cleansed 
from guilt by the blood of Jesus, and clothed with his righte- 
ousness, by faith the soul experiences a holy boldness at a 
throne of grace, appeals against the fury of the enemy and op- 
pressor, and finds supplies of strength in every time of need. 
This is the life of faith. So believers grow strong, not in con- 
ceit of what they are in themselves, but ( strong in the grace 
which is in Christ Jesus — strong in the Lord, and in the power 
of his might. ' 

Thus righteousness inspires with courage and boldness. 
Such is the comfort of faithful souls. All the glory is due to 
Jesus, from whom the Spirit of love, of power, and of a sound 
mind, is given to his righteous children. The action of Joseph 
of Arimathea, is recorded with an emphasis upon his courage : 
( He went in boldly to Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.' 
Mark xv. 43. Here was boldness in the midst of danger, an 
act of faith in the midst of foes, a token of love without fear or 
shame of the greatest enemies to Jesus. But ' he was waiting 
for the kingdom of God/ 

The boldness of Peter and John astonished the Jewish san- 
hedrim, who took knowledge of them, that they had been with 
Jesus, Acts iv. 13. Have we been with Jesus, in the faith of 
our souls ? Are we waiting for the coming of his kingdom ? 
Shall we then be afraid of the worms of the earth ; ashamed 
of our master, his cross, or his ways? Forbid it, Lord : inspire 
our souls with boldness, that with David we may triumph and 
say, ' The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I 
fear? The Lord is the- strength of my life, of whom shall I be 
afraid? Though a host should encamp against me, my heart 
shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this will 
I be confident.' Psal. xxvii. 1, 3. 

Is Jesus my almighty king ; This makes me bold before Lis tliroue, 

Doth he forbid my fear? Yea hold my foes to face ; 

What foes shall' put my soul to flight ? I flee to Christ— -Lord, make me stand. 

His righteousness I wear. Bv thine almiiihtv <nace. M. 



JANUARY 30.] 64 [EVENING. 

Being justified freely by his grace, through the re- 
demption that is in Christ Jesus. Rom. iii. 24. 

Who are in this happy state ? Men, apostate men, who have 
alike sinned and come short of the glory of God. But are 
impenitent unbelieving sinners justified? Who will dare 
avouch this? Paul fully contradicts it. He expressly says, 
' the righteousness of God/ that one righteousness which God 
appoints, accepts and approves, ' which is by faith of Jesus 
Christ/ received by that faith, of which Jesus is the author 
and finisher, ' is unto all, and upon all them who believe. ' But 
unbelievers reject this glorious righteousness of Christ; there- 
fore they are not in a state of justification. Doubtless God 
had in his secret and eternal purposes to justify al] them who 
shall believe ; therefore he gives them faith in time. Then, 
what was eternally decreed, effectually takes place in their 
souls. Then they come as condemned malefactors, to plead 
this act of free grace at the bar of justice, at the footstool of 
mercy ; and from the ground of their hearts, give God the glory 
of it. For God is just, while he is the justiiier of him who 
believes in Jesus. Oh happy believer in Jesus. Thou, even 
thou, though in thyself a miserable sinner, yet art freely justi- 
fied. Thou art as fully freed from all condemnation for sin, as 
though thou hadst never committed a sin. You are as per- 
fectly righteous before God, as if you had never sinned. Infi- 
nitely more so than if Adam had never fell, and you had been 
born an innocent creature ; for you are arrayed with the glori- 
ous righteousness of the Jehovah Man, Christ Jesus. Why 
are you not always happy and joyful in this ? Pride is in your 
nature : that says, it cannot be, I must have some hand in 
procuring it. Legality works in you : that says, I must per- 
form some condition to obtain it. Unbelief sets itself against 
it, and says, it is impossible it should be true. All the 
evil that is in your fallen nature opposes free and full justifica- 
tion by the grace of God. It is your grand business to oppose 
the truth of God against all, and to believe in opposition to all. 
Fix, oh fix your constant eye on the redemption that is in 
Christ Jesus. Free grace sets that before you : glory only 
and alone in this. For by this you are delivered from capti- 
vity to sin, Satan and the law, and have a full and everlasting 
title to heaven. All grace and glory comes from the free 
favour of God through this. Be strong in faith, and give Jesus 
all the glory ; and while you look at and glory in your blessed 
privileges, be careful of your walk. Consider how highly you 
are favoured of God, and how you ought in all things to study 
to please God, and ever fear to offend him : for ' God is love. ' 
1 John iv 8- 



JANUARY 31.] 05 [MORNING 

Christ's house are it% if we hold fast the confidence, 
and the rejoicing- of the hope firm unto the end. Ileh. 
iii. 6. 



The tabernacle, with its furniture, the ark of the covenant 
and the institution of sacrifices, were appointed by Jehovah, 
to show the nature of his house, to typify his dwelling in the 
human nature of Jesus, his sacrifice and special presence with 
the houshold of faith. David asks, ' Lord, who shall dweli 
with thee?' Psal. xv. 1. The answer is, only those whose 
hearts are furnished with the graces of Jesus, and whose lives 
evidence it. 

When a person possesses a right in a house, and delights to 
dwell in it, he adorns and furnishes it. This Jesus doth by the 
hearts of all his members. He is our Brother in the flesh. He 
complies with his own command, when thou lettest a servant 
go free, ' thou shaft furnish him liberally. * Deut. xv. 14. Out 
of the fulness of Jesus, his members receive most liberally, 
grace for grace. Hence they have the confidence of faith, and 
the rejoicing of hope. 

But why doth the apostle put an ' if ' here? Is it to weaken 
our confidence and damp our joy, as though Jesus was not 
faithful to us ; or that our own efforts could make salvation 
more secure than his blood and righteousness have done. Is 
it to keep us always in a state of diffidence and uncertainty? 
Far from it ; this would counteract the grace of Jesus, weaken 
faith and hope in him, and strengthen the pride and vainglory 
of us sinners, as though Jesus was the foundation, but our 
own arm, our own faithfulness was to raise the superstructure, 
and bring forth the head-stone of salvation with shoutings, not 
of grace, grace to him ; but glory, glory to us Most detest, 
able thought ! 

We are assured that all those whose names are written in 
the Lamb's book of life, shall enter into his glory. Rev. xxi. 
27. There are no ifs, no doubt of this. But who is of that 
happy number? This we can only know by the Spirit given 
unto us, whereby we cleave unto Jesus in heart and affection 
as our only hope, renounce both the righteousness and sinful- 
ness of the flesh, continue to hold fast and persevere in the 
■faith of the gospel, and walk worthy of the vocation where- 
with we are called. Ephes. iv. 1. We are not of Christ's 
house, if we have no real confidence, no scriptural hope in him ; 
or if we have made shipwreck of faith, and rejected him as the 
only Saviour. Wherefore, brethren, give diligence to make 
your calling and election sure ; for if ye do these things, ye 
shall never fall. 2 Pet. i. 10. 

Hold fast your trust, retain your hope, All of ihy house shall persevere, 

In spite of Satan and of sin ; They of thy fulness sha!! partake : 

Thus honour Christ your Saviour's word, Thy word is tried, thy promise sure, 

Till vou his glorious kingdom win. Thou, Lord, thine own wiH ne'er foi^ake. m 

K 



JANUARY 31.] 66 [EVENING. 

This God is our God for ever and ever : he will be 
our guide even unto death. Psalm, xlviii. 14. 



£5 



Here is, (1) The joyful claim of faith. ' This God:' just 
as though the sinner saw him as visible, pointed to him, and 
exulted in him. ' Is our God : ' it is our special mercy that 
we do not serve an unknown God. Our God has manifested 
himself to us, is known by us, and we have felt his sovereign 
grace and almighty power within us. Hence we own him, 
come to him, and rejoice in him, as our covenant God in 
Christ. He came from heaven to earth to seek and to save 
us, and has given us hearts to ascend from earth to heaven. 
There we view our reconciled God and Father, at perfect peace 
with us : our God Redeemer, ever living to save us : our God 
and Comforter, bringing the joys of salvation into our hearts, 
and thereby sanctifying us unto eternal glory. This our God 
ever rests in his love to us. Zeph. iii. 17. He will never turn 
away from us to do us good. Jer. xxxii. 40. For, (2) He is 
' our God for ever and ever. ' Not only yesterday and to-day, 
while our frames are warm and lively, and our comforts strong ; 
but through every revolving period of time, and in every dis- 
tressing circumstance. Oh cutting thought, if God were ever 
to cease to be our God ! Some say, God may be our loving 
God and Father to-day, but to-morrow may cast us off in his 
wrath, and become our implacable enemy for ever. Does he 
then beget children for the devil ? Has Christ redeemed souls 
by his blood, which may be lost for ever ? Does the Spirit 
quicken and sanctify souls, who may inhabit the bottomless 
pit ? This is not the language of scripture and faith, but of 
ignorance and unbelief. It comes from sinful pride, thinking 
we do something to cause God to be our God. It tends to 
dreadful presumption, thinking we can do something to keep 
him our God. It ends in awful desperation ; for if we fail on 
our parts, we lose God and our souls for ever. No, but (3) 
oh joyful truth, our God will be ' our guide even unto death.' 
Our souls then cannot be lost out of his hands. The blood of 
Christ cleanseth from all sin, and his mercy endureth for 
ever. Psal. cvi. 1. ' He will guide us into all truth.' John 
xvi. 13. His truth forbids all sin, his everlasting love con- 
strains from it, his promises excite to all holiness ; and we 
are filled with all joy and peace in believing him when he 
says, ' I will never leave you, nor forsake you.' Heb. 
xiii. 5. ' Even to your old age, and to hoary hairs will I carry 
you. I have made and L will bear ; even I will carry, and will 
deliver you.' Isai. xlvi. 4. 

The God we -worship now Will l>e our Goil while here below, 

Will jniide us till we die, And ours above the skv. 



FEBUARY 1.] 67 [MORNING. 

Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be 
your fear, and let him be your dread. Isai. viii. 13. 



In consequence of a blessed union between Jesus and his 
believing members, the word discovers the sweet concord and 
delight that naturally subsists in the heart towards each other. 
Thus of old it is declared, * The Lord's portion is his people. ' 
Deut. xxxii. 9. And the church claims Jesus under the same 
appellation: ' The Lord is my portion, saith my soul.' Lam. 
iii. 24. ' Ye shall be to me a holy nation/ Exod xix. 6. 
' I will dwell in them, and walk in them/ saith our gracious 
Immanuel. Therefore, such highly-favoured souls are called 
to the most special and peculiar service on earth, ere they 
attain the perfect enjoyment of Jesus in glory. What more 
exalted pitch of honour, than for creatures of a day to sanctify 
the Lord of the heavenly hosts, the Lord of the armies of the 
whole earth. 

Is Jesus the Lord thy God ? Worship thou him ; give him 
the glory due unto his name. The heart is his temple ; there 
sanctify thy Lord. Separate every idol of self-righteousness, 
every vain pretension, every boasted plea for mercy, but what 
is in Jesus, and flows through him. Spurn from thee all things 
else as detestable, that would rival Jesus, detract from his 
glory, or cast a veil over his finished salvation, by the life of 
his obedience, and the blood of his atonement. 

' Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice/ Phil. 
iv. 4. But rejoice with trembling ; for the Lord our God is a 
holy God. Fear his frown, dread his displeasure, stand in awe 
of his majesty daily. The righteousness, the peace, the joy 
of the soul is from him ; therefore thy heart should be ever 
towards him, thine eye looking up to him, thine affections 
placed upon him, thy hands labouring to work those things 
which are well-pleasing in his sight, and thy feet running the 
way of his commandments with delight. But who is sufficient 
for these things ? From daily experience we are constrained 
to confess, ' when I would do good, evil is present with me/ 
This is humbling, but not discouraging. Thy Master knows 
thy compound state ; the desire to good is from him, the evil 
from thyself. Inspired Paul is upon a level with the weakest 
believer, alike naturally prone to evil, destitute of inherent 
power ; but yet saith he, ' I can do all things through Christ, 
who strengtheneth me/ Phil. iv. 13. This is the daily exer- 
cise of faith, to oppose Christ's righteousness to the feeling of 
sin ; the sanctification of the Spirit to every lust, the strength 
of Jehovah to the weakness of nature. This is the hope, the 
joy, the triumph of every believer. ' In the Lord shall all the 
seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.' Isai. xlv, 25. 



FEBRUARY 1.] 68 [EVENING. 

And the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left 
communing icith Abraham, anal Abraham returned to 
his oivn place. Gen. xviii. 33. 

Love is the bond of friendship. Unless love be mutual, 
friendship cannot subsist. The sweets of friendship are en- 
joyed in free communications. Friends are delighted with 
each other's presence, long absence causes pain. This is true 
between God and the soul. If you feel concern at the absenc. 
of God, you love him, and are a friend of the Lord's. The 
Lord stoops to earth, he takes our flesh, he visits and con- 
verses with us as friends. This same Lord communes with 
Abraham. Consider, (1) Abraham was a poor sinner as well 
as we. He could no more behold the essential glory of the 
Godhead, without a mediator, than we can. Nor can God, in 
his essential glory, as perfectly holy and righteous, draw near 
to fallen man, without a mediator, but sudden destruction 
must be his awful doom. Therefore it was Jesus the Lord, 
the sinner's friend, mediator, justifier and Saviour, that com- 
muned with Abraham. It is Jesus ' with whom we have to 
do ; ' he is the word of God to us. Heb. iv. 13. This revives 
and refreshes our dejected spirits. (2) Though this visit and 
communion with the Lord was precious, it did not last long. 

The Lord went his way.' Do not you frequently find it so ? 
Christ comes and pays a love visit to your soul, he sweetly 
communes with you, he warms your heart, he comforts your 
.oul. It is but for a season : he goes his way, and you cannot 
out be sorry. You reckon those moments tedious, that inter- 
vene between one loving visit and another. You say with the 
disciples, ( Did not my heart burn within me ? ' Luke xxiv. 32. 
And with others, ' Oh thou, the hope of Israel the Saviour, 
why shouldst thou be as a wayfaring man, who tarries but for 
anight?' Jer. xiv. 8. But faith lives upon Jesus, though 
sensible comforts are wanting. (3) ' Abraham returned to 
his own place,' to the tents in Mamre, which signifies rebel- 
lions or bitter. He must again feel the rebellions, and taste 
the bitterness of his fallen nature. There is love in this, as 
well as in the Lord's visits and communions. Wisdom pre- 
scribes this potion, love administers it, and grace makes it 
profitable. Says our dear Lord, ' What I do, thou knowest 
not now, but thou shalt know hereafter.' John xiii. 7. Our 
Lord's love is ever the same, his affections change not. 
Though he may leave off communing with 'hee' below, yet he 
never ceases praying for thee above. This is precious to our 
souls. Do we come unto God by him? He is able to save 
us to the uttermost. He ever lives to make intercession for 
us. Heb. vii. 25. 



FEBRUARY 2.] 69 [MORNING. 

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pil- 
grims, abstain from fleshly lusts, tvhich war against 
the soul. 1 Pet. ii. 11. 



The soul of every disciple of Jesus is most dearly beloved 
by the holy Trinity. It is a precious jewel in the eyes of the 
loving Father, the redeeming Son, and the sanctifying Spirit ; 
who all unite to make it happy. But it hath a world of ene- 
mies. Yea, it is at present in the closest and nearest relation 
to one of its greatest foes, the flesh ; the lusts and desires of 
which are at continual war against the peace, comfort, and 
welfare of the soul. Therefore, oh christian, thy best friend 
sounds an alarm of love, and gives thee a kind warning. 
' Abstain from fleshly lusts/ He knows what great hurt com- 
pliance with and indulgence in them will do thee ; thou wilt 
surely smart and be sorely grieved for it. Destroy thee, they 
shall not ; but distress thee, like the prevailings of a bitter 
enemy, they will. Consider, beloved brethren, we are stran- 
gers and pilgrims, sojourning and passing through a strange 
land and foreign country. Our clothing is, Christ and his 
righteousness ; our food, Christ and his fulness ; our staff, 
Christ and his promises ; our rule, the word of Christ ; out 
guide, the Spirit of Christ ; the place whither we are bound, 
is heaven, a better country, our Father's house, the inheritance 
of our friends and brethren. 

Settle this in your minds. Meditate daily on your calling, 
your hope, your heaven, where your treasure is. Where should 
your affections and delight be ? Not on earth, this is not your 
rest, it is polluted ; not in the flesh, this is to be denied, its 
motions abstained from, its lusts and affections crucified daily. 
Know the flesh as thine enemy, treat it as such, keep it under ; 
in it ' dwells no good thing/ Its Listings and desires cannot 
but be evil continually— they will never cease to oppose the 
spirit, the life and liberty of thy soul ; they are ever at war 
against the peace, consolation, and joy, which is in Christ 
Jesus. Daily victory is joyful triumph. Therefore ever con- 
sider the need of following this advice : ( Put on the whole 
armour of God.' Ephes. vi. .11. Feeling foes within, and 
being at war against them, is a sure evidence of a good sol- 
dier of Jesus Christ. < Fight the good fight of faith/ 

This life's a dream, an empty show ; Arid flesh and sin uo more controul 

Bui the hright world to which I go, The sacred pleasures of my soul. 

Hath joys substantial and sincere : „ _ . . „ . . . . 

When shall 1 wake and find me there ? J£v flesh shall slumber m the -round 

I ill the last trumpet s joyful sound, 

Oh glorious hour, oil blest abode ! Then burst the chains with sweet surprise, 

I shall be near and like my God, And in my Saviour's image rise. 



FEBRUARY 2.] 70 [EVENING. 

Godly sorrow ivorketh repentance unto salvation, not 
to be repented of. 2 Cor. vii. 10. 

By legal preaching, setting forth the curses of the law, and 
the terrors of hell, a sinner's conscience may be made to trem- 
ble, under the dread of damnation. He may be said to repent. 
Judas thus repented himself, and said I have sinned.- He 
might be sorry for it, his sin might make his heart ache, and 
fill his soul with horrors. But here was no godly sorrow, 
God was not in his heart ; no repentance unto salvation : this 
was out of his sight. His repentance was unto damnation ; 
for ' he went out and hanged himself ' Matt, xxvii. 5. Natu- 
ral fears and legal terrors may excite sorrow, without the 
grace of repentance. (1) What then is godly sorrow ? It springs 
from God, it is directed to God, and arises in the heart on ac- 
count of God. "With David the soul cries, ( against thee only 
have I sinned.' PsaL li. 4. The heart is pierced to the very 
quick with anguish, for having sinned against a God in Christ, 
a sin pardoning, a soul comforting, a most affectionate Father. 
This is the sorrow of faith, and it is grateful to God. (2) It 
' worketh repentance.' It causes the soul to change its mind 
and its conduct. Its mind. Sin and Satan had deceived it, 
it foolishly fancied there were some sweet charms in sin that 
could make it quite happy ; but it now feels the wormwood 
and the gall. It looks at its sin, and looks at its Saviour, and 
cries, Oh my Lord and ray God, could I ever be so mad as to 
turn from thee to sin ! I lament my folly : Jesus pardon me. 
Its conduct. Godly sorrow causes the soul to turn away from 
sin with lothing and detestation, and to turn to the Lord with 
humble faith, holy hope, ardent desire, and an earnest cry, Oh 
my Jesus, e restore to me the joys of thy salvation : cast me 
not away from thy presence : take not thy holy Spirit from me. ' 
PsaL li. 1.1, 12. Though sin has made me miserable, yet thou, 
and thou only canst make me happy. (3) This repentance is 
1 unto salvation.' It brings the soul to Jesus. There is salva- 
tion in him and in no other. Acts iv. 12. (4) This is ' not to 
be repented of.' Oh my soul, canst thou ever change thy mind, 
concerning the precious salvation of Jesus, by repentance unto 
life, from a godly sorrow for sin. Beware then of those ' fools 
who make a mock of sin.' Prov. xiv. 9. Of those mad fools, 
who deride godly sorrow for sin, and laugh at all repentance 
as downright legality. But says Jesus, ' except ye repent, ye 
shall all perish.' Luke xiii. 3. 

'Twas for my sins iny dearest Lord Whilst with a melting hroken heart, 

Hung on the cursed tree, My murdered Lord 1 view, 

And groaned away a dying life, I'M raise revenge against my sins, 

For thee, my soul, for ihee. And slay the murderers too. 



FEBRUARY 3.] 71 [MORNING. 

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me 
from my secret faults. Keep hack thy servant also from 
presumptuous sins ; let them not have dominion over me. 
Psalm xix. 12, 13. 



As faith gives a holy boldness at the throne of grace, so the 
regenerate soul is open and ingenuous in confession of sin. 
When sin is dethroned in the heart, its errors are its concerns ; 
the most secret faults bow it in humility before the Lamb. To 
his precious blood the believer has recourse for cleansing ; he 
has daily need of it. He cannot understand all his errors. 
Many secret faults cleave unto him. He is sensible that even 
these must be washed away, lest they defile his conscience, 
and spread a cloud over his mind. It is the peculiar wisdom 
of disciples, not only to observe the bud, blossom, and fruit of 
sin, but also to consider the evil root, the polluted nature from 
which it springs.. Here is the exercise of watchfulness. This 
calls for their daily prayer to be kept by the power of God. 

Happy souls, who, under a sense of peace through the blood 
of Jesus, are daily praying to be kept by the grace of the Spi- 
rit. Such truly know themselves, see their danger of falling, 
will not, dare not palliate or lessen the odious nature and 
hateful deformity of their sin. They will not give a softer 
name to sin than it deserves, lest they depreciate the infinite 
value of that precious blood which Jesus shed to atone its 
guilt. Far will they be from flattering themselves into a de- 
ceitful notion that they are perfect, and have no sin in them. 
The, Spirit of truth delivers them from such errors; he teach- 
eth them as poor sinners to look to the Saviour, and to beseech 
him to keep back the headstrong passions, the unruly lusts, 
and evil concupiscences which dwell in their sinful natures. 
Alas, the most exalted saint, the most established believer, if 
left to himself, how soon might the blackest crimes, the most 
presumptuous sins, get the dominion over him I David had 
woful experience of this for a season. He prays from a heart- 
felt sense of past misery, and the dread of future danger, and 
he found the blessing of that covenant-promise. Oh believer, 
may it be the exercise of thy faith daily to live upon it, daily 
to plead it before thy Saviour. ' Sin shall not have dominion 
over you; for ye are, not under the law, but under grace.' 
Rom. vi. 14. Why shall not sin lord it over the conscience of 
a believer? Truly, because the grace of Jesus reigns for him, 
and within him. For he saith, ( I will put my fear in their 
hearts, that they shall not depart from me/ Jer. xxxii. 40. 

Ob who can ever find Warn me of every sin, 

I he errors of his ways ? Forgive my secret faults. 

Vet with a bold presumptuous mind And cleanse this guilty soul of mine, 
I would not dare transgress. Whose crimes exceed my thoughts. 



FEBRUARY 3.] 72 [EVENING. 

Speak thou the things ivhich become sound doctrine. 
Titus ii. 1. 



' Like people, like priest/ is a scripture adage. Hos. iv. 9, 
Professors generally catch the same mind of the minister they 
sit under. Our Lord advises, l take heed what you hear/ 
Matt xxiv. 4. The seeds of all heresies are in our nature/they 
are sooner learned than sound doctrine. Hence Paul's jea- 
lousy of, and advice to Titus. He was not only to preach 
sound doctrine, but the things also which become it. Sound 
doctrine is to be highly prized, yet it is not to be alone. Good 
as it is, to have a sound judgment in the doctrines of grace, 
yet we are ever to consider, they are all according to, and pro- 
motive of godliness. They are all of a practical and experi- 
mental nature, producing love in the heart, and holiness in the 
life. Many err here. Some make little of sound doctrine : 
they cry out, away with your doctrines, give us practical holi- 
ness. These cast contempt upon the word of truth, and im- 
peach the wisdom of the Spirit of truth, in revealing the doc- 
trines of the grace of the everlasting covenant. However they 
may talk of Christ, yet they lightly esteem the truth as it is in 
him. From such turn away. For the law of the Lord is per- 
fect, converting the soul : the testimony of the Lord is sure, 
making wise the simple: the statutes of the Lord are right, 
rejoicing the heart : the commandment of the Lord is pure, 
enlightening the eyes. Psal. xix. 7, 8. Again, there are others, 
who think and speak of nothing but doctrines. They care 
nothing about the things which become sound doctrine, such 
as a life of self-denial, a holy walk, a careful abstaining from 
the very appearance of evil, living in the exercise of spiritual 
grace, and in the discharge of every christian duty, striving to 
adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in ' all things. ' Titus 
ii. 10. Alas, it is too common to see such. Like the wild ass 
they snuff* up the wind of doctrine, bray it over, while their 
hearts are as cold and dead to spiritual communion with Christ, 
and the life and power of godliness, as the world which lieth 
in wickedness. Beware of such : Christianity is life, as well 
as truth. The gospel is to be experienced in its power, as 
well as believed in its word. Christ is to be lived upon by faith, 
and lived to by love, as well as talked of with the tongue. Oh 
let us not be content with a form of sound words in our heads ; 
but let us cry earnestly and constantly to our Lord, for the life 
and power of them in our hearts, to influence our lives. So 
shall we from precious heart-felt experience joyfully say, 
' truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son 
Jesus Christ.' 1 John i. 3. 



FEBRUARY 4.] 73 [MORNING. 

If ye love me keep my commandments. And 1 
will pray the Father, and he shall give you another 
comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 
even the Spirit of truth. John xiv. 15. 

He would be a traitor and a rebel who should dare set up 
his standard in England, and demand allegiance from the 
king's subjects, and require obedience to his commands, who 
had no right to the crown. So Jesus, if he is not King ot 
kings and Lord of lords, the King of saints, the living and 
true God ; but only a mere man, a prophet mighty in word 
and in deed, a very good man, who taught the best morals, 
and set us a good example, as some proud, vain, ignorant 
creatures pretend ; verily, if this were all, we, christians, could 
see no goodness in him. But he would be a bold usurper 
against the one eternal Jehovah, striving to alienate the affec- 
tions of the heart, and the obedience of the life from God, 
whom we are commanded to love and serve only. Therefore, 
■ If ye love me, keep my commandments,' saith Jehovah the 
mighty God, by the wonderful man Christ Jesus. Disciples 
know his voice. In love, he hath done ail things for their 
salvation. From love, he requires all of them in duty. Obedi- 
ence without love is slavery ; love without obedience is dissi- 
mulation. In keeping his commandments there is great re- 
ward, enjoyed, in present peace, expected in future hope; both 
are the fruits of free grace and unmerited love, and secured 
by precious promises. 

While others might hear of Jesus, and talk of the miracles 
he wrought in the days of his flesh ; yet those disciples only, 
who were obedient to his call and followed him, saw his glory, 
and enjoyed the comforts of his presence. So the closer dis- 
ciples walk with Jesus in love and obedience, they enjoy more 
of the comforts of faith. And besides the gift of faith, as an 
evidence, they shall receive the comforting witness of their 
being the children of God, even from the Spirit of truth ; ano- 
ther comforter, who shall abide with them for ever, as a seal, 
earnest, and pledge of their future glory. So Jesus prays, so 
the Father bestows, so the Spirit applies and comforts. Glory 
be to the ever blessed Three, who thus agree in One, and bear 
witness on earth of salvation, to the comfort and joy of poor 
sinners. Love to Jesus' is the spring of obedience. Keeping 
his commandments is the way in which, though not for which, 
the Spirit comforts our hearts. What God hath joined toge- 
ther, let no man put asunder. 

The God of mercy bo adored, To praise the Father and the Son, 
Who calls our souls from death. And Spirit, all divine, 

Who saves by his redeeming word Tiie one in three, and three in one, 
And new-creating breath. Let saints and angels join. 



FEBRUARY 4.] 74 [EVENING. 

He vrill reprove (or convince) Ike world of sin. 
John xvi. 8. 



Has the Spirit so convinced, so reproved you of sin, of the 
curse of the law for sin, of the wrath of God, revealed against 
all sin ; and of that sin of sins, unbelief, that whosoever lives 
and dies in, is under the wrath of God ; so that you have fled 
for refuge to Jesus, and have taken shelter in his wounds, to 
be saved from all sin ? Then you are blessed : your, soul is 
safe, your salvation sure. The Spirit has glorified Christ in 
your eyes, and to your heart ; and Christ will glorify your soul 
with him, in his own kingdom. Is not the Spirit rightly stiled 
the Comforter ? Did not he act the part of a comforter, even 
in convincing of sin ? What if your heart was broken and bled 
for sin, yet it was that you might be comforted with the love, 
and made joyful in the salvation of Jesus. But having thus 
convinced you of sin, and brought you to Christ for salvation, 
has the Spirit done with you? Is his w*ork at an end upon 
you? Oh no. He is promised to abide with us for ever. 
John xiv. 16. He always carries on the same work, to con- 
vince of sin. He is always the Comforter, to testify of the 
Saviour ; and in both he maintains the character of the Holy 
Spirit. Why do little things pain you ? Some, to keep up 
the notion of sinless perfection, call them things not exactly 
right, but which you cannot, dare not look upon, but as sins 
of your nature. Why do you see, feel, and mourn over your- 
self as a lump of sin ? Why are you sensible that you sin in 
thought, word and deed, and that you can do nothing perfectly, 
that sin is in all you do, and that when you would do good 
evil is present? Why is it that you hate all sin, abhor your- 
self, and humble yourself, as a poor sinner from day to day 
before the Lord? Why is all this, but because the Spirit of 
truth is within, and convinces you of sin, and cuts off all hope 
in yourself on account of it ? But does he leave you comfort- 
less? Though he teaches you to ►see and say, all I am is sin, 
yet you can add, this does not Ijreak my peace. No, he con- 
vinces you also of righteousness, that Christ's righteousness is 
yours, and that he is your peace. Of judgment, that the 
judgment of God is according to truth, that he is just, and the 
justifier of the ungodly who believe in Jesus. Rom. iv. 5. So 
that now you live the life of faith, above the power of sin. 
Bless the eternal Spirit, oh my soul, for I can joyfully sing, 

A guilty weak and helpless worm, Be thou my strength and righteousness, 

On thy kind arms I fall, My Jesus and my all. 



FEBRUARY 5.] 75 

Turn, oh ye backsliding children ; for I am married 
to you, saith the Lord. Jer. iii. 14. 

When a child departs from an indulgent father, or a wife 
forsakes an affectionate husband, they in effect say, they have 
other objects with whom they are more delighted, and from 
whom they expect greater happiness. Oh backsliding soul, is 
such thy conduct towards the best of Fathers, the most affec- 
tionate Bridegroom ? Thy present practice loudly speaks this 
language, .' I have other lovers, and after them I will go. 
Monstrous ingratitude ! A child of special grace, and yet fly 
from thy most loving Father ; a spouse of the most affection- 
ate Bridegroom, and yet be unchaste to thy rightful Husband. 
Shocking carriage ! Yet, hear and wonder, hear and love, love 
and be ashamed, be ashamed and return ; for, marvellous 
grace, though thou hast broken thy marriage-contract, forfeited 
the privileges of children, yet the relation continues. ' I am 
married to you'— children still, notwithstanding all their un- 
kind carriage, ' saith the Lord/ Amazing love : instead of, 
I will pursue with vengeance, overtake with destruction ; it is, 
I entreat with love, expostulate with kindness, invite with 
affection. 

Who are thy present lovers ? Remember, the rivals of thy 
Lord are thy greatest foes, and seek thy present misery and 
eternal destruction. Dost thou ' live after the flesh?' Have 
Satan's wiles and the snares of the. world prevailed over thee ; 
the world, the flesh and the devil? Poor soul, canst thou be 
happy in their friendship and embraces ? Oh no : thou art 
got into bad, yea the worst company. What leanness of soul 
is brought upon thee ? Thy love to Jesus is grown cold, thy 
faith in him weak, zeal for him and his truth have forsaken 
thee, the way of sin and folly pleaseth thee, sweet intercourse 
in private prayer, .communion with thy God in public ordi- 
nances, is gone. Thou neglectest thy duty, and art grown shy 
of thy Father and his children. But still thy father calls, thy 
husband wooes thee again and again to turn — to return. Love, 
the bond of relation, never alters on God's part, notwithstand- 
ing base, backsliding, and monstrous ingratitude on thine. Spe- 
cial grace makes love-calls effectual. Such shall one clay call 
to mind c the love of their espousals ;' be ashamed and con- 
founded for all they have done, and take up this language, ' I 
come unto thee, for thou art my Father. I will go and return 
unto my first Husband, for then it was better with me than 
now.' Hos. ii. 7. 

Better, yea, best of all those times Thy Father stands with open arms, 

When 1 to Jesus cleaved, Thy bridegroom calls in love ; 

Return unto thy rest, my sool Return, Ihou wand'iing soul, to mc 

No. longer be deceived. <Ynd my a flections prove. 



FEBRUARY 5.] 76 [EVENING. 

He tvJio is washed, needelh not save to ivash his feet, 
but is clean every whit : and ye are clean. John xiii. 10. 



How precious is the word of the Lord ! Being- in great dis- 
order of body, and heaviness of soul, our Lord refreshed and 
comforted me with these words. Here Christ most plainly 
teaches us the following- blessed truths : (1) That every believer 
is washed by him, from the filth of all his sins. (2) That each, 
and every one, are equally and alike perfectly clean from all 
sin, in God's sight, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such 
thing. Ephes. v. 27. Justified from all things before God, 
Acts xiii. 39. There is not one condemnation against them 
from God, Rom. viii. 1. Therefore, (3) They need no other 
cleansing to make them acceptable to God, pure in his sight, 
meet to come into his presence now, and to enjoy him to all 
eternity. Rejoice, oh my fellow sinners, and thou too, my 
soul, in a lowly, self abasing, disciple washing, sin cleansing 
Jesus. He says, (let carnal reason, legal spirits, and lying 
Satan, suggest what they may,) ' clean every whit : and ye are 
clean.' Blessed Spirit, who broughtest us into this precious 
state, oh cause this glorious truth to shine in our hearts this 
night, in all its glory and comfort. Eternal thanks to thee for 
faith to receive it. Glory to the Son of God, whose precious 
blood cleanseth from ( all sin/ 1 John i. 7. But, though every 
whit clean, though perfectly cleansed by Christ ; yet he knows, 
and we find, that we are daily prone to defile our feet. To 
him we must come, for cleansing from the pollution of our 
daily walk and conversation- Faith has daily to do with a 
purifying Saviour. But beware that we ascribe not that 
cleansing virtue to the grace of faith, which is only in the 
blood of Christ. See what blessed news Peter's mistaken 
humility, in refusing Christ to wash his feet, brought from our 
Lord's lips to our hearts. View the love of a gracious, con- 
descending Lord. Did he stoop so low as to wash his disci- 
ples' feet ; and will he ever be above washing the fresh con- 
tracted guilt of his dear members, who come to him ? No : 
harbour not such a dishonouring thought of his love. He 
knows, he tells us, we need washing of our feet, that we may 
walk clean and comfortable before him. Let us come humbly 
to him, and rejoice that Christ is that fountain opened, and 
that his precious blood has a continual virtue to cleanse from 
all sin and uncleanness. Zech. xiii. 1. 



The fountain of Christ 
Assist ine 1o sing, 
The blood of our priest, 
Our crucified King ; 
Which perfectly cleanses 
From sin and from filth, 
And richly dispenses 
Salvation and health. 



This fountain from guilt 
Not only makes pure, 
And gives soon as felt 
Infallible cure : 
Hut if guilt removed, 
Return and remain, 
Jfs pow'r may be proved 
Again and again. 



FEBRUARY 6.] 77 [MORNING 

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision 
only, or upon the uncircumcision also. Rom. iv. 9. 

' Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and 
vain deceit ; after the traditions of men, after the rudiments 
of the world, and not after Christ.' Col. ii. 8. Why this cau 
tion from the voice of inspiration? Our daily danger makes 
it expedient, i lest any man beguile you of your reward. Be- 
ware of men. Call no man Rabbi,' saith thy Lord, lest any 
man judge against your privileges, impair your comforts, or 
distress your mind. 

Here is every blessing to make poor sinners happy. Righte- 
ousness imputed without works ; iniquities forgiven, and sins 
covered ; sin not imputed. This trinity of blessings flow from 
the unity of free grace. Such blessedness • cometh/ free as 
the air, unmerited as the light, comforting as the sun, possess- 
ed by the unworthy, enjoyed by the ill-deserving, sure to all 
the redeemed, the inestimably rich privileges of every be- 
liever in Jesus. 

Here the wise God and vain man differ in judgment. Legal 
hearts are ever thinking of obtaining a righteousness by works, 
and pardon upon conditions : but God imputes a righteous- 
ness without works, even the best robe. None but untoward 
children find fault with the father's gifts ; none but proud 
children object to the father's clothing. For thy righteous- 
ness, even if perfect, is at best but the righteousness of a 
creature ; but Jesus' righteousness is the righteousness of the 
God-man, infinite in value like his precious blood, by which 
our sins are atoned. They are not imputed to us, because 
laid upon Jesus. God pardons them injustice to him. Christ 
hath performed every condition for us. Faith takes its views, 
and forms its judgment from revealed truth. So it evidences 
its divine original. Thus it gives all glory to God ; while the 
sense of pardon is applied to the soul by the Spirit, who com- 
forts the soul in truth. Thus a living, vital union is preserved 
between Jesus and his members, through faith. From a joy- 
ful sense of pardon, love is increased, holiness incited, man is 
humbled, Jesus exalted, free grace gloried in, hope encou- 
raged, slavish fears ejected, and the heavenly inheritance 
longed for as a free gift by Jesus. Thus all is of God, all is 
of grace, all cometh freely. Even eternal life is the free gift 
of God by Jesus Christ, who saith, ' Fear not, little flock, for 
it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.' 
Luke xii. 32. 

And doth the Lord impute no sin? Reject the legal prate of those 

Art thou thus.blessed, oh my soul ? Who make God debtor to their terms, 

Spurn unbelief, and Satan's wiles, Who strip free grace of its just due, 

4nd let them not thy peace controul. And rob God's glory of its charms. m. 



FEBRUARY 6.] 78 [EVENING. 

Adorn the doctrine of God oar Saviour in all things. 
Titus ii. 10. 



What pains and expense are we at to adorn our bodies, 
which must shortly turn to ignoble dust ; and our dwellings, 
which must soon be burnt up with fire. And shall we not 
study, and take pains to adorn the precious doctrine of our 
loving God and Saviour in our lives'? Let gay clothing and 
genteel furniture reprove us for, and remind us of this duty. 
Let us not be like asses with long ears to hear doctrines, but 
slow of feet to walk in the ways of holiness. To avoid lega- 
lity, let us not run into licentiousness. This awfully prevails 
amongst professors in our day. They incessantly dwell on 
doctrines : but if you aim to reduce them into experience and 
practice, they cry out, Oh, you are as legal as an Arminian. 
This is really like one who should receive food into his mouth, 
chew it for a season, and then spit it out again : but as it 
passed not into the stomach to be digested, the body is not 
nourished by it. So, revolving doctrines in the head, rolling 
them upon the tongue, and not digesting them in the heart, 
leaves the soul in a lean, starving condition, from day to day. 
What is truth in the head, without fellowship with Christ, 
who is the truth in the heart? Christ felt and enjoyed in the 
j>ower of faith ; and the fellowship of the Spirit, will cause 
souls to study to adorn his doctrine. There will be a cry in 
such hearts, Oh what can I do for him, who has done all for 
me, and is all in all to me ? It is the essential doctrine of 
Christ, that every believer in him is a son of God, and an heir 
of glory. We are called to enjoy the comfort of this, and to 
walk agreeable to this holy faith, in all things. The duty is 
ours, the power is of God. But if the love of the world reigns 
in our hears, if the riches of the world engross our time, if the 
pleasures of the world possess our affections, if the vanities of 
the world are our pursuit, how does it appear that we are the 
children of God, are concerned for his glory ; that we strive to 
adorn his gospel, or are looking to him for power to do it ? 
No wonder if the frame of our hearts, the temper of our minds, 
and the conduct of our lives, instead of adorning the doctrine 
of Christ, bring discredit upon it. Then we shall live in 
doubt, and die in distress. Oh remember this word of the 
Lord, ' Them who honour me, I will honour ; and they who 
despise me, shall be lightly esteemed.' 1 Sam. ii. 30. 

Lord make our lips and lives express Thus shall we best proclaim abroad, 

The holy gospel we profess ; The honours cf our Saviour God, 

So let our works and graces shine, When thy salvation reigns within, 

To prove the doctrine all divine. And grace subdues the power of sin. 



FEBRUARY 7.J 79 [MORNING. 

God, who commanded the light to shine out of dark- 
ness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the 
knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus 
Christ. 2 Cor. iv. 6. ' 



This is a glorious confession of faith, worthy to be written 
in letters of gold, and set with the most precious jewels, and 
ever to be worn as the believer's ornament and glory. For here 
is the rich display of sovereign grace, and the glory of almighty 
power, in producing light in the hearts of sinners, who are by 
nature not only in the dark, but even darkness itself. The 
knowledge of Jesus is commanded by the same omnipotent 
Agent, who called forth light in the beginning, upon this dark 
terraqueous globe. Light gladdens the whole creation of 
nature : and this spiritual light causeth joy in the soul ; for it 
gives the knowledge of God's glory. In what respect? that 
God is glorious in majesty ? This strikes us with horror. 
Glorious in power? That fills us with terror. Glorious in 
holiness ? This causes despair. So every attribute and per- 
fection of Jehovah would sink sinners into dread, astonishment, 
and death. 

But here is our relief, It is the knowledge of the glory of 
God, in the person of the anointed Saviour. In Him, God's 
glorious favour, eternal love, everlasting counsel of peace, 
covenant of grace, promises of mercy, scheme of salvation, 
shine with the most resplendent lustre. Hence pardon, love, 
peace, joy, holiness, hope, security, heaven in possession, 
glory in reversion ; all, all centre in the person of Jesus. Thus 
we behold the glory of God. God in Him. This is the only 
comfortable knowledge, the only reviving experience of the 
christian heart. And here we see how inseparably connected 
are God's glory and his people's comfort. Each leads to the 
other, and both tend to lay sinners low r in humility, and sink 
them to nothing before the sovereign gracious Lord. Could a 
dark chaos contribute any thing to the production of light? 
Canst thou, oh worm of the earth, exert any power to cause that 
glorious luminary, the sun, to send forth its reviving beams of 
light ? No ; the first is by the command of the sovereign agent ; 
the latter acts by the laws of its wise Creator. So as to spi- 
ritual light, saving knowledge, it is given to those who sought 
it not ; it is made manifest to them who asked not after it. 
What then becomes of terras and conditions of salvation ? Oh 
thou once spiritually blind and dead, if God hath commanded 
the light and knowledge of Jesus in thine heart, all boasting is 
excluded, all glorying in self is at an end. Surely thou wilt 
say, Thine is the power ; to thee, to thee alone, Jehovah, be all 
the glory ! 

Now be the God of Israel blessed, He makes his great salvation known, 

Who makes his truth appear ; By Christ he pardons sins; 

His mighty hand fulfils his word, While sovereign grace and heavenly love 

And all the oaths he sware. In its own glory shines. 



FEBRUARY 7.] 80 [EVENING. 

Love not the ivorld. 1 John ii. 15. 



There is one word too much in this text, to make it agreeable 
to the spirit and conduct of many professors. As Pharaoh said 
by the locusts, ' take away from me this death only;' so many 
may say, take away this *■ not' only, for it is death to us. Then 
we shall like the text, and most passionately obey its command, 
Love the world. Does it not seem by the conduct of too many, 
as though they read the text thus? Now, do not look at Mr. 
Such-a-one : look at home. See if you are not the very person, 
in whom the love of the world reigns. You own it: but instead 
of falling under a conviction of the evil, you have an excuse 
for it. You say, I have a large family, I ought to get a fortune 
for them ; though I have some riches, I must get more. I must 
love, court, and follow the ways of the world: there is nothing 
to be done without industry, we must rise early, take late rest, 
eat the bread of carefulness, and be all day long in pursuit of 
business. Very well : this is open and honest, the very lan- 
guage of the world. But do you not see gross infidelity stare 
you in the face ? It is plain that where your treasure is, there 
your heart is also. You know you cannot, you dare not say, 
the Lord is my portion : what is there upon earth I desire be- 
sides thee ! Hear the apostle's decision and tremble. ' If any 
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.' Two 
such contrary loves cannot dwell in one heart. It matters not 
what profession such make. They may be deemed saints of 
God. What ! without the love of God in their hearts ? What 
other idea can we form of a devil, but that he is destitute of the 
love of God. St. James says, a friend of this world is an enemy 
of God. Well might Paul say, ' the love of money is the root 
of all evil ;' for like a stinking weed, it chokes the love of God 
in the heart. See the reason of this exhortation, love not the 
world. Examine whether your pursuits are most earnest after 
the world, to get more riches, or to enjoy more of the love of 
God in your heart. Consider your calling : it is to be happy 
in the love of God in Christ. But the love of the world opposes 
this, and indisposes for this, therefore we must be crucified to 
the world. Hard as this is to flesh and blood, yet faith in 
Christ makes all things possible, love to Christ makes all things 
easy. ' This is the victory which overcometh the world, even 
our faith/ 1 John v. 4. ' The love of Christ constraineth us.' 
2 Cor. v. 14. 

Thy wondrous blood, dear dying- Chris*, Oh might I now mount, up and see 

Oaii make this world of sin remove, The glories of th' eternal skies, 

And thou canst bear me where thou fly'st What little things these worlds would be, 

On thy kind wings, celestial dove How despicable to my eyes. 



FEBRUARY 8.] 81 [MORNING. 

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express 
image of his person, and upholding all things by the ivord 
of his poiver, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat 
down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Heb. i. 3. 

What St. Paul says of the resurrection of Jesus, may with 
equal truth be applied to his divinity. If Jesus be not truly 
and essentially the self-existing God, ' All preaching is vain ; 
all faith is vain ;' all the saints of God must perish in their sins. 
But we have not so learned Christ, if so be we have heard him, 
and known the truth as it is in Jesus. His eternal power and 
Godhead angels adore, devils tremble at, saints rejoice in ; and 
only poor, blinded, proud sinners dare cavil against and deny. 

That Jesus is both Lord and God, lies at the foundation of 

our faith. That he upholds all things by the word of his power, 

is the joy of our hearts. That, as man, he hath purged our 

sins, causes all our hope and comfort. That he is entered into 

heaven for us, and there pleads our cause, is the glory of our 

souls. Our hope entereth into that within the veil, there Jesus 

our forerunner is ' for us' entered. On this rock Christ's church 

is built, and neither the powers of earth and sin, nor the gates 

of hell shall prevail against it. When the Spirit brings the soul 

up to Nebo, the mount of prospect and of prophecy, it has 

glorious views of the inheritance ; it speaks of it, and becomes 

fruitful— the graces of faith, hope, love, peace and joy, abound 

in the heart. But, alas, all is barren as a wilderness, unfruitful 

as a desert, while sin in its guilt and punishment is not known 

and believed to have been purged by the blood of Jesus. This 

is the only physic for sin-sick souls, the most reviving cordial 

for drooping spirits. The same blood, which was alsufficient 

to purge away sin in the court of heaven, is also alsufficient to 

cleanse the guilt of it from the conscience. Sweet consolation 

for the members of Jesus. Their living Head, in human form, 

is at the right hand of the Majesty in glory; the blessed object 

to whom we are ever to look, through whom every comfort 

flows, and from whom all our hope is to be derived, in every 

conflict with sin and Satan. We are strong only in the grace 

that is in Christ Jesus, and are made more than conquerors 

through his victorious love. And this is the reasoning of faith : 

If when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the 

death of his Son, ' much more,' being reconciled, we shall be 

saved by his life. Rom. v. 10. 

There's none can know the Father right, Then let our souls adore our God, 

But those who learn it from the Son ; That deals his graces as he please, 

Nor can the Son be well received, Nor gives to mortals an account^. 

But where the Father makes him known. Or of his actions, or decrees. 



FEBRUARY 8.] 82 [EVENING. 

A certain, man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, 
and Jell among thieves. Luke x. 30. 

An awful down-hill journey ! Here is a true picture of the 
wo ful backsliding of a believer from his Lord. (1) ' He went 
down from Jerusalem/ which signifies the visions of peace. 
These are enjoyed by faith, in communion with Christ; and 
close walking with God. When these are departed from, it is 
going down indeed. The way of sin is down hill, the descen y 
is easy, the event dreadful. It is going down from the delect- 
able mountains, into the dreary vale of Jericho. This place 
was cursed by Joshua, vi. 26. It was very wicked in the days 
of Christ, so is this present world now. (2) ' He fell among 
thieves ; ' so does the believer when he gives up himself to sin- 
ful company, vain delights, and carnal diversions. The lust 
of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life steal his 
heart from God, and strip him of his raiment of purity and 
peace. (3) ' They wounded him/ Oh the dreadful stabs which 
sin and apostasy give to the believers heart and conscience ! 
(4) ' Departed from him.' Having robbed the believer of his 
comfort in God, now the sense of carnal joys also forsakes him. 
He cannot find those mighty pleasures in sin which it promised 
him. (5) ' Leaving him half dead.' Not totally dead to God, 
nor wholly alive to sin. He can be happy in neither. Awful 
state ! But there is still a spark of spiritual life in his soul. 
This, all the devils in hell, nor all the men on earth, can never 
quench. But now, what misery he feels ! What wounds, 
pains, and griefs he groans under I What loss does he deplore f 
(6) ' The priest and the levite pass by on the other side.' The 
law can neither ease nor cure him. It curses, condemns, and 
leaves him. But lastly, who is he that says, ' I will heal their 
backslidings, and love them freely?' Hos. xiv. 4. It is the 
good Samaritan, the precious, ever-loving friend of sinners. 
He came where he was, he saw him and had compassion on 
him. He bound up bis wounds, pouring in the oil of his pre- 
cious grace, and the wine of his heavenly love, and took care of 
him. Oh my soul, dread the danger of such a journey. Highly 
esteem the visions of peace. Remember Jericho. Forget not 
the snares of this wicked world. Beware of thieves. Never, 
never forget the compassion of the good Samaritan. Bless him 
for his sympathizing heart. He is ( touched with the feeling ot 
our infirmities.' Heb. iv.15. 

Siu's promised joys are turned to pain, Wretch that I am to wander thus 

And I am drowned in grief, In chase of false delight ! 

But my dear Lord returns again, Let me be fastened to thy cross. 

He flies to my relief. And never lose the sight. 



FEBRUARY 9.] S3 [MORNING 

Keep yourselves in the love of God. Jude 21. 

Tiie love of God, like every other attribute and perfection of 
Jehovah, is everlasting and unchangeable, even as the essence 
of God himself. This love is manifested to his people in 
Christ Jesus ; he is the object in whom they are viewed and 
loved by the Father. As Jesus is the same yesterday, to-day, 
and for ever, so is God's love towards them. Time, with all 
its concurring circumstances, can make no alteration or 
change, increase or diminution herein. But as to the sense 
and enjoyment of this love, the word of truth, and the experi- 
ence of believers plainly testify of its ebbing and flowing, its 
fervour and abatement in the soul. Hence the necessity of 
those tender calls, kind warnings, and loving counsels, ad- 
dressed to believers, in the word of truth ; because they are 
ever to be active as those who are made alive to God, and 
have their senses exercised to discern between good and evil. 
Exhortations excite to jealousy, and quicken to diligence. 
The enjoyment of the love of God is our heaven below ; to 
keep ourselves in the happy sense of it, is our highest privi- 
lege, our greatest happiness. Keep ourselves in the love of 
God ! Yes. How ? Use every means which love commands, 
avoid all things which love forbids. Account not this legal : 
those who do, have only the notion of love in the head, but are 
strangers to the constraints of love in the heart. 

Wouldst thou ever enjoy love, oh christian ? Be much in 
meditation upon it ; think daily, constantly of that unparalleled 
instance of it, God so loved the world as to give his only be- 
gotten Son, to atone for sin by his precious blood, to justify 
sinners by his perfect righteousness. Dost thou know this by 
the gospel ? This is love revealed. Dost thou believe this in 
thine heart by the Spirit ? This is love felt and enjoyed. All, 
all flows from the rich; transcendantly rich love of God in 
Christ Jesus. Oh be concerned daily to keep thy soul in and 
under a lively sense of this love ; and also keep thyself by this 
love from worldly lusts, carnal indulgences, and sensual gra- 
tifications. These are forbidden fruit ; thy flesh may long for 
and covet them, but by the love of God, by his mercies in 
Christ Jesus, and for thy soul's sake, abstain from them. 
Know verily, as hurtful food will impair the health of thy 
body ; so these things as certainly will rob thy soul of its 
peace, damp the warm sense of God's love, and render thee 
cool, indifferent, and lifeless to the love of God. Thus saith 
the God of love, < Consider your ways.' Hag. i. 5. 

My God,' permit my tongue For life without thy love 

This joy, to call thee mine ; No relish can afford ; 

And let my constant cries prevail No joy can be compared with this, 
To taste 'hy love divine. To serve and please the Lord. 



FEBRUARY 9.J 84 [EVENING. 

Come ?imv, and let us reason together, saith the Lord. 
Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as 
snow ; though they be red like crimson, they shatl be as 
wool. Isaiah i. 18. 



Whenever our Lord denounces his judgments against har- 
dened and impenitent sinners, we are sure to find a word of 
grace from his precious lips, to his dear trembling saints. His 
loving heart knew, that what threatenings he had been declar- 
ing against others, his people would take to themselves ; would 
reason their hearts into dejection and sorrow, and cast away 
their hopes and their comforts ; therefore, as frequently, in the 
days of his flesh, he turned aside to his disciples, and said, 
Come now, let not trouble arise in your hearts, let not terror 
and dread seize on your spirits one moment. So here, ' let us 
reason together.' Do not reason with flesh and blood, with 
your carnal notions and your legal hearts. Confer not wi h 
Satan, who is your enemy and accuser, but reason with Me : 
I am just. Do you say, then I must perish in my sins ? No : 
I am just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. 
Rom. iii. 26. I am ' just to forgive thee thy sins/ 1 John i. 9. 
Reason with me upon the purity and spirituality of my law. 
Dost thou say, it pronounces thee cursed for not continuing 
in all things written therein? True, but my law has been 
magnified and made honourable, by my Son's perfect unspotted 
obedience. Therefore I pronounce thee blessed in him ; be- 
cause I impute his perfect righteousness to thee. Come and 
reason with me, at my throne of grace. Plead thy sins, aggra- 
vate them to the most enormous size, multiply them to the 
greatest number, as sands by the sea side. Paint them in the 
deepest hue, as ' scarlet and crimson.' Blood divine changes 
their colour to the most perfect whiteness, even as ' snow and 
wool.' Not the least stain shall remain, not the least spot 
shall be seen. ' His blood cleanseth from all sin.' 1 John 
i. 7. Thou art all fair, all pure, withot spot or wrinkle, or any 
such thing in my sight. All the guilt of thy sins are atoned, 
all taken away by the sacrifice of my Son. They are all 
covered from my sight, by his perfect righteousness, and I the 
Lord pronounce thee blessed. I impute no sin to thee ; no 
more than if thou hadst never sinned Oh my soul, here is 
reasoning : thy Lord would have thee happy and holy, full of 
love, and free from legal terrors and slavish dread. Therefore 
he thus calls on thee to reason with him. True, all this is con- 
trary to thy carnal reason : but it is the truth of God, who 
says, ' I am pacified towards thee.' Ezek. xvi. 63. 

Lord, daily bring mv reasoning powers Mv sins, tho' of (he deepest dye, 

Into subjection to thy word, Thou say'st their colour Ihou wilt change, 

And bless my soul with simple faith, Oh let me find thy word fulfilled : 

Which evermore doth peace afford Effect this work, so great, so strange. > 



FEBRUARY 10.] 85 [MORNING. 

The path of the just is as the shining light, which 

shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Prov. iv. 18. 

Since the fall of man, there is no other way of being made 
just or righteous, but by the righteousness of the man Christ 
Jesus. Just Noah, righteous Lot, meek Moses, faithful Abra- 
ham, patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, all were sinners In 
themselves, but ' their righteousness is of me/ saith Jehovah 
Jesus. Isai. liv. 17. Hence the Lord calls his people righteous. 
They are really constituted so in his sight. This truth should 
ever dwell in our minds : it is the foundation of all delight in 
God and love to him. Hence we are comforted in the way of 
truth and holiness. For Jesus, who is our righteousness, is 
also our light to direct our steps, and our path wherein we 
walk. He is the light of the world, the light of life, and the 
way to God. Hence we are exhorted, ' As ye have received 
the Lord Jesus, so walk ye in him/ Col. ii. 6. 

Our faith in Jesus is no new-fangled doctrine, but the same 
as was from the beginning. Christians are not left to the 
darkness of nature ; they are not led by sudden, transient 
flashes of light ; but by the clear, steady shining of truth upon 
their minds. Their walk, in the path of truth, is consistent 
and uniform. Like the dawning light of the morning, the light 
of truth first breaks in upon the soul, and gradually increases 
brighter and brighter : so we see more clearly, believe more 
strongly, love more fervently, hope more steadily, obey more 
delightfully, and long more ardently for the perfect day. 
Though at some seasons, when vapours and mists of nature's 
corruption arise, and the night of affliction and desertion over- 
takes the upright soul, he may be in fear, lest he should never 
hold out and see the perfect day. In such seasons, he is too 
apt to lend his ear to a whisperer, who is ever ready to dis- 
hearten him. W hat with his corrupt heart, Satan's sugges- 
tions, and men's false doctrine, he is thrust sore at. He may 
fear, lest he should fail and perish for ever ; but God's power 
and truth will support him. 

If the comforting Spirit had not left another word of proof 
in the whole bible for the perseverance of the just, this one is 
sufficient. Wisdom hath spoken it ; neither men nor devils 
shall reverse it. Every justified soul shall enjoy the perfect 
day of Jesus' meridian glory and salvation in his kingdom. 
Till then, * the righteous shall hold on his way, and he that 
hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.' Job xvii. 9. 

By grace I see the shilling path Oh blessed, joyful, perfect <\nv 

Which leads to perfect bliss ; Of endless light and love ! 

Jesus my light, my life, my way, Press on, my soul, nor stay thy course, 

Will bring me where he is. Till thou shalt reign abo»e. m. 



FEBRUARY 10.] 80 [EVENING. 

The grace of God that bring eth salvation hath ap- 
peared to all men. Titus ii. 11. 

Here are three blessed and glorious truths, that demand our 
serious and constant attention. They tend to sink us into the 
deepest humility, to excite the greatest joy, and to inspire the 
most ardent love and gratitude of our souls. (1) Salvation. 
This was the counsel of heaven, the work of the Son of God, 
the wonder of angels, the envy of devils, and the glory of 
apostate rebellious sinners — sinners, who are born with enmity 
of heart, rebellion of will, and hatred of affections against 
God, and who have manifested their enmity by wicked works 
—the rebellion of their will, by taking arms against the Lord ; 
and the hatred of their affections, by refusing to lay them down 
and submit to him. Oh that precious word, full of wonder, 
grace and love : God commendeth his love towards us, in that 
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us— when we were 
enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son. 
Rom. v. 8—10. This is a salvation worthy of a God of infi- 
nite love to bestow. Here is a Saviour, worthy to be received 
with all readiness of mind, to be embraced with the most cor- 
dial affection, and to be gloried in as the richest blessing, by 
lost, hopeless, ruined sinners. (2) This salvation is brought to 
us. The news of it is sounded in our ears, the report of it is 
daily made to us. It is displayed and set before us in all its 
glory, richness, freeness and fulness in the gospel, that we 
may receive it, and enjoy the comforts of it; take it as our 
own, and rejoice in the salvation of our God. (3) It is brought 
to us by toe grace of God, which hath appeared. Where? In 
the Person of the Son of his love, and in the gospel of his 
grace. There the, grace of God appears, there the salvation of 
Jehovah shines forth, and is made manifest to all men ; to all 
sorts of men, Jews and Gentiles. Therefore it is revealed as 
a free and fall salvation, worthy of all acceptation, Free from 
all limitation and restriction. Paul speaks of f knowing the 
grace of God in truth.' Col. i. 6. This is done, when any poor 
sinner receives and believes the gospel. It then becomes the 
power of God to salvation to that poor sinner's soul. He then 
knows the free favour of God in Christ Jesus. Christ is all 
his salvation and all his desire. That blessed Spirit who hath 
convinced him of sin, and enlightened him to see gospel truths 
and gospel grace, will comfort him by them. Hath the grace 
of God thus appeared to thee ; hath it brought salvation to 
thy soul ; dost thou believe the gospel ? Then take heed of 
mixing any work or duty of thy own, with thy faith and hope 
in the grace of God and salvation of Jesus. This were to de- 
grade both, and bring thy soul into bondage to the law of 
works. 



FEBRUARY 11.] 87 [MORNING. 

But Jesus answered not a ivord. Matt. xv. 23. 



What ! not a word from the compassionate Saviour, who is 
touched with the feeling of our infirmities ? Is he deaf to the 
cries, and dumb to the intreaties of a distressed sorrowful 
heart ? No ; love in the heart has always an open ear to 
complaints, a ready tongue to speak comfort, and a kind hand 
to relieve. But Love afflicts, to bring his children to him, and 
to make them call upon him : he forbears to answer, that they 
may be the more importunate. God's delays prove faith's 
vigour, make love cleave the closer, prayer more fervent, and 
patience shine brighter. So the graces of God's children are 
drawn forth into lively exercise, and are made manifest that 
they are wrought by God. Perseverance obtains the blessing 
in due time. Jesus honours and applauds the grace of his 
beloved members with, Oh man, oh woman, great is thy faith. 

Christ knew what work he had wrought in this poor humble 
supplicant's heart, whereby she knew Jesus to be both Lord 
and God ; therefore he proved and tried her, that her faith 
might shine bright to his glory and her soul's comfort. As she 
possessed the same faith, so she discovers the same resolution 
as Job : ' Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him/ And, 
with Jacob, she would wrestle ; and her heart determined, 
' I will not let thee go except thou bless me. But though the 
silence of Jesus was very disheartening, yet when he speaks, 
it is still more discouraging. Though she worshipped him and 
sighed out, ' Lord, help me ; ' yet Jesus seems rather to repulse 
than to comfort her. But true faith ever sinks the soul in hu- 
mility, while it clings close to the most high God. The soul 
owns its hateful vileness and utter unworthiness, and fixes all 
its plea upon free grace and mercy, all its hopes upon Jesus 
only. Thus Christ empties those whom he delights to fill. 
He makes us to see and confess ourselves to be dogs, fit only 
to feed under the table, though he loves us as children, and all 
that he hath is ours, by free gift, precious promise, and rich 
grace. Oh thou poor, fearing, doubting soul, who hast long 
been seeking, waiting, and praying for comfort, in a word or 
look from Jesus, take courage hence. Ever trust in him who 
saith, ( I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished 
every sorrowful soul.' Jer. xxxi. 25. The believing, impor- 
tunate woman did not-wait in vain, far from it. The blessed 
Saviour said to her at length, ' Be it unto thee, even as thou 
wilt;' and this afforded her abundant joy. 'The Lord is a 
God of judgment : blessed are all they that wait for him." 
Isai. xxx. 18. 

My spirit looks to God alone ; Trust him, ye saints, in all yonr ways 

My rock and refuge is his throne ; Pour out your hearts before his face • 

In all my fears, in all my straits, When helpers fail, and foes invade, 

My soul on his salvation waits. Cod is our alsufuVietif iv\. 



FEBRUARY 11.] 88 [EVENING. 

Teaching us, that denying all ungodliness and worldly 
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in 
this present world. Titus ii. 12. 

We read in Esdras of three young men, who wrote of the 
strength of different subjects. The first chose wine; the se- 
cond, the king ; the third, women and truth. The latter fully 
demonstrated, that truth is superior to all the charms of wo- 
men, and the power of a king. ' As for truth it endureth and 
is always strong, it liveth and conquereth for evermore ; and 
all the people shouted, and said, great is truth and mighty 
above all things.' I Ecclus, iv. 38, 41. Surely, so it is with 
the truth of God's grace ; the stoutest rebels have been con- 
quered by it, the most mighty kings have fallen victims to it. 
Whom it conquers, them it also teaches. When it has brought 
the heart to yield to its sovereign power, it captivates the 
affections by its sweet influence, and regulates the life by its 
salutary rules. There is a most vile spirit gone forth and pre- 
vails. Out of a zeal for holiness, and pretense for perfection, 
the doctrines of grace are exploded, the God of grace is blas- 
phemed ; and in order that men may not live like beasts, they 
are taught the pride of devils, which consists in rejecting and 
belying the truths of God's grace. This ' teaches us.' Who ? 
6 Us' who bow to the sovereignty of God, submit to the righte- 
ousness of his Son, and accept salvation as the gift of free 
grace, without our works having the least hand in procuring 
it, or entitling us to it. It teaches us not to labour in the fire 
of nature's zeal, to establish our righteousness before God ; 
but to ' deny all ungodliness,' every thing which is contrary to 
God's nature and will ; and ' worldly lusts,' seeing no happi- 
ness in indulging them, seeking no comfort from gratifying 
them. We deny ourselves, and deny them, as contrary to 
our holy faith, and heavenly hope. God's grace, or his free 
favour and unmerited love in Christ, teaches us to ' live sober- 
ly, righteously and godly,' aiming to discharge every duty to 
God, our neighbours and ourselves, faithfully, conscientiously, 
and perfectly ; not to be made righteous thereby, not to entitle 
ourselves to God's favour, but to glorify God who hath made 
us righteous in his Son ; and to honour him in our lives, who 
has reconciled us to himself by his cross. This text, like a 
two edged sword, cuts both ways. It cuts down the vain con- 
fidence of self-righteous pharisees. It lops off the unscriptural 
hope of licentious Antinomians ; e such as walk after their 
own lusts, ungodly men, who turn the grace of God id to lasci- 
viousness.' Jude 4. Their heads have the notion of truth, 
while their hearts are strangers to the influence of grace. 
' From such turn away.' 2 Tim. iii. 5 



FEBRUARY 12.] 89 [MORNING. 

Experience worketh hope. Rom. v. 4. 

We are ever to consider the gospel as a proclamation of 
grace to rebels, a declaration of mercy to the profligate and 
abandoned, glad tidings of salvation to lost, desperate, hope- 
less sinners. It finds the soul destitute of any one encouraging 
symptom ; it brings all hope and encouragement with it. When 
the gospel becomes the power of God to salvation to any 
sinner, it works a mighty change in his state and practice. Jn 
the sweet experience, proof, or trial of this, the soul is com- 
forted. Hope concerning his state is confirmed. Experience 
worketh hope of one's own interest in Jesus, and salvation by 
him. It works not by legal terrors and dreadful horrors, as in 
the case of Judas ; nor by exciting the animal passions to a 
flash of joy, as the stony ground hearers were affected by the 
word. But it powerfully enlightens the soul to see the evil of 
sin, and the infinite preciousness of the Lord Jesus, so as to 
lothe and detest the former, and cleave to and trust alone in 
the latter. 

Hence Jesus becomes the tried stone, the sure foundation of 
the soul. Upon his finished work, all hope, in time and for 
eternity, is laid. All other foundations are rejected as sandy, 
all other hopes as vain. Faith in God's word, relying on his 
promises in Christ, begets resignation to his will, and patience 
under his dispensations, being assured that ' all things work 
together for good to them who love God, to them who are 
called according to his purpose/ Rom. viii. 28. 

We first experience his power in effectual calling, and then 
his love in keeping us close to himself, and obedient to his 
will. So we enjoy peace from him, and our hearts are cheer- 
fully devoted to him. But how oft doth the believing soul find 
coolness of affection, heaviness of heart, and inward dejection. 
Doth not this destroy his hope ? No : even this experience, 
sad as it seems, worketh hope. Hereby pride and self-confi- 
dence are slain, sin embittered, and the soul humbled at the 
feet of Jesus, with Thou, even thou alone art my hope — I dare 
not trust in any other— my soul shall make her boast of thee, 
and of thee only. 

We have the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should 
not trust in ourselves : and the more we live upon and trust in 
the Lord, we shall find hope spring up, love flourish, and holi- 
ness abound. Praised be the Lord our God, who is the God 
of hope, and who fills us with joy and peace in believing, that 
we may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. 
Bom. xv. 13. 

Lonaf did my. Lord in patience wait Let patience prove thy tried word, 

Till 1 returned to him ; And all my hopes confirm. M 



FEBRUARY 12.] 90 [EVENING. 

Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, 
might this thing be ? 2 Kings vii. 2. 

This is a daring reply to ' Thus saith the Lord/ The word 
of the Lord promises by sending an abundance, instantly to 
relieve his people from a great famine. Doubtless, with a 
witty sneer, this great peer of the earth uttered this reply to 
Elisha; as though he had said, Behold, ye people, do not 
mind what this mad fellow says ; use your reason, judge of the 
nature of things by your senses. Do you think God will make 
windows in heaven, to pour down corn for you ? There is no 
other possible way for such a supply as Elisha talks of, — Thus 
with an imperious air, he insults the prophet, and exalts Ms 
carnal reason and unbelief against the Lord's word of pro- 
mise. To day he prides himself in his wisdom ; to morrow he 
perishes, and is trodden underfoot as an unbelieving fool. 
Here see the cursed nature of carnal reason, and the dreadful 
evil of rejecting the word of the Lord by unbelief. Beware of 
the great, the noble, and the wise of this world. Not many of 
them are called : Those who are not, are great enemies to 
God's grace and truth. Look not at the wisdom of the wise, 
and the judgment of the great of this world : they are fools, in 
the things of God. ' God hath made foolish the wisdom of 
this world.' i Cor. i. 20. But my fellow sinner, see we not 
somewhat of ourselves, in the judgment of this lord ? Oh 
Jesus, how often do our carnal reasoning and unbelief oppose 
thy blessed work of grace. When we find a famine in our 
souls, we think we shall perish for want of the bread of life ; 
we look this way and that for hope. Human probability shuts 
up every avenue. Still we have ' Thus saith the Lord' to 
look to, great and precious promises to trust in. Ah, but says 
carnal reason, will the Lord fulfil. them? No, says unbelief, it 
is impossible. What ! after the Lord himself came down from 
heaven to seek and to save us, after such a miracle of love to 
us, can we doubt of his care to us ? Oh let us cry to the Lord, 
to enable us to trample this man of sin, this lord of unbelief 
under our feet, that we be not faithless but believing. Believ- 
ing what? The word of God— >vhat he speaks to us, what he 
has promised to bestow upon us ; for his word is truth. i He 
that spared not his own Son, but freely gave him up for us all, 
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?' 
Rom. viii. 32. 

Come let our souls address the Lord, Come let us bear his voice to day, 

Who framed our nature with his word ; r J he counsels of his love obey : 

He is our Miepherd, we his sheep, Nor let our foolish hearts renew, 

His mercy chose, b's pastures keep. The sins and plagues that Israel knew. 



FEBRUARY 13.] 91 [MORNING. 

Having on the breastplate of righteousness. Eph. vi. 14. 

When Saul had armed David with his armour, to go against 
Goliath the Philistine giant, his heart smote him, lest he should 
confide in it, and so be drawn from simply trusting to the 
power of God only. Therefore he said, ' I cannot go with 
these ; I have not proved them : and David put them off him.' 
1 Sam. xvii. 39. A faithful heart is jealous of the Saviour's 
glory. Though the believer is made righteous, and loves and 
walks in the paths of righteousness, yet he will glory in no- 
thing before God, nor trust in any righteousness to shield him 
from the face of the enemy, but the perfect spotless righteous- 
ness of his dear and precious Saviour. He puts off all others, 
by the faith of Christ, as contrary to his hope. As he sees 
the purity and extent of the divine law, that it is quick and 
powerful, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the 
heart, knowing his own righteousness to be defective, and that 
in many things we all offend ; he could just as soon trust to a 
honeycomb for a breastplate, as the moth-eaten garment of his 
own best works. 

Why do Satan, sin, and the law so often wound and grieve 
our hearts ? It is because we are not careful to guard with 
the breastplate of Jesus' righteousness. It should ever be the 
joy and rejoicing of our souls to consider the work of Jesus as 
man and mediator. Did he shed his blood ; did he die a cursed 
death ; did he in his holy life ' put on righteousness as a 
breastplate?' Isai. lix. 17. Faith triumphs in his death, as 
the one atonement for sin. Faith glories in his life, as the 
one righteousness. So the once guilty soul is cleansed, so the 
once naked soul is clothed and adorned ; and thus it is ever 
glorious in the sight of God, in this best robe of its elder bro- 
ther Jesus. So also is the once defenceless soul armed against 
every attack of sin, Satan, the law, and death. This breast- 
plate is more than proof against all. While pride and self- 
righteousness go hand in hand, and unite in objections against 
the imputed righteousness of our Immanuel, humble, self-emp- 
tied souls, glory and triumph that their salvation is according 
to the law of strict justice and perfect righteousness. Possess- 
ing righteousness in Jesus, we draw nigh to a throne of grace 
with boldness now, and shall lift up our heads with joy before 
a righteous throne of judgment in the great and tremendous 
day. ' For righteousness delivereth from death.' Pro v. x. 2. 
' Though sin hath reigned unto death, (in us) yet grace reigns 
through righteousness unto eternal life (for us) by Jesus Christ 
our Lord.' Rom. v. 21. 

Jesus, thy blood and righteousness Then, while I am thy soldier here, 

My beauty are, my glorious dress ; Oh learn me more this heavenly art, 

Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, To glory in thy righteousness, 

With jov shall 1 lift up mv head. " To <raardmy breast from every d,irt- 



FEBRUARY 13.] 02 [EVENING. 

Have salt in yourselves. Mark ix. 50. 

Salt preserves our food from putrifying, and makes it savoury 
to the palate. Job asks, ' Can any thing that is unsavoury be 
eaten without salt ? Is there any taste in the white of an egg ? ' 
xvi. 6. What salt is to our food, that the doctrines of the 
grace of God, and the grace of these doctrines are to the soul. 
Why could not our Lord have plainly told us so, without usi^g 
the symbol of salt. He loves to deliver himself in familiar 
images, they are best suited to our present state. Natural 
things sensibly strike us, and easily convey spiritual truths to 
the heart. Our tables are not furnished if salt be wanting, 
meat without salt is unsavoury. Then let every meal remind 
us of our Lord's words, ' have salt in yourselves/ You have 
daily need to have your souls seasoned with the grace of God, 
and the words of Christ. (1) These will preserve our hearts 
from receiving and being putrified by the seeds of false doc- 
trine. Hearts well seasoned with the salt of covenant grace, 
will not receive the taint of Iranan error. Thus we shall be 
happy in the sense of truth, and the experience of grace in our 
souls. (2) We shall be profitable to others. If our own souls 
are well seasoned with the grace of Christ, we shall be savoury 
to others. Oh how insipid is the talk of the lips, if the sea* 
soiling of grace, and the savour of love is not in the heart! 
Why are some professors so backward to speak of the things 
of God ? Why do others speak of them in such a tasteless, 
unsavoury manner ? Alas, their own hearts are not well salt- 
ed and seasoned with grace. Notions float only in the head, 
and are delivered from the tongue • the heart is not impreg- 
nated with the salt and savour of them. Christian, be con- 
cerned, for the glory of thy Saviour, for the comfort of thy own 
soul, and for the good of others, to have salt in thyself. Live 
every day, pass away every hour under the seasoning, savoury 
truths of Jesus. (3) Salt is obtained from the sea. Study, 
strive and pray to obtain more and more of this precious salt, 
from the ocean of God's everlatsting love in Christ Jesus. (4) 
' With all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt/ Lev. ii. 13. 
Never forget that it is the grace of Christ which makes both 
thy person and every offering acceptable to God, and it is this 
which spreads a savour through thy whole conversation, Thou 
canst not be unsavoury while thou livest upon this truth : God 
hath made me, a sinner, accepted in his beloved Son. Ephes. 
i. 6. There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ 
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 
viii. 1. 

Lord, make me know and taste and feci, So shall my heart, my lip, my life, 

The savour of thy heavenly love : Declare the seas'nitiw of thy grace : 

l T nto my inmost soul reveal, So free my soul from legal strife, 

A foretaste of the jovs above. To walk with joy 1 efore thy face m. 



FEBRUARY 14.J 93 [MORNING. 

But now the righteousness of God without the law, is 
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. 
Rom. iii. 21. 



1 Vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild 
ass's colt/ Job xi. 12. Proud man n ould be righteous, though 
conceived in iniquity, brought forth in sin, and no goodness in 
him. This pride accompanies him all his days ; yea" it forsakes 
not newborn souls. Our natural notions are ever, that doino- 
soniething will make us righteous. So the judgment of the 
flesh ever opposes the truth of the Spirit, carnal reason ever 
runs counter to spiritual faith; but it is the glory of believing 
hearts to take their views of righteousness from revealed truth. 
This, to the ineffable joy and unspeakable comfort of poor sin- 
ners, manifests a righteousness for their garment, which they 
toiled not for, neither did they spin. And what shall we say 
of it? Truly, Solomon in all his glory, angels in all their 
brightest perfection, are not arrayed like those, who are 
clothed with the righteousness of the God-man Christ Jesus. 
Oh for stronger faith in this ! 

Poor, weak, doubting believer, why takest thou thought for 
raiment ? Hath not God clothed you ? ' Oh thou of little 
%ith !' thou hopest, thou trustest in Jesus' blood alone for the 
pardon of thy sins, but art distressed in seeing thyself a poor 
sinner. Thou knowest thou art not righteous in thyself, and 
often fearest thou shalt never attain righteousness, and perish 
at last for want of it. Verily, thy face is turned towards 
Mount Sinai, instead of Mount Calvary ; to Moses, instead of 
Jesus ; to thy life of obedience, instead of his life of righte- 
ousness ; to the law, which requires all, instead of the gospel, 
which freely gives all. 

So sure as thou hast the faith of Jesus in thy heart, thou 
hast the righteousness of Jesus on thy back, let law, men, and 
Satan say what they will. God finds his children naked, he 
clothes them. Witnesses are ever at hand, evidences are ne- 
ver wanting to prove this truth. The Spirit of truth bears 
infallible testimony, by the law and the prophets, to the glory 
of this righteousness. Read, be joyful, and give all glory to 
free grace for its free imputation. l The righteousness of God, 
which is by faith in Jesus Christ, is unto all, and upon all 
them that believe, for there is no difference.' Rom. iii. 22. But 
who enjoy the comfort of this ? Verily no one, till he is brought 
to say with Paul, ' I through the law am dead to the law, 
that I might live unto God.' Gal. ii. 19. 

In vain we ask God's righteous law Jcsns, how glorious is tliv grace 
To justify us now, When in thy name we "trust, 

Since to convince, and to condemn, Onr faith receives a righteousness 
T s all the law can do. That makes the sinner just. 



FEBRUARY 14.] 94 [EVENING. 

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the 
same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren, that 
are in the ivorld. 1 Peter v. 9. 



I had no sooner written this text than I was constrained to 
say, Blessed be God for the holy scriptures. My poor mind 
has been often perplexed and distressed with sore attacks of 
Satan, and from hence have been ready to call in question my 
state. I have been almost brought to conclude, that if I was 
a member of Christ, and a child of God, surely he would not 
suffer the enemy thus to tempt, buffet, and distress my soul. 
But I am persuaded, this is not my case only ; all the brethren 
in Christ are subject to the same perplexity, from the same 
cause. Satan gains an advantage over us, for want of know- 
ing and considering what the apostle here lays down. It is a 
fixed truth, all the brethren of the Lord Jesus are subject to 
the same trials and afflictions from Satan, one as well as ano- 
ther ; therefore we should not be surprized nor s aggered by 
them. Instead of thinking it strange, or asking why the Lord 
suffers it so to be, Peter tells us how to act. Satan will attack 
you all through life ; it is a warfare, therefore be on your 
guard. f Resist him/ give back not an inch, give way not a 
moment. Indulge not the least sin, but resist the first motion 
of temptation. Oppose his every artful device, stand against 
iiis every subtle wile, ' stedfast,' undismayed at them, un- 
daunted by them, however horrible and devilish. The more 
they are so, the more easily it is known from whom they come. 
' In the faith ; ' honour your Lord's heavenly truths, oppose 
them to Satan's hellish lies. Bring your Lord's precious pro- 
mises against Satan's vile suggestions, stand stedfast to, Thus 
it is written, thus I will honour my Lord's word. Never, never 
let go that faithful saying, c Christ Jesus came into the world 
to save sinners.' Glory in this, hold it up as your shield, 
against all the fiery darts of the devil. With all his infernal 
injections, he can make no worse of you than i a sinner.' This 
you own ; yea, and that you deserve hell and damnation too 
for your sins. But in the faith of Jesus you are a saved, jus- 
tified, pardoned sinner. There is no condemnation against 
you, an adopted son of God. Stand fast in this faith, abide 
otedfast by this truth. Glory in your Lord for it, give him the 
glory of it. In the confidence of it * Resist the devil, and he 
will flee from you.' James iv. 7. 

Brethren, it is our common lot, Stand in the strength of Christ thy Lord, 
• With Satan to engage ; Armed with his word divine, 

Think what a powerful Lord we've got, Stedfast in faith, he'll help afford : 

Fear not his hellish rage. Christ's victory is thine m. 



FEBRUARY 15. J 95 [MORNING. 

Our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in 
poiuer, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. 
1 Thess. i. 5. 



Sin, salvation, death, judgment, eternity, though matters oi 
the highest moment and utmost importance to us, yet we are 
apt' to think of them with little concern, to speak of them with 
great indifference, and treat the consideration of them as Felix 
did Paul : f Go thy way for this time ; when I have a con- 
venient season I will send for thee.' Acts xxiv. 25. And yet 
perhaps such have long sat under a preached gospel, hugely 
cry up and applaud the preacher, and are ready to condemn 
others who do not see and admire the excellency of the man. 
But alas, what are the most excellent words of man without 
the power of the Spirit ? Light as air, ineffectual to soul-sav- 
ing purposes, as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 

The grand question is, Have I inwardly known and felt 
the power of the gospel ? l Our gospel came unto you not in 
word only, but also in power.' It has an internal voice ; it 
speaks glad tidings, good news of life and salvation to the 
very soul. It is the word of power to quicken dead souls to 
life ; it is a revelation to the heart of pardon and peace by 
Jesus. Thus it brings the clearest evidence, the fullest assur 
ance along with it, that it is God's word of life and salvation. 
The Holy Ghost bears witness to it, in power and demonstra- 
tion. Blessed those who are divinely assured of the truths of 
gospel-grace and love by Jesus, who embrace the gospel as 
their only hope, and flee and cleave to Jesus as their only re- 
fuge. But more blessed, yea most happy those believing souls 
who are upon the delectable mountains, and enjoy much assur- 
ance of their own personal interest in Jesus, and eternal life 
through him ; and by the Holy Ghost are enabled to say, c I 
know that Jesus loved me and died for me.' Oh this privi- 
lege is most highly to be prized, and is worth pressing after. 

This only can deliver the soul from all doubts and fears, 
inflame it with the most ardent love, inspire it with the most 
holy boldness, influence it to the most cheerful obedience, 
resign it to afflictive allotments, wing it with holy longings 
after Jesus and eternal glory, and make it joyfully triumphant 
over the grim tyrant death ; with i Thanks be to God, who 
giveth me the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' 1 Cor. 
xv. 57. In this holy confidence died the blessed apostle, who 
said, ' I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that 
he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him 
against that day.* 2 Tim. i. 12. 

My Saviour God, my sovereign Prince, His word is truth, his power is great, 

Reigns far ahove the skies ; From hence my comforts spring : 

But brings his graces down to sense, Assurance by the Holy Ghost 

And helps my faith to rise A heaven on earth doth bring. m 



FEBRUARY 15.] 96 [EVENING 

His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor. Isaiah 
ix. 6. 



Litigious spirits are fond of law ; bat Paul forbids the bre- 
thren of Christ to go to law with one another. Among other 
reasons, this is the greatest. They are concerned in a suit 
which will last their whole lives, and which requires all thei* 
time and attention. Though their cause has been tried again 
and again, though they have gained cause after cause, yet 
their adversary continues as litigious as ever. He is conti- 
nually accusing them, and preferring bills of fresh indictment 
against them. He sets the world upon us, he stirs up the flesh 
in us, he brings heinous charges against us. He is the accuser 
of the brethren before God, and to our own consciences night 
and day. Rev. xii. 10. Have you heard nothing from Satan 
your adversary and accuser this day ? If you have, be not 
dejected. Let him accuse, say, and do his worst. It is our 
unspeakable comfort that we have a wonderful Counsellor. 
He pleads our cause before the throne of justice above, he 
pleads within us in the court of conscience, he counsels and 
advises us by his word and Spirit. His true and righteous 
pleadings for us, shall prevail over all Satan's accusations 
against us. Would you wish your cause in better hands ? 
Never attempt to take it out of his, Continually consult him, 
and leave all to him. For consider, (1) Jesus in the eternal 
council, voluntarily, unsought and unasked, stood forth, and 
engaged to be our counsellor. Like a generous counsellor in 
a court, seeing the poverty of an arraigned prisoner, freely, 
without money or price, undertakes to plead his cause. Oh 
wonderful love, and kind compassion ! (2) He is a c wonderful 
counsellor;' for though law and justice condemn, he obtains 
an acquittal in court for all his clients. Most wonderful in his 
plea : not our innocence, sincerity, or goodness. No, he owns 
our guilt and vileness, and pleads his own work for us ; the 
blood he shed for our sins, his obedience to the law for our jus- 
tification, and his sufferings for our salvation. Justice says, I 
am satisfied, I forgive them. Truth records the sentence. 
Mercy declares, I will save them. (3) Oh wonderful coun- 
sellor ! It is sinners, none but sinners thou pleadest for. For 
this my soul loves thee. God be merciful to me a sinner ! 
This is ever my plea. I take it up. Lord show me from law 
and justice, that thou art just, whilst thou justifiest the un- 
godly. Desperate as my case is, may I ever flee to thee, and 
ever consult thee: Thou hast the words of eternal life. John 
vi. 68. 

Jesus is our Cod and Saviour, Trust him, lie will not deceive us, 

Guide, Counsellor, and Friend, Though we hardly deem of him ; 

Rearing all our misbehaviour, He will never, never leave us, 

Kind and loving to the end. Nor will let us quite leave him. 



FEBRUARY 16.] 97 [MORNING. 

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and 
tie beheld his glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of 
the Father, fall of grace and truth. John i. 14. 

When the Lord gave Lamech a son, he called his name 
Noah, which signifies repose or consolation ; and he said, 
' This same shall comfort us concerning the work and toil of 
our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed.' 
Gen. v. 29. Noah was an eminent type of Jesus. Every sin- 
ner, who is poor, and made low, as Lamech signifies, has in- 
finite reason so to conclude of Jesus, the Son of God. ( This 
same shall comfort us, though the work and toil of hands have 
been evil, and we are cursed for sin, 

To be poor and made low in self, and to be struck with the 
display of the glory of the Lord Jesus, is the work of the Spirit, 
by the word of truth, and is peculiar to believers in all ages. 
( Abraham rejoiced to see Christ's day of incarnation ; he saw 
it and was glad/ And all the children of Abraham's faith 
now, as well as the apostles, see the glory of Jesus by the 
same Spirit, whose office it is to glorify Christ. To know Jesus 
as man, the anointed Saviour, brings life and peace to our 
hearts. To see his glory as God-man, fills our souls with the 
triumphs of salvation. Thus we are satisfied with him as our 
Lord and our God. We look to no other, but to God in our 
flesh, who dwelt among us. He is full of grace and truth to 
us. All wrath and terror ceaseth against us ; for God was in 
Christ reconciling the world, not imputing sin. So God hath 
drawn nigh to us, so he hath embraced and loved us ; and so 
by faith we draw nigh to, embrace and love him. 

When Jesus is embraced in the arms of faith, the enrap- 
tured heart cries out, with Simeon, e Mine eyes have seen thy 
salvation.' We run with patience the heavenly race, looking 
to Jesus. With this view, we meditate on our hastening dis- 
solution with composure, expect the sure messenger with 
peace, look forward to approaching judgment with joy, being- 
assured of the joyful sight of the glorified man Jesus, the 
judge, who shall then appear as the great God and our Sa- 
viour. ' Whom having not seen, we love ; in whom, though 
we now see him not, yet believing, we rejoice with joy un- 
speakable and full of glory.' 1 Peter i. 8. For yet a little 
while and he shall certainly come to be glorified in his saints, 
and to be admired in all them that believe. 2 Thess. i. 10. 

And did ray God in human flesh The faith of this attracts my soul, 

And blood appear below ? To Christ in union sweet ; 

Was he beheld as full of truth, More of thy fulness, Lord, bestow, 

That grace from him might flow * In thee I am complete. m 



FEBRUARY 16.] 98 [EVENING. 

Men ought anvays to pray, and not to jaint. Luke 
xviii. L 



Then there can be no room for despair, for prayer exports 
wants, and imports blessings. But our dear Lord knows that 
there is in us all at times a backwardness to prayer, and this he 
would remove. It arises from fainting, this he would prevent. 
Therefore he opposes praying to fainting, for fainting prevents 
praying. Have you not found it so ? When weary and faint 
in your mind, when your spirits are oppressed, your frame low 
and languid, you have thought this is not a time for prayer. 
Yea, but it is. Pray ' always.' Now sigh out the burden of 
your heart, and the sorrows of your spirit. Now, though in 
broken accents, breathe your complaints into your Father's 
ear. Now cry to him who loveth you and careth for you, with 
the love and care of the most tender and affectionate father. 
What makes us faint ? Do troubles and afflictions ? Here is 
a reviving cordial. ■ Call upon me in the day of trouble : I 
will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.' Psal. 1. 15. Does 
a body of sin and death ? Here is a supporting promise. 
' Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, shall 
be saved.' Roin. x. 13. Do we faint because we have called 
and prayed, again and again, to the Lord against any beset- 
ing sin, prevailing temptation, rebellious lust, or evil temper, 
and yet the Lord has not given us the victory over it ? Still, 
says the Lord, pray l always.' Persevere, be importunate, 
faint not. Remember that blessed word : ( My time is not yet 
come, but your time is always ready.' John vii. 6. Watch 
and pray that ye enter not into temptation. Matt. xxvi. 41. 
Note the difference between being tempted, and entering into 
temptation. We are assured in due time we shall reap, if we 
faint not. Gal. vi. 9. Do we find the spirit willing, but the 
flesh weak? And because of our coldness, deadness, and 
languor in prayer, do we faint? You cannot pray to please 
yourself: you think your prayers are irksome to God, and 
therefore you faint, and are ready to give over praying. Look 
at David, he begins to pray in a very heartless, hopeless waj^. 
e How long wilt thou forget me, oh Lord, for ever ? ' See how 
he concludes : he breaks out in full vigour of soul, ' I will 
sing unto the Lord, for he hath dealt bountifully with me/ 
Psal. xiii. Above all, look to Jesus, who ever lives to pray 
for you. Look for his Spirit to help your infirmities. Rom. 
\?iii. 26. 

Prayer is the work of strongest saints, Always pray — soul, why should you faint ? 

Of miserable sinners too : Know I'm thy strength and righteousness ; 

Whene'er our feohle spirit faints, Come to my throne, tell me thy want, 

Mind what our .Saviour bids us do. With love and peace, I'll surely bless. m. 



FEBRUARY 17.] 99 [MORNING. 

That in me ye might have peace ; in the world ye shall 
have tribulation. But he of good cheer, 1 have over- 
come the ivorld. John xvi. 33. 



Such is Christ's legacy to all his brethren ; peace in him, 
tribulation in the world. Every disciple shall receive these 
bequests. The former, a God of truth and faithfulness is en- 
gaged by promise and oath to give. The latter, from the 
world, the flesh, and the devil, every follower of Jesus will be 
sure to receive. But alas, how apt are we, when in the mount of 
peace with Jesus, to cry, Tribulation shall no more affect me. 
On the other hand, when in the dreary valley of tribulation, 
then we are ready to conclude, There is no end to my troubles ; 
I shall see peace no more. This was the case with David. 
One while we find him triumphing : ' In my prosperity I said 
I shall never be moved.' Psal. xxx. 6. At another, mournfully 
complaining, ' Thou hidest thy face, and I am troubled.' 

Too, too apt are we to judge of God's love to us by his pro- 
vidences, instead of his promises. Tribulation in the world is 
as necessary for the soul as peace in Jesus ; or our loving Sa- 
viour would not have appointed it for us. One is not incom- 
patible with, nor destructive of the other. Nay, is it not often 
the case with thee, oh christian, as of old, that ( as sufferings 
abound, consolation abounds also?' 2 Cor. i. 5. Hast thou 
access by faith into the same grace with the church of old ; 
dost thou with them ' rejoice in hope of the glory of God?' 
Learn the same note which they sung : ( We glory in tribula- 
tion.' Why ? Because they knew that all things work toge- 
ther for good. Therefore they found by experience these soul- 
reviving effects, ' Knowing that tribulation worketh patience, 
and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope 
maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad 
in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us.' Rom. v. 2 — 5. 

Thus as Christ is ours, all things are ours. Tribulation and 
distress in the world are ours, as well as hope, patience, peace, 
love, and joy in Jesus. Sweet is it to observe, how our dear 
Saviour words his legacy : it is like a cross richly ornamented 
With jewels of infinite value. Tribulation in the world stands 
encompassed with ' peace' in the front, ' good cheer' and vic- 
tory in the rear. Who is he that overcometh the world, but 
he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the 
victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John v. 
4,5. 

Hath my dear Lord this world o'ercome, Faith in my Lord doth shave the spoils, 

In which I've trials great? And bring me peace of mind ; 

Be of good cheer then, oh my soul, What tho' the world doth smile or frown, 

Thy vict'ry is complete. *" Christ I vicl'rv find. m. 



FEBRUARY 17.] 100 [EVENING. 

Noiv abideth faith, hope and charity. 1 Cor. xiii. 13. 

Where do these graces abide ? In regenerate hearts. What 
is faith ? A precious grace, the gift of God to miserable sin- 
ners. Lord give us the comfort of it to-night. Some say that 
faith is an assurance that my sins are pardoned, that Christ 
loved me and gave himself for me. Indeed it is not. Yet some 
affirm that no one has faith without this assurance; and if 
they have it not, they are in a state of wrath. This also is 
false. It has blown up many with a vain fancy, while it has 
distressed sincere souls without reason. Many who contend 
for this assurance of faith, believe a lie along with it ; for they 
say, those whom Christ hath so loved as to die for them, and 
whose sins are now forgiven, may at last perish. Such an 
assurance is not worth a straw, and it is not the faith of God's 
elect. It directly contradicts the words of Jesus, who is the 
author and finisher of our faith. It contradicts his double 
oath : ( Verily, verily, I say unto you, he who believeth on me 
hath everlasting life.' John vi. 47. Leave the vain notions 
of such, look into the word of God for the true nature of faith. 
It is neither more nor less than a belief of God's word, giving 
credit to God for what he speaks, believing on his Son Jesus 
Christ according to his commandment. 1 John iii. 23. Dost 
thou believe thus in thy heart? Then faith abides there. Con- 
sider, there is faith, and ' the furtherance and joy of faith/ 
Phil. i. 25. If you have faith, though but as a grain of mus- 
tard-seed, you will see Christ is precious to you a miserable 
sinner. You will receive him as the most inestimable gift 
of God, to save you a lost sinner. You will go to him, as the 
one object of your hope, and the chief desire of your soul. 
You will rely on his death, as the only atonement for your 
sins, and trust in his righteousness alone to justify you. You 
will lay hold on him, as the only refuge for your guilty soul. 
You will live upon him, that you may find joy and peace in 
him, and grow up into him in all things. You will glory of, 
and in him alone, saying, ' God forbid I should glory, save in 
the cross of oar Lord Jesus Christ.' Gal. vi. 14 Hence you will 
grow out of conceit with yourself, dead to sin, dead to your 
own righteousness, and dead to the world. This, this is the 
faith of the operation of God, which lives and abides in new- 
born souls. In thus believing, we may be fully assured, God 
will fill us with all joy and peace. Horn. xv. 13. 

Father, I bless lliee Cor the gift Let precious faith in Christ abide, 

Of Christ thy precious Son : With all its life and power, 

Spirit, in praise my soul I lift, To cleave to Christ, whate'er betide 

For faith, inv Lord to own Me in the darkest hour. m. 



FEBRUARY 18.] 101 [MORNING, 

Henceforth know we no man after the flesh ; yea, 
though we have known Christ after the flesh ; yet now 
henceforth know we him no more. 2 Cor. v. 16. 



How eminent did the grace of God shine in the conduct of 
Levi, when the glory of Jehovah was at stake, when his hon- 
our was to be vindicated against those who had sinned with a 
high hand. ' He said to his father and mother, I have not seen 
him.' That is, no one that mine eye shall pity, nor my hand 
spare, who has transgressed in this matter. * Neither did he 
acknowledge his brethren, nor know his own children.' Deut. 
xxxiii. 9. The Lord our God is a jealous God. Jt behoves his 
children to be valiant for the truth as it is in Jesus. It is our 
duty to face all opposition against it ; to stand in defence of it 
from every quarter, and to know no man after the flesh, so as 
to give up the truth for fear of him. This is our highest hon- 
our, and is highly acceptable in the sight of our God. ' Those 
who honour me I will honour,' saith the Lord. But i knowing 
men after the flesh,' proves a snare to the soul : many have 
suffered loss by it. While they have conferred with flesh and 
blood, listened to the wisdom of carnal men, and consulted the 
judgment of the wise of this world, how have their minds been 
drawn from the simplicity that is in Christ ! The wisdom ot 
this world is foolishness with God, the righteousness of the 
flesh is an abomination in his sight. The Spirit of inspiration 
hath taught us this profitable lesson, to glory only in Christ as 
our wisdom and righteousness. This sweet mystery of faith 
makes us dead to the life of the flesh, the lust of the flesh, and 
the glory of the flesh ; yea, it gives us the victory over the flesh. 
So we live in a spiritual kingdom, glory in Jesus as a spiritual 
Saviour, are delighted with spiritual companions, and are 
made comfortable by spiritual gifts and graces. 

While a pharisee, Paul gloried in carnal privileges and the 
attainments of the flesh ; but being apprehended of Christ 
Jesus, in his way to Damascus, ' behold he prayeth.' Acts 
ix. 11. His prayer also was addressed to him, as the Lord 
his God, and as the fountain of grace and mercy. Blessed 
proof of a new-born soul, when it soars to Jesus, and is dissa- 
tisfied with all the objects of nature, time and sense, and in- 
cessantly cries, ' I count all things but loss and dung for the 
excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for 
whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them 
but dung that I may win Christ/ Phil. iii. 8. 

To know ray Lord in mortal flesh, With spiritual views my soul delight, 

Doth ey'ry comfort bring- : Of Jesu's lovely face, 

After the flesh to know the Lord Oh heav'nly Dove ; so make rae run 

Js quite a carnal thing. With joy my heavenly race. M 



FEBRUARY 18.] 102 [EVENING. 

Now abideth hope, 1 Cor. xiii. 13. 

Gospel faith and christian hope are twin graces in the heart, 
and they are inseparable. Faith exists not without hope, hope 
has no being without faith. Such as a man's faith is, such is 
his hope. They both flow from God's word, as light and heat 
from the sun. Take away the word spoken, and faith has no 
being. Without a promise made, hope has no existence. 
Faith receives and takes possession of Christ, as he is set forth 
in the word. Hope expects all promised blessings, comforts 
and joys in him, with him, and from him, according to the 
word, and the word of God liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Pet. 
i. 23. Jesus, who is the essential Word ' is our hope.' 1 Tim. 
i. 1. He is the cause of our hope, the object of our hope, and 
the life of our hope ; therefore our hope abideth. Yea, though 
all in nature fails, all in sense forsakes us, and all, as to out- 
ward appearances, are against us ; though Satan raises storms 
and tempests, though corruptions rage and foam, and lift up 
their boisterous waves ; though like Paul we are in the great 
deep, and see neither sun, moon nor stars for a season, yet 
hope abideth; for Jesus the object of hope lives. The grace 
of hope lives. The grace of hope cannot perish, it is an an- 
chor to the soul, and keeps it sure and steady. Why ? Because 
it is not east within us, but without us. What a foolish mari- 
ner would he be, who should think his vessel would ride safe 
and steady against wind and tide, because he had an anchor 
on board ? Just as foolish are those professors, who cast the 
anchor of hope within themselves, on their own graces, or in- 
herent righteousness, as it is called. Why, as the sea phrase 
is, the anchor will come home; it will not hold the vessel, 
there is no ground for it to fasten in. But the christian's hope 
* entereth into that within the vail/ into heaven itself. It fixes 
and fastens upon Jesus, who is entered into heaven ' for us/ 
As by faith we receive the atonement of Christ for our sins, 
and trust in his righteousness for our our justification, so hope 
looks for and expects the heart reviving, soul sanctifying com- 
forts of this from the holy Spirit in time, and all the glory and 
blessedness which Jesus hath by his life and death obtained 
for us, in an endless eternity. Faith has to do with things in- 
visible to sense. God's truth is the foundation of faith ; faith 
keeps hope in lively exercise, ( looking for that blessed hope, 
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour 
Jesus Christ.' Tit. ii. 13. 

Thy word, oh God, begot my faith, Thy word is truth, thy promise sure, 

From thence my hope doth spring ; Hence faith and hope abide ; 

Founded alone on what God saith, My soul in safety shall endure, 

My soul adore and sing. Nought can from Christ divide. m 



FEBRUARY 19.] 103 [MORNING. 

He that acknowledgeth the Son, hath the Father also. 
1 John ii. 23. 



If so, we cannot pay too much homage, nor ascribe too 
much glory to Jesus, as some object. Did Jesus receive from 
God the Father, honour and glory, by this voice from the ex- 
cellent glory, ' This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well 
pleased?' 2 Pet. i. 17. Is it the Father's will that all men 
should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father ? ' He 
that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father that 
sent him/ John v. 23. May we not then boldly say with Paul, 
on another occasion, l As the truth of Christ is in me, no man 
shall stop me in this glorying' in Jesus, as my Lord and my 
God. Yea, we will acknowledge him in his lowest form and 
meanest appearance; as the babe wrapped in swaddling- 
clothes, lying in a manger ; a destitute, outcast infant, obscure 
and mean in his birth and parentage, working at a common 
ordinary employ, without form and comeliness, despised and 
rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; 
mocked, derided, laughed to scorn, crowned with thorns in 
derision, condemned and crucified as one accursed, unworthy 
to live in heaven or on earth, adjudged fit only to die, in com- 
pany with thieves and highwaymen, on a gibbet. Wholly to 
trust in this Man, this God-man, Jesus of Nazareth, the root 
and offspring of David, this is ' the faith of God's elect.' This 
the acknowledgment of the truth which is after godliness. This 
is the only ' hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, 
promised before the world began.' Tit. i. 2. This is a 6 repent- 
ance to the acknowledging of the truth.' 2 Tim. ii. J25. Thus 
are simple, believing hearts ' comforted being knit together in 
love, unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to 
the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, 
and of Christ ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom 
and knowledge.' Col. ii. 2, 3. 

In this rich mine of truth and consolation we are daily to 
dig for all wisdom, holiness, and happiness. In this acknow- 
ledgment of the Son in his humble state, thus saving us, we 
have the Father's rich love and precious promises, and the 
holy Spirit's power, influence and witness. Let us ever be 
giving thanks to the Father, who hath made us meet to be 
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Col. i. 12. 

When I behold the Father's love Then sense submits to faith divine, 
Shine in the Person of his Son, Which lords it over carnal views : 

His Spirit brings my soul to own My soul gets settled in its hope ; 
My God, th' eternal three in one. This truth I sing, and sweetlv muse. 



FEBRUARY 19.] 104 [EVENING. 

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, 
and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear 
them, 1 the God oj Israel will not forsake them. Isai. 
xli. 17. 



It is common to hear people say, Such a one is a great be- 
liever. What idea strikes one's mind respecting such a per- 
son ? Are we not apt to think, he is very rich in himself, 
having a vast stock of inherent righteousness ? This is wrong, 
he is just the reverse ; he is one who knows himself to be poor 
and needy. His great faith leads him out of himself, to the 
great God and our Saviour, to receive out of his fulness, grace 
upon grace. He confesses, I am a poor and needy sinner, 
living upon the unsearchable riches of Christ. The sight of 
our poverty, and sense of our need, the holy Spirit keeps up 
in our minds all through life. This makes Christ and his riches 
of grace precious to us. Some say such a one is only a seeker 
of the Lord. That is just what God's children are all their 
days. * They are poor and needy, and they seek water.' Their 
souls are athirst —>' and there is none/ They can find no water 
of consolation in the whole world ; they have no spring of com- 
fort in themselves, and can draw none from their own righte- 
ousness. ' Their tongue fails for thirst.' The sin of their 
nature, like a scorching fever, burns in them. This the hard- 
ened in sin, and the self-righteous feel not; but regenerate 
souls do. They thirst after the cooling streams of Christ's 
grace and salvation, to refresh them. Their tongue fails, in 
uttering a word of their own works and faithfulness : all their 
cry is about their poverty and need, and thirst after Jesus. 
Well, says he, ' I the Lord will hear them :' yea, and answer 
them too. ( If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and 
drink.' John vii. 87. Well but I have been this poor, needy, 
thirsty creature ever since the Lord first convinced me of sin, 
and brought me to Christ for salvation. I hear others talk of 
their riches, goodness and perfection. Let them talk on. Bless 
the Spirit for what you are ; expect to be poor and needy all 
your days. Rejoice, at what the Lord says, { I will not for- 
sake them; Who ? Poor, needy, thirsty souls. Such are the 
work of his Spirit, the glory of his Son, and the delight of the 
Father's soul. Christ upbraids those who say, f they are rich 
and increased in goods.' Rev. iii. 17. f He fills the hungry 
with good things, but the rich he sends empty away/ Luke i. 
&3. Jesus says of all his people, ' I know thy poverty, but 
thou art rich ;' poor in themselves, but rich in him. Rev. ii. 9. 



FEBRUARY 20.] 105 [MORNING 

That I may win Christ. Phiiip. iii. 8. 



No sooner had good king Hezekiah established his throne in 
righteousness, restored religion in his kingdom, set his whole 
heart to serve the Lord, and his God prospered him, but an 
invading Sennacherib enters his territories, and encamps 
against his fenced cities. 2 Chron. xxxii. I. Scripture and 
experience daily preach to God's children, ' This is not your 
rest ; ' you are in a militant state. Though Jesus hath taken 
possession of the soul, and cast out the strong man armed, 
think not of folding your arms, and saying, I shall see war no 
more ; for your adversary has many after-games to play. He 
will not only encamp against your fenced cities, and attack 
your out-works, but will also attempt your very heart and 
mind. Beware of such suggestions as these, they are the 
whispers of a destroying foe : Come, you are now an excellent 
christian ; you have a tongue to speak for Jesus, you don't 
live and act as the rest of the careless sinful world ; you have 
made great advances in holiness, now you have somewhat to 
glory in yourself before God. -Jesus, Master, save us in this 
hour of Satan's attack! When in such a storm, better to cast 
overboard all the heavy lading of self-confidence to right the 
ship. ' A haughty spirit goeth before a fall.' Prov. xvi. 18. 

Let us ever remember, Jesus is all our gain and all our 
glory. We are still poor sinners. By renouncing all, and 
cleaving to him, we enjoy all in him. No fruits produced, no 
comforts experienced, but by abiding in him. What possess 
Jesus, and yet want to ( win' him? Yes : there is much more 
knowledge, much more peace, love, joy, and a greater confor- 
mity to the blessed Jesus to be gained and experienced, than 
any of us have yet found. Hearts enamoured with Christ, 
like avaricious gamesters, never, never think they have enough 
of him till they have gained the full enjoyment of his match- 
less charms in glory. They renounce all for his sake. Where- 
fore ? On terms and conditions to barter for an interest in 
Christ ? No : gracious, loving hear s detest such base under- 
valuing thoughts of their infinitely precious Lord. Shall the 
dross and dung of our doings and performances be put in com- 
petition with his most glorious excellency, who is our prize, 
our portion, our treasure ? Whom have I in heaven but thee, 
or what is there on earth that I desire in comparison of thee, 
will ever be the language of faith. 

My God, my life, my love, There's nothing here deserves my joys, 

To thee, to thee I call ; There's nothing like my God. 

I cannot live if thou remove, 

For thou art all in all The smilings of thy face, 

How amiable they are ! 

What empty things are all the skies, Tis heav'n to rest in thy embraces. 

And this inferior clod : And nowhere else but there. 



FEBRUARY 20.] ]06 [EVENING 

God hath put a new song in my mouth. Psalm xl. 3. 

Some sing when they have cause to be sad ; others are sad 
when they have reason to sing and rejoice. Some go on 
merrily to hell ; others go on sorrowing to heaven. When the 
grace of J esus is in the heart, a new song is put into the mouth. 
This is a song of new covenant love, which we are to sing -all 
our days on earth, and for ever and ever in glory. In passing 
the streets, we meet with many occurrences, which remind us 
of our Beloved. It is sweet to spiritualize carnal things. I 
was much delighted with a carnal song which concludes thus : 
' All the time is thrown away, but what is spent in love/ I 
thought this was very true, of the love of our Saviour. — This 
psalm is applied to Christ in his manhood state, when a new 
song was put in his mouth on our account. He says, ' many 
shall see it and fear, and trust in the Lord.' Our spiritual joy 
springs from seeing Christ's work in our salvation, from know- 
ing the experience he had of his Father's upholding power as 
man and mediator, and beholding his triumph over all his and 
our enemies. Look at this, yea look and look again, till you 
can say, Oh Jesus, my whole soul loves thee : for hadst thou 
miscarried in thy work, my soul had been irrecoverably lost 
for ever. But now thou hast finished thy Father's work and 
my salvation, I am saved for ever. I see it, and trust in the 
Lord. Having this confidence in my heart, this song is put 
into my mouth : 'Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the 
throne, and unto the Lamb.' Rev. vii. 10. Now 1 can adopt 
my Saviour's words : ' Thou hast brought me up from a horri- 
ble pit, out of the miry clay, set my feet upon a rock, and 
established my goings.' Therefore, ( I will sing unto the Lord 
as long as I live: I will sing praise unto my God, while I 
have my being.' Psal. civ. 33. I charge thee, oh my soul, 
never, never to forget the horrors of dread, the terrors of fear, 
the agonies of pain, and conflicts of sufferings which thy Lord 
endured from men and devils, from his Father's fiery wrath 
and inexorable justice, for thy sins and for thy salvation. Oh 
sing of his mighty conquests ; rejoice in his glorious triumphs 
over all the powers of sin, death and hell. Well might the 
apostle exhort believers thus : ( Speaking to yourselves in 
psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making 
melody in your hearts to the Lord.' Ephes. v. 19. ' The 
ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with 
songs ; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and 
sighing shall flee away.' Isai. xxxv. 10. 

Old songs of vain and carnal mirth, Thou loving Spirit, thee I praise 

No more delight my heart ; For grace, of Christ to sing ; 

New songs of Jesu's life and love, Me is my joy, my righteousness 

Shed oy thro' every part. My Saviour and my King. m. 



FEBRUARY 21.] 107 [MORNING. 

Strive to enter in at the strait gate : for many, I say 
unto you, shall seek to enter in, but shall not be able. 
Luke xiii. 24. 



Thou feeble-minded disciple, weak in faith, thy Jesus speaks 
not thus to discourage thee from seeking salvation by him 
only ; for he also says, ' Every one that seeketh findeth.' But 
rather he hereby animates and encourages thy soul in striving 
against every enemy that opposeth thy entering his kingdom 
by the strait gate, even by his one atonement, and one righte- 
ousness only. He designs also to show that men may not only 
seek, but strive as in an agony, e to enter in, but shall not be 
able.' Why ? Because they expect to enter the kingdom by 
some other gate than Jesus. But, says the apostle, ( No man 
is crowned, except he strives lawfully.' Earnestness, zeal, 
activity, avail nothing, while Jesus is not the only object ; his 
blood the only plea for pardon, his righteousness the only hope 
for acceptance. But this, in the eyes of self-righteous pro- 
fessors, makes the gate appear too strait indeed. Hence they 
seek to enter by ways more pleasing to their pride, and more 
agreeable to the corrupt lusts of their nature. So that striving 
is not so much opposed to seeking, as the strait gate, Jesus, is 
to every one method of salvation of man's devising. There is 
an awful denunciation against such, Isai. xlv. 9. e Woe be 
to him that striveth with his Maker.' Shall potsherds of the 
earth dare contend against the sovereignty of God's wisdom, 
power, and grace ? Here is the strife of the pharisee. And 
in opposition to the sloth and licentiousness of the antino- 
mian, says our Lord to all his disciples, ' Strive'— strive, by 
my power which strengthens you, against every enemy that 
opposeth your entering my kingdom by Me. 

As surely as there is a devil in hell, there will be false 
teachers on earth. So long as thou continuest in the body, 
thou wilt have corrupt lusts, carnal reason, the workings of 
pride, unbelief and self-righteousness. Now all these unite to 
oppose thy faith, and contend against thy hope ; but thy 
master, who calleth thee to arms, bids thee be of good cou- 
rage, and strive for the mastery, f n his strength thou art sure 
to conquer and win the prize. Press forward/ striving against 
sin.' Heb. xii. 4. Strive for the faith of the gospel, strive 
fervently in prayers,' strive according to his working, who 
worketh mightily in all his people. Phil. i. 27. 

Give light, oh Lord, to see the gate, Tarn off my eyes from other hopes, 

And strength to strive to enter in That would beguile my soul ; 

By The?, who art the Truth, the Way, Oh fix and keep my wand'ring heart 

From Satan's power the world, and sin. To thee entire and whole. v. 



FEBRUARY 21.] 108 [EVENING. 

Oh Lord, thou hast deceived me, and 1 teas deceived: 
thou art stronger than i, and hast prevailed. 1 am in 
derision daily, and every one mocketh me. Jer. xx. 7. 

A poor deluded perfectionist lately made a great noise in 
London : he blasphemously pretended to be as holy as God 
himself, to have revelations from him, and peremptorily fixed 
upon a day when the world was to be destroyed. He deceived 
many, and alarmed more. But time proved how awfully he 
had deceived himself. And now, what is most awful, he has 
cast off all sense of religion, ridicules it, charges all his delu- 
sion upon God, and quotes these very words of Jeremiah, to 
prove that God had deceived him. One would not mention 
this by way of reflection, or triumph over this unhappy man ; 
but as a caution against this mad, wildfire notion of sinless 
perfection, which so spreads amongst us. But did God really 
deceive Jeremiah ? Can we suppose he charges God with it ? 
The very thought is daring and impious. After giving several 
senses upon the words, the learned Dr. Gill very judiciously 
says, it is best of all to translate them as they will bear : f Oh 
Lord, thou hast persuaded me, and I was persuaded' This 
sense he takes from Luther and others. The prophet did not 
run before he was sent, but was called, and effectually con- 
vinced of his mission, by the power of the holy Spirit. Just so 
every believer is, (1) Divinely called, and effectually persuad- 
ed to come to Christ, and be his disciple. Christian, consider ; 
do not you here see something suited to your own case ? Was 
not God stronger than you, and therefore prevailed ? Will not 
you fall down to-night at the feet of sovereign grace, and own 
its effectual power, and give the God of all grace, all the glory 
from your whole heart. (2) Arc you like Jeremiah, got into a 
complaining unbelieving frame ? Are you saying, Oh Lord, I 
should never have come to thee, and been thy disciple, if thy 
grace had not prevailed over me. Being come, I encouraged 
my soul to hope for nothing but comfort all through life. But, 
alas, I am disappointed and dejected. Men laugh at me and 
deride me. One says, I am an enthusiast; another, my brain 
is turned. The world say, I am only pursuing whims and 
chimeras of my own fancy ; and satan mocks and derides me 
daily, crying, now where is your comfort? Where is now your 
God ?— Blessed christian, consider, (3) and be not dismayed, 
It is your glory, as it was the prophet's, to have a loving- 
hearted, covenant God, a compassionate Saviour, who is 
touched with our feelings, to go to. You can pour out your 
heart before him, appeal to him, tell him of your sorrows, 
treatment, and heart-felt distress. Though all the world 
derides you, God delights over you : Though Satan insults, 
' God shall bruise satan under your feet shortly/ Bom. xvi. 20, 



FEBRUARY 22.] 109 [MORNING. 

Why art thou so cast down, oh my soul ; and why art 
thou disquieted within me ? Hope thou in God, for I 
shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, 
and my God. Psalm xlii. 11. 

We are not to expect the sunshine of joy all the way- 
through this vale of tears. Comfortable frames and feelings, 
though sweet and delightful, are not always so profitable to 
the soul. Were we always on the mount of joy, alas, we 
should forget that we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth ; 
but should be for building tabernacles of rest in a polluted 
place, and cry out with the highly-favoured disciples, ' It is 
good for us to be here ; but they knew not what they said.' 
Luke ix. 33. It is the glory of a christian to live by faith on 
Jesus ; to judge of his Saviour's love from the word of truth, 
more than by sense and feeling ; yea under dejection and dis- 
quiet of soul, then to hope and trust in God, to check and re- 
buke one's self for doubts and diffidence ; this is truly the 
exercise of faith. Faith supports the soul, and lifts it above 
the determinations of carnal reason, and the suggestions of 
sense. The believer is to abide steadily by the word of truth, 
though in heaviness for a season ; being persuaded that short- 
ly he shall rejoice and praise God, even for this gloomy dis- 
pensation ; concluding from the word of God's grace and 
faithfulness, ' Jehovah Jesus is the health of my countenance, 
and my God.' This is the very joy of faith, and such was the 
sweet experience of David. Mark the frequent declarations 
to this purpose in the forty second and forty third psalms, 
which are recorded for our instruction. 

Disciple, it is well for thee to learn wisdom hereby. Thy 
frame may vary, but the foundation of God's love standeth 
sure ; his promises cannot fail, the word of truth, yea the oath 
of Jehovah, are engaged for the salvation of all who have fled 
to Jesus for refuge. Thou mayest meet with many things, 
from within and without, to cast down thy soul, to distress 
and disquiet thee ; but thou art called to look to Jesus, and 
not to stagger at the promises through unbelief. Like the 
father of the faithful, thou art called, ' against hope to believe 
in hope ;' not to consider thine own corrupt nature, its lust 
ings to evil, its enmity to grace, so as to give up thy hope. 
There is ever cause for humility, but none for casting away 
thy confidence in Jesus, under thy worst frames. Though thou 
sinkest to hell, in the view of thy deserts, yet through the righ- 
teousness of Jesus, life and salvation are procured for the 
hell-deserving. Encourage thy soul to hope in him, so shalt 
thou praise and glorify him. ' I will bless the Lord at all 
times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.' Why so ? 
' Because my soul shall make her boast in the Lord.' Psalm 
xxxiv. 1, 2. 



FEBRUARY 22.] 110 [EVENING. 

Hereby tve know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit 
which lie hath given us. 1 John iii. 24. 



' That the soul be without knowledge, it is not good.' Prov. 
xix. 2. What knowledge is to be compared with the excel- 
lency of the knowledge of Christ ? All others will perish, .but 
this is life eternal. John xvii. 3. He is the true God and 
eternal life. 1 John v. 20. Does he abide in us ? Could we 
possess the whole world without this, we only grasp a phantom. 
We may as well seek to fill our belly, and satisfy our hunger 
with the east wind, as be happy without Christ abiding in us. 
(1) What is implied in this ? We know what it is to receive 
and entertain a friend in our dwelling. According to our love 
to him, and delight in him, so we treat him. Love will set 
the best things before him, give him the preeminence in all 
things, and accommodate him with the best room in our house. 
Yea, love is jealous lest all things should not please, and will 
apologize. Now, is it so between Christ and our souls ; have 
we received him as the best and dearest friend into our hearts? 
Do we welcome him, delight in him, invite his stay, entreat 
him to forgive what he sees amiss in our poor accommodation ? 
Then he abideth in us. But (2) Can any one know and be 
sure that Christ abideth in him ? Yes, blessed be God, this is 
not confined to the first age of Christianity, nor limited to the 
apostles only, but it is the precious privilege of every believer 
in Christ, for it is our comfort, that Jesus being glorified, the 
Spirit is given to all his redeemed, to testify of him. (3) This 
knowledge is by the Spirit which he hath given us. Take 
heed and bew r are, that you do not grieve the Spirit, by ascrib- 
ing that as common to nature, which can only be effected by 
his grace. Do you see, and know, and feel yourself to be a 
poor miserable sinner from day to day ? Is sin the grief and 
burden of your soul. Do you delight in the sound of the gos- 
pel, and welcome the name of the Saviour of sinners ? Is he 
the hope of your soul, your trust, and the joy of your heart. 
Do you desire his company, love his presence, and delight in 
his work of salvation ? Were he now to appear to you in per- 
son, and say, what is the one wish of thy soul : ask, and it 
shall be done unto thee. Could you reply, Lord, that I may 
know thee as my own dear Saviour from sin and damnation, 
into holiness and salvation. Is it so : who gave thee this 
spirit? Not Satan : it springs not in the garden of nature : it 
is from the Spirit of Christ. You may truly say, I know Christ 
abideth in me, by the Spirit which he has given me. l John 
iii. 24. 

The Spirit makes known The Spirit we praise, 

What Jesus hath done, Who in these last days, 

By faith we it own, Affections doth raise, 

And choose him, and glory of him alona. Jesus to love, and to live on his ^vacc. si. 



FEBRUARY 23.] Ill [MORNING. 

IV e know that when he shall appear, ive shall be like 
him ; for ice shall see him as he is. 1 John iii. 2. 

Why should the Lord, who giveth us all things richly to en- 
joy, lay an embargo on our fully gratifying ourselves in the 
use of them ? Why are we called to daily mortification and 
self-denial, as to sensual objects ? Verily, it is all in love to 
our souls, that Jesus and spiritual objects might be more en- 
joyed ; for experience proves this life of sense to be opposite 
to a life of faith. The more pleasure, comfort and happiness 
we enjoy in the things of this life, the more it tends to make 
us love the world, and loth to leave it ; and so our affections 
to Jesus cool, our desires after his appearing abate in their 
fervour, and we lose our longings after the unclouded sight of 
him in glory. So St. Paul reproves christians of old : ' Are 
ye not carnal, and walk as men?' 1 Cor. iii. 3. How justly 
applicable is this interrogation to us all. Reflect on this soul- 
reviving truth, Yet a little while and Jesus shall appear. So 
sure as he was once upon earth in our nature, he will appear 
again the same human body, exalted and glorified. And can 
we know and believe this as an undoubted truth, and live 
upon it in expectation, without finding a deadness to this pre- 
sent world, and all its enjoyments ? Here we feel sin in our 
flesh, pains in our bodies, afflictions our companions, wander- 
ings and deadness in duties, trials and temptations of various 
sorts ; and innumerable evils of every kind doth this short life 
abound with. But at the appearing of Jesus, all will be at an 
end, for we shall be like him Our vile bodies shall be fashion- 
ed like to his glorious body, our souls shall be perfectly con- 
formed to his image, in soul and body we shall eternally enjoy 
him. And are we the subjects of such a hope ? Let us live 
like ourselves, as members of Jesus our head. Let us ever be 
pressing after him, living upon his fulness, and longing for his 
appearing. Most blessed sight, most desirable fruition ! We 
shall see our Jesus as he is. Once the despised Nazarene, 
once the devoted victim to curse and wrath ; but now the 
Lord of life and glory, bestowing immortality and eternal life 
upon his dearly-purchased, blood-bought members. Oh were 
our hearts more with Christ on the cross, and more with him 
on his throne by faith, how would sin be subdued, the world 
overcome, Satan conquered, and our happy hearts triumphing 
in love. For we are more than conquerors over all, through 
Jesus that hath loved us. 

Oh the delights, the heav'nly joys, Rut when oar eyes behold his face, 
The glories of the place, Our hearts shall love him more 

Where Jesus sheds the brightest beams And while our faith enjoys this sight 
Of his o'erflowing grace ! We long to leave our clav 

This is the Man, th' exalted Man, Aud with thy fiery chariots, Lord, 
Whom we unseen adore : To fetch our souls away 



FEBRUARY 23.] 112 [EVENING. 

Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in 
the Lord: walk as children of the light. Ephes. v. 8. 

Natural persons raised from indigence to opulence, do not 
love to hear of their pedigree. They see not the hand of the 
Lord in it. What detracts from their person and merit, hurts 
them. But disciples of Christ like to hear of, love to look 
back upon what they were by nature, that they may ascribe 
fresh praise to the Lord, who of his mere grace raised their 
poor souls out of the dust, and lifted their needy souls from 
the dunghill, and has set them with the princes of his people. 
Psal. cxiii. 7, 8. We are here reminded* ' Ye were'— what? 
Dark, having some glimmering light of God, his truth and his 
way ? Nay more, darkness itself. Blind to them, as if totally 
deprived of sight. Ignorant of them as a beast ; as dark about 
them as we should be about natural objects without the sun. 
We walked in darkness, and knew not that we were in the 
high road to hell. But now, blessed ' now,' oh wonder of grace 
— ye are— what? Enlightened by the Lord, have light from 
the Lord ? Yes, this is true. But more : ' We have a light 
in the Lord,' like the angel which John saw, standing in the 
sun. Rev. xix. 17. We have not only the light of life, but we 
are in Christ, who is the sun of righteousness, and the light of 
the world. Here we see our Father's glory shining in the face 
of Christ, feel his love in him, behold his grace and truth 
which came by him, enjoy precious promises in him, know the 
glorious doctrines taught by him. All which leads to, and 
centres in him. Hence we look down upon the world with 
contempt, upon sin with abhorrence, upon Satan with defiance, 
upon carnal men with pity, and up to our Lord with love and 
praise ; for ' we have an unction from him, and know all 
things/ 1 John ii. 20. 'His truths are our delight, and his 
commandments are not grievous.' All is comprised in one 
word : i Walk as children of the light.' But how shall I know 
that I am a child of light ? Strange question : just as odd as 
for a person with his eyes open, in mid-day light, to ask, how 
do I know that I can see ? But if you do not enjoy the com- 
fort of light, it is because you do not walk as a child of light. 
There are many such dark walkers, and no marvel that they 
are uncomfortable professors. Paul wept on account of such. 
See them described : ' They mind earthly things.' Phil, iii.19. 
They have a tongue for Christ, but the world has their heart. 
Beware of such, and refrain from them. For ' if we say we 
have fellowship with Christ, and walk in darkness, we lie, and 
do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the 
light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of 
Jesus Christ his Son clcanseth from all sin.' 1 John i. b", 7. 



FEBRUARY 24.] 113 [xMORNING. 

Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart. 
2 Chron. xxxii. 25. 



Outward, gross, abominable sins, self-righteous pharisees 
cry out against, and profess to humble themselves for ; but to 
mourn over and be humbled for heart-sins ami spiritual pride, 
is peculiar to gracious souls only. We read of two things in 
the word, the most opposite to each other. Hear and adore ■ 
the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, l humbleth 
himself to visit man.' Psalm cxiii. 6. Hear, and be aston- 
ished : ' Man opposeth and exalteth himself against God/ 
2 Thess. ii. 4. l Pride proceeds out of the heart/ saith Jesus : 
this makes us murmur against the God of providence, fretful 
under his dispensations, forgetful of his benefits, and unthank- 
ful for his mercies. Pride opposeth the sovereign God of 
grace, and would snatch the crown of glory from the everlast- 
ing God of love, and place it upon the head of that guilty 
creature of a day, man. Pride swells the haughty mind with 
indignation against the truths of Jehovah ; that salvation is 
wholly by grace, free favour, and unmerited love. Uncondi- 
tional election of God the Father by Jesus Christ, is contrary 
to the proud vain thoughts of man ; therefore man is against 
this, for it leaves him nothing whereof to glory in himself that 
he has done or can do, to fulfil terms and conditions, to gain 
an interest in salvation, or procure a title to glory. 

Here God alone is glorified, and Christ exalted ; grace reigns, 
and truth is established. The poor sinner's mouth is stopped, 
his honour laid in the dust ; and in self-abasement he humbles 
himself for the pride of his heart. So grace triumphs over all 
the ruin of the fall, and all boasting is excluded. Oh righte- 
ous Father, thy will be done, in sovereign grace and electing 
love. Thou hast a right to do what thou wilt with thine own. 
Grace, favour, mercy, faith, repentance, hope, peace, love, 
holiness, heaven, all is thy free gift by Jesus. None hath any 
claim on thee ; guilt has forfeited all. But to the wretched 
and helpless thou hast made thyself a debtor by free promise 
and sovereign proclamation in Christ Jesus. Do I see this ? 
Is my heart soft and yielding to submit to salvation by grace 
only ? Wherefore is this to me, while others are blinded to the 
truth, and their hearts hardened against it. The work is thine, 
all the glory is due to -thee alone ; ' even so, Father, for so it 
seemed good in thy sight.' — Such are the sentiments of gra- 
cious humble souls, to whom he giveth more grace. God re- 
sisteth the proud, who oppose the Father's electing love, and 
the righteousness of his Son; but giveth grace to the humble, 
whose hope is not in himself, but in the Lord his God. * Hum- 
ble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that 
he may exalt you in due time.' 1 Pet. v. 6. 



FEBRUARY 24.] 114 [EVENING. 

Where tiro or three are gathered together in my name, 
there am I in the midst of them. Matt, xviii. 20. 

Our hopes or comforts rise or fall, according to our concep- 
tions and belief of what Christ is in himself, and what he is to 
us. Attend to this, and you will find it true in your experi- 
ence. Therefore it is of no small moment, whether you believe 
Christ to be God over all, or only a mere man. This is of the 
utmost importance ; it enters into the very life, peace and joy 
of your soul. Our text puts this beyond a doubt. None but 
God is at one and the same time in more places than one ; but 
Christ declares, whereever my disciples are gathered in my 
name, ' there am 1/ Therefore Christ is the omnipresent God : 
this is the joy of our faith, and the glory of our souls. Now it 
should be our grand concern to bring this into experience and 
practice. (1) Remember, i the eyes of the Lord are in every 
place, beholding the evil and the good.' Prov. xv. 3. Oh soul, 
what have you to do at places devoted to sin and vanity? 
Know, the eyes of the Lord are there. If he sees you there, 
he will surely make you smart for it. (2) Our Lord delights 
in the assembly of his disciples, when they meet in his name. 
If but two or three, no matter where. Let this call up your 
attention to his Name ; let this reprove professors, that they 
do not always meet in Christ's name, speak to each other more 
of his glorious person, and precious salvation. This is the 
way to be helpers of each other's faith, hope and love in the 
Lord. Be ashamed of yourselves, ye frozen-hearted, tongue- 
tied professors, who can be all talk for the things of the world, 
but dumb when Jesus is the theme. What, can you go day 
after day, without calling your family together, to speak a 
word of Jesus to them, and to Jesus for them ? Oh what sea- 
sons of peace, comfort and heavenly-mindedness, do you 
abridge yourselves of. The presence of a king makes a court. 
The King of kings makes a court, a temple in your houses, 
yea, in your hearts, when you assemble in his name. (3) Let 
his precious word encourage you to this : ' There am I in the 
midst of them.' Have you not found it so ? The unworthiest 
of all has. i There am I,' as though Christ was first there, 
waiting for us. Can his presence be with us, without shedding 
his light, life, liberty and power among us? No, no more than 
the sun can shine in its meridian, without darting light and 
heat. (4) Remember two or three are within the compass of 
the promise. Not angels, not sinless men, but poor miserable 
sinners, Christ delights to be in the midst of. Oh love and 
praise our dear Lord, for his marvellous condescension, and 
this precious declaration. Study more and more to improve 
it, to build up each others souls in him, and to glorify his pre- 
cious name. See his affectionate notice of such, Mai. iii. 
10, 17. 



FEBRUARY 25.] 115 [MORNING. 

David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out 
of the paiv of the lion, and out of the paic of the bear, 
he ivill deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. 
1 Sara. xvii. 37. 



Faith, by ancient writers, has been stiled ' the queen of gra- 
ces.' As such she displays her dignity, by disdaining to con- 
sult any power below the King of saints. When she calls in 
reason and reflection upon past experience, it is to give all the 
glory to her sovereign Lord. Thus David makes confession 
of faith in his king. What was the gigantic size, the formida- 
ble appearance, and the haughty threatenings of his Philistine 
antagonist? To the eye of his faith, ail were mean and con- 
temptible ; for he saw him that was invisible : he fixed his 
confidence on the invisible power of the Omnipotent. He con- 
sidered not himself: ' he was strong in the Lord, and in the 
power of his might/ He had sweet experience of the truth of 
his Lord : ( To him that believeth, all things are possible.' 
Mark ix. 23. He had seen the power of the Lord in deliver- 
ing him from the fierceness of a lion, and from the strength of 
a bear ; and therefore says, not with a perhaps or peradven- 
ture, but absolutely in full confidence of faith, ' The Lord hath 
delivered, and he will deliver.' And the history fully assures 
us, that according to his faith so it was. 

Now ' whatsoever things were written aforetime, were writ- 
ten for our learning.' Rom. xv. 4. Here is a lesson of instruc- 
tion, from which disciples of Jesus may learn the doctrine of 
self-despair. Thine enemies are fierce as lions, strong as bears, 
potent and formidable as Goiiah of Gath. To know thou hast 
neither might nor strength, and to despair of victory from thy- 
self, is thy truest wisdom. This humbling lesson proud nature 
is averse to, but it is profitable to the spirit. By faith we glory 
in the Lord, and him only. Can I look back to past experi- 
ence of his grace and power ? Can I call to mind, that in such 
a danger the Lord appeared as my deliverer ; at such a time I 
sweetly experienced the Lord's pow er, and triumphed over 
mine enemies? Therefore I will trust in the Lord, and not be 
afraid Past experience encourages future hopes. A tried 
friend is a sure friend. To forget past mercies is ungrateful ; 
to buiy our Saviour's former dealings with our souls in obli- 
vion, is dishonourable to him ; not to consider Jesus as the 
only hope, and live upon him day by day in the exercise of 
faith, is to live below our privilege. Never arraign his love, 
because he suffers thine enemies to put on a dreadful form, 
and attack thee with violence. This is to draw thy faith into 
exercise, that thy soul may have larger experience of his love 
and deliverance. Thus saith the Lord, ' Be not afraid nor 
dismayed, by reason of this great multitude ; for the battle is 
not yours, but God's.' 2 Chron xx. 15. 



FEBRUARY 25.] 116 [EVENING. 

What is your life? James iv. 14. 



A short day full of evils ; a span long, replete with crosses. 
Each revolving day brings its troubles, epich fleeting moment 
its sorrows. Yes, says one, I am a living witness of this. I 
am a mark for the enemy to shoot his fiery darts at ; against 
whom he daily renews his attacks He constantly buffets, 
and is ever busy with his subtle devices. Each morn I rise, 
I am brought into the field to exercise my arms, or on the 
stage to conflict with my enemies. Truly, I am almost worn 
out, and wearied out. What with a sense of indwelling cor- 
ruptions, the plague of my heart, the attacks of Satan, the 
troubles of the world, want of the sense of my Lord's love, and 
the working of unbelief, my life is one continued scene of sor- 
row and distress. — Remember for your comfort, your life is 
short ; your rest shall be eternal and glorious. Consider what 
one sweetly says, ' It is the great work and difficulty, and yet 
the duty of a christian, to believe unseen and unfelt love, in 
and under well seen and well felt difficulties.' Sometimes the 
Lord joins them, as in 1 Thess. i. 6. ' Having received the 
word in much affliction, with joy in the Holy Ghost.' Then it 
is easy : but often the trouble is felt, and the love is hidden 
in the word. What is to be done in such a case ? Faith can 
find love in the word of promise, receive it, fasten upon it, and 
live by it. Here opens a most delightful scene, a most glori- 
ous prospect. Here lose sight of your life. It is swallowed 
up in that word : ' Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ 
in God. Christ is our life.' Col. iii. 3, 4. Never consider 
yourself without Christ, nor your life without his life, nor your 
enemies without his perfect victory over them, in your nature, 
for your person, and to your comfort and joy in him. Now 
say, what is your life. You have lost all the glory and com- 
fort of it in Adam. You find all restored to you, with infinite 
addition, in Christ. Therefore, whatever your feelings and 
frames may be, live by faith upon him, above corrupt sense 
and carnal reason. This is a mystery unknown to the world. 
When you see professors following the pleasures of this life, 
seeking happiness from the gay scenes of vanity, you behold 
them turning their backs upon Christ, showing the greatest 
contempt to him, and in effect, saying of him, The Lord, with 
all the treasures of his life and love, cannot make my life 
happy. I am forced to take up with the delights of the play- 
house, and rant and revel in the scenes of mirth and jollity. 
From such a life, such a spirit, and such professors, Good 
Lord deliver us. 

1 have a better life than this, Yea, now I live, for Christ's my life, 

'Tis hid in Christ with God : I taste the joys of love : 

Let death this mortal body sei/.e, And when I die then ends my strife, 

Fleav'n shall be my abode. I go to joys above. m. 



FEBRUARY 26.] 117 |_MORM.ING. 

Behold, 1 come as a thief. Blessed is he that watch- 
tth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and 
they see his shame. Rev. xvi. 15. 

Vain confidence begets spiritual sloth. Licentious princi- 
ples harden the heart in sin, deafen the ear to the calls of grace, 
and cause the tongue to pronounce evangelical excitements to 
love and obedience, legal. But the faith of Jesus enlivens to 
duty, and inspires the soul with godly jealousy and holy watch- 
fulness. So the members of Jesus are blessed, blessed in him 
with all spiritual blessings ; and they enjoy a sweet sense of 
blessedness in obeying him. ( Behold I come,' saith Jesus our 
head. In the faitn of this enable me, Lord, to watch alway, 
saith every living member. We know but in part ; there are 
infinitely greater blessings to be found in Jesus, more of his 
knowledge, his love, his peace, of his image, greater conform- 
ity to, and likeness of him. For this we are called to watch 
and wait, and pray continually, lest we lose the garments of 
truth, the clothing of humility, the adorning of the gospel, and 
sorrow overtake us, and shame cover us. So also to watch 
against the desperate wickedness of our nature, the devices of 
Satan, and the deceits of an ensnaring world. None fully 
know the dangers to which they are exposed, and how dread- 
fully they may be suffered to fall. Most true, Jesus both can 
and will keep all his members, by his power through faith unto 
salvation. But it is as true, thou wilt have sad evidence of 
thy interest in him, while his word is not thy rule of conduct. 
f Watch,' saith he. 

Comfort and peace are enjoyed in the way of circumspection 
and watchfulness, while with care and diligence we study to 
approve ourselves as God's children, by a holy walk and godly 
conversation. Awful instances are frequent and visible, of 
many souls ' who did run well for a season ;■ but Satan hin- 
dered them. They have forsaken the precious truths of Jesus, 
the world has enslaved them, and their garments are defiled 
with gross and abominable sins. Their minds appear desti- 
tute of faith, love, and holiness, and their shame is seen and 
manifest. A state, how deplorable, how much to be dreaded : 
all from neglecting to watch. Serious thoughts are terrifying, 
self-examination is avoided, the view of death fills them with 
horror, an appearing but forsaken Jesus they dread. Yet he 
will come, and every eye must see him ; though as a thief, 
suddenly. To his faithful ones not dreadfully, to rob and 
destroy them ; but to gather them together, that they may be 
ever with him. And now ' little children, abide in him ; that 
when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be 
ashamed before him at his coming.' 1 John ij. 28. 



FERJUIARY 20.] 118 [EVENING. 

It pleaded the Father, that in him should all julness 
dwell. Col. i. 19. 



The religion of nature is the religion of pride. Pride is of 
the devil, pride works by a lie, and keeps the soul in unbelief. 
Hence we naturally think some change in us, some good done 
by us, causes God to be our Father ; and we look on ourselves 
as his very good children. This notion obtains in the minds 
of many, and is the cause of their rejecting the everlasting 
covenant of the three-one Jehovah, and denying the covenant 
relations and transactions of God the Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost. They are so filled with themselves, and their stuff of 
inherent righteousness, free-will, moral agency, and one knows 
not what unscriptural jargon, that they see not all fulness in 
Jesus, where it pleased the Father it should dwell. Lord 
empty us of all self-fulness, that we may receive out of tny 
fulness. The Father, by covenant love, took on him that near 
and dear relation, to all his chosen, wnen his eternal, co-equal 
Son, covenanted to become man, to sustain the curse for man, 
to satisfy justice, and obtain every blessing for sinners. This 
pleased the Father. And as man had lost all holiness, hap- 
piness, and blessedness by the first Adam, and was quite 
empty of all good, all fulness is treasured up, and dwells in 
the second Adam, the Lord from heaven. This also pleased 
the Father. The Father of whom ? ' If any man hath not the 
Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.' Rom. viii. 9. Here the coven- 
ant office of the blessed Spirit is engaged, to convince us of 
sin, to empty us of self-sufficiency, and to show us the fulness 
that dwells in Jesus for us. Hence, here is a plain answer to 
that question, How may I know whether I have the Spirit of 
Christ or not. Do you see yourself stripped of all righteous- 
ness, emptied of all good, prone to every evil ? This is the 
teaching of the Spirit. Do you see the fulness that dwells in 
that glorious man Christ Jesus 1 That you must receive par- 
don of sin, justifying righteousness, adoption, to be a child of 
God by faith in him, sanctification and eternal redemption out 
of his fulness ? Are you pleased at this ? Are you satisfied 
to come day after day as a self-emptied sinner, hungry and 
thirsty, to receive out of his fulness ? Can you say so ? Then 
you have the Spirit of God. For what pleased the Father, 
pleases you. Oh rejoice in this. You may say with the apos- 
tles and all saints, l Truly our fellowship is with the Father 
and with his Son Jesus Christ.' 1 John i. 3. 

Lord pull our haughty spirits down, Spirit of grace, lead us to Christ, 

Our empty hearts make known, As to our fountain head, 

Oh make us fall, and see and own Out of his fulness to be blest, 

Ml fulness in thy Son. With life and living bread. m. 



FBBHUARY 27.] 119 [MORNING. 

For this thing 1 besought the Lord thrice, that it 
might depart from me. 2 Cor. xii. 8. 

Our Saviour represents God's own elect as crying day and 
night to him, Luke xviii. 7. Sore temptions, soul-burdens, 
Satan's buffetings, are peculiarly felt by them. Their crying 
under them is a proof of spiritual life, their crying to the Lord 
only is an evidence of the faith of God's elect, their intreaties 
to be delivered from them show the sanctified holy disposition 
of their souls. Thus the Lord draws out into exercise the 
graces of his children. His eyes are ever upon them, his ears 
open to their prayers, and his almighty power and grace suffi- 
cient to deliver them. But ' he that believeth, must not make 
haste.' We must tarry the Lord's leisure, and be strong in 
hope : his time is best. It is God's will that we should tell 
him of our trials and temptations. After we have done this, 
6 we have need of patience.' We must wait for the fulfilment 
of his promise, this is our duty. 

Paul prayed again and again, but the buffetings were still 
continued. His mind was uneasy, his soul distressed, the 
enemy triumphing, the Lord making as though he heard not. 
Prayer and patience must go hand in hand ; murmurings are 
the offspring of unbelief and fretfulness arises from pride. To 
lie humble at the feet of Jesus is our wisdom. Indulge no 
hard thoughts of the Saviour's will to make thee holy, or power 
to make thee happy, though sin and Satan, like unwelcome 
visitors, daily intrude — appear in various shapes, attack from 
different quarters, and seem in some sort to gain upon thee in 
thought, word, or action. When inwardly discomposed by 
unholy tempers, and outwardly harrassed by various tempta- 
tions, poor souls are ready to think the war will end in their 
destruction ; that Jesus will never give complete victory. But 
most assuredly he will : in due time we shall reap, if we faint 
not. Let it suffice, ' My grace is sufficient for thee,' saith the 
triumphant Head in glory, to each of his militant members on 
earth. Importunate praying, humble waiting, confident be- 
lieving, comfortable hoping, are the very life and essence of 
a christian. And let his besetting temptations or conflicting 
trials be what they may, it is his blessed privilege to write 
with the pen of faith, f „What shall separate us from the love of 
Christ ? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors 
through him that loved us.' Rom. viii. 35, 37. 

Let me but hear my Saviour say, When I am weak, tlieu urn I strong', 

Strength shall be equal to thy day ; Christ is my strength, and Christ mv song : 

Then I rejoice in deep distress. ' Sufficient is my grace,' he saifh : 

Leaning on alsufficient grace. This is enough for prayer and faith. 



FEBRUARY 27.] 120 [EVJENING. 

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty ; he 
will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy. Zeph. iii. 17. 

A truly gracious heart is restless and unhappy, when it ex- 
periences distance from the Lord. Notions of the Lord may 
satisfy formal, dry professors ; but those who are alive to God, 
cannot rest without enjoying his presence. They will draw 
nigh to him, praying, Draw nigh to my soul, and say, I am thy 
salvation. That precious word lives and abides in our hearts : 
Now, in Christ Jesus, we poor sinners, who in times past were 
far off from God, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephes. 
ii. 13. Hence we are called upon to ' sing and be glad, and 
to rejoice with all the heart.' Yea, thou God fearing, soul 
trembling sinner, even thou, the Lord has in his eye, and 
speaks from the love of his heart : ' Fear thou not, let not 
thine hands be slack.' Ver. 14, 16. Dread not thy mighty, 
thy many enemies. Put on courage, lift up the hands which 
hang down, take hold of thy Lord's word. For, (1) ' The Lord 
thy God in the midst of thee is mighty.' The might of the 
Lord his God, was in the midst of the heart of young David, 
when he went to fight the Philistine giant. Hence you hear 
not one word of himself, of his own might and power, but the 
Lord has done this and that— and the Lord will deliver now — 
I come forth in the name of the Lord. So Paul, ' I can do all 
things through Christ who strengthened me.' Phil. iv. 13. 
Now here is the nature and work of faith. When Christ dwells 
in our hearts by faith, self-confidence is destroyed. Says the 
soul, I am weak and helpless. I am not sufficient of myself to 
think any thing of myself, but my sufficiency is of God, 2 Cor. 
iii. 5. This language is a proof that the Lord is in the midst 
of that soul. He has proved that he is mighty in it, by ' cast- 
ing down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth 
itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into capti- 
vity every high thought to the obedience of Christ.' 2 Cor. x. 
5. His mighty salvation is begun in that heart, and it has no 
cause for dejection. For (2) ' He will save.' You believe 
the Lord's might : he is able to save, and you cannot doubt it. 
His word declares it, his work proves his willingness. Exer- 
cise your faith upon his will to save you, both from all your 
fears and all your foes. Cast away all vain and foolish no- 
tions of terms and conditions of salvation. See it all cast upon 
the will of Jesus. (3) ' He will rejoice over thee with joy.' 
It was his joy to bleed and die, in agony and in blood for thee. 
It is his joy that thou comest and criest to him, as a lost sinner 
for salvation. He will rejoice in his work for thee, his grace 
in thee, and his salvation of thee. Well mayest thou be called 
on to f rejoice in the Lord alway, and again rejoice.' Phil. iv. 4. 



FEBRUARY 28.] 121 [MORNING. 

Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To-day 
shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke xxiii. 43. 

Unbelief, how great its power, how strong its influence ! It 
would for ever blind the eyes, and harden the heart against 
Jesus and his grace ; but ' he shall divide the spoil with the 
strong.' The prophet's prediction is here clearly fulfilled, the 
sovereignty of grace is fully displayed. Our Lord's own doc- 
trine is truly verified in these two thieves : ' One shall be 
taken, and the other left.' Matt. xxiv. 40. Pride is the com- 
panion of unbelief. This keeps men in obstinacy ; they will 
not see, they will not bow to God's sovereignty. But this is a 
comfortable truth to self-abased souls : God's power is their 
hope. But doth our Lord bring sinners to glory without faith, 
repentance and holiness ? Doth he leave his people in their 
sins and rebellion ? No, blessed be his name ! Jesus is exalted 
to be a Prince and a Saviour : he gives repentance and remis- 
sion of sins. So he { saves his people from their sins ;' so he 
makes them happy in his love by the secret power of the 
Spirit's inward operations. Who made these two companions 
in sin, these blasphemers of Jesus to differ? Grace, sovereign, 
distinguishing almighty grace did this wonderful work ; and it 
is marvellous in our eyes. How rapid its power, how swift its 
race : in one moment a railer against Jesus is changed to be a 
believer in him, a proud rebel to a humble suppliant, a self-jus- 
tifying sinner to a Christ-exalting saint, In a moment convert- 
ed, pardoned, sanctified, and made meet for glory. To-day 
hell-deserving, and to-day in paradise. Thus this thief believ- 
ed with his heart unto righteousness, and made confession with 
his mouth unto salvation. 

What hath grace done, and what is it not able to effect? 
Sweetest encouragement to the vilest of sinners, to look to 
Jesus ; strongest assurance for the weakest believers to abide 
in him. ( Lord Jesus, remember me,' proceeds from grace in 
the heart of his members. e Thou shalt be with me in para- 
dise,' is the gracious answer from the tongue of the head. It 
was the grace of our Lord Jesus that saved this thief, this high- 
wayman, and translated him from a gallows on earth to a 
crown in glory. The most amiable character, the most upright 
person hath nothing else to look to, to hope for, or trust in, 
but the cross of Christ alone for salvation. This is all our 
glorying. By the death of Jesus we live. The same Spirit 
that enables the soul to believe on Jesus, conforms it to Jesus 
in likeness and love, and sanctifies it through the faith of 
Jesus, and makes it i meet for the heavenly inheritance with 
the saints in glory.' Col. i. 12. 



FEBRUARY 28.] 122 [^ VEN1 ^ G - 

He will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with 
singing. Zeph. iii. 17. 

Instead of two meditations on this verse, it is worthy the 
study of our whole lives. Eternity itself will never exhaust the 
fulness of that rich and glorious grace contained in it. When 
the vanity of the creature, and the richness of God's everlast- 
ing love and free grace are the subjects, well might the preach- 
er say, i Of making many books there is no end. Though 
much study may be a weariness to the flesh,' Eccles. xii. 12, 
yet is reviving and refreshing to the spirit. Well, saith the 
poor sinner, I remember the day of my espousal to Jesus, it 
was sweet. My heart was filled with peace and joy in believ- 
ing. But, ah me ! I have lost my first love. I am cold, and 
dark, and dead. I go on heavily while the enemy oppresseth 
me, and is daily saying to me, Where is now your God, in 
whom you once delighted, and of whom you formerly made 
your boast? Thy love is cold to him. He has totally with- 
drawn his life from thee. Thy manifold sins have turned his 
love to thee, into perfect hatred against thee. — Dost thou know 
this language ? How dost thou treat it ? As the voice of a 
friend, or an enemy ? What saith thy Lord ? ' He will rest 
in his love/ Believe him, reject the lying accusation of Satan, 
look not at thy scanty love to the Lord, but to the fulness and 
perpetuity of his love to thee. This will entice thy love. He 
rests, everlastingly, and unchangeably the same, in his love to 
thee. God is as unalterable and invariable in his love to thy 
person, as in hatred to thy sins. He is ' silent' in his love ; 
he forgets thy sins, and remembers thine iniquities no more. 
This is the declaration of covenant love. Jer. xxxi. 34. There- 
fore he will be ' silent' in his love. When the terrors of the 
law ring a loud peal in thine ears, and Satan brings dreadful 
charges against thy conscience, yet thy Lord is silent. He 
condemns thee not, his love covers the multitude of thy sins, 
his righteousness justifies thee from all iniquity. In the days 
of his flesh, when a poor sinner stood before him, and was 
vehemently accused to him, he wrote upon the ground, and 
was silent. When he lifted up himself, he said to the poor 
soul, c I do not condemn thee, go and sin no more.' John viii. 
11. He considers his toils and sufferings for sinners. ' He 
will joy over thee with singing.' Ah, but our Saviour's great 
joy would be turned into sorrow, if but one of his beloved and 
redeemed sheep were to perish. But that is as impossible as 
for him to cease to be God. Now think of all this fulness of 
might, love, joy and delight, which thy Lord declares he has 
in thee, and over thee, oh my soul. The Lord excite confi- 
dence in him, and cause thy heart to burn in holy love, and 
sweet gratitude to him. 



MARCH I.J l^d [MORNING. 

That he should give eternal life to as many as thou 
hast given him . Jo h n x vii . 2 . 

Deism, or a rejection of God's revealed truth, is natural to 
us all. Hence some have said, f The religion of nature is the 
religion of Satan ;' for it affects a spirit of pride and indepen- 
dence of God, and rebellion against his will. Why does a deist 
reject the way of salvation by Jesus ? Truly, because it is 
contrary to his natural notions : he cannot reconcile it to the 
attributes and perfections of Deity. Upon the very same 
footing many professors abhor, with the utmost indignation, 
the scripture-doctrines of God's everlasting love, unconditional 
election of sinners, and the final perseverance of his saints to 
eternal life, by Jesus, Now, both deists and pharisees pro- 
ceed upon the same principles ; carnal reason, pride, and self- 
righteousness reign in their hearts, and blind their eyes. 

But it is the believer's mercy to see the truth, his humility 
to submit to it, and his duty to contend for it in love. Thus 
our elder brother Jesus ever acted, and thus he prays in sub- 
mission to the will of his Father, and our Father. Though he 
had power over all flesh, yet only to those whom the Father 
had given him, was he to give eternal life. They were given 
to him as his charge, to redeem, sanctify, and save. They 
were given to him as the reward of all his toils and sufferings, 
they are the precious jewels which compose his mediatorial 
crown, not one of them can be lost, this is impossible. Hence 
he glories of them, 'Behold, I, and the children whom the 
Lord hath given me.' Isai. viii. 18. Hence they are distin- 
guished by special grace ; they profess the gift of precious 
faith, called ' the faith of God's elect/ it being peculiar to 
them only. Tit. i. 1. By this they enjoy a sense of the Fa- 
ther's electing love, a knowledge of the Son's redemption, and 
the comforting witness of the Holy Ghost. 

One of the most excellent of all human compositions, full of 
truth and swee ness, and well worthy the constant study of 
every christian, is the 17th Article of the church of England. 
' Predestination to life is the everlasting purpose of God, 
whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he 
hath constantly decreed by his counsel, secret to us, to deliver 
from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in 
Christ, out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to ever- 
lasting salvation, as vessels made to honour : wherefore they 
which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called 
according to Gods purpose, by his Spirit working in due sea- 
son. They, through grace, obeying the call, are justified freely, 
made sons of God by adoption ; made like the image of Jesus 
Christ, they walk religiously in good works, and at length, by 
God's mercy, they attain everlasting felicity. Hold fast the 
form of sound words. 2 Tim. i. 18. 



MARCH 1.] 124 [EVENING 

That he should gather together in one, the children of 
God who ivere scattered abroad. John xi. 52. 



These words are like Sampson's riddle, which some read 
thus : ' Food came from the devourer, and sweetness from that 
which is violent, or fierce/ Judges xiv. 14. Caiaphas the 
high priest, though a devourer of Jesus, yet holds iorth pre- 
cious food : though violent and fierce against Christ yet he 
delivers sweet truth. Truth is truth, though from the tongue 
of an enemy ; yea, it is a double confirmation of truth. If 
Christ is preached, let us rejoice, though even by bad men, 
and from bad principles. Judas preached. The Holy Ghost 
causes this wicked high priest to prophesy of Jesus. By these 
words the Holy Spirit plainly instructs us in these precious 
truths : oh that we may receive them in love. (1) Though the 
whole world is become guilty before God, yet he has a pecu- 
liar chosen number, who are here called { the children of God.' 
They were not so by nature, but children of wrath, even as 
others. But God, ' predestinated them unto the adoption ol 
children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good 
pleasure of his will.' Ephes. i. 5. Simply to believe this, is 
to bow to thb will of God. To object to it, is to cavil against 
God's good pleasure, as well as his mercy. (2) These children 
are all ' scattered abroad.' Every one of them is turned to his 
own way of cursed sin, and shameful folly. They delight in 
their distance from God, they hate the knowledge of God, and 
are at enmity against his law. They say unto God, depart, 
depart, we desire not the knowledge of thee They sport them- 
selves in their own delusions. They would fill up the measure 
of iniquity, till their souls drop into hell.— But (3) They are 
to be l gathered into one.' Oh the amazing mercy, the aston- 
ishing grace of this ! Christ is this blessed one. He, like a 
good shepherd gathers his poor, scattered, lost sheep, to him- 
self. ' Unto him shall the gathering of the people be.' Gen. 
xlix. 10. ' He gathereth the outcasts.' Isai. lvi. 8. For they 
were ' given to him of the Father.' John xvii. 2. Now, are 
you deeply concerned to know what all the world care nothing 
about, whether you are a child of God or not ? Here it is come 
to a point. Has Christ gathered you? Has he called you by 
the grace of his word, and by the power of his Spirit to come 
to him ? Have you seen misery and destruction in yourself, 
and mercy and salvation in Christ ? Can you say from your 
heart, Jesus save me or I perish ? If so, you are surely ga- 
thered by Christ; you are really a child of God by faith in 
Christ. Let sin, Satan and unbelief, object ever so much 
against it, doubt not of it. Here are two little words worth 
the study of your whole life, ' in one.' Oh ever meditate upon 
the glory and blessedness of being one in and with Christ 
Jesu*. 



MARCH 2.] 125 [MORNING 

Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men 
should do unto you, do ye even so to them ; for this is the 
law and the prophets. Matt. vii. 12. 

It is an observation of the heathens, that if virtue was to 
appear in human form, men would be enamoured with her 
beauty. But alas, this has been proved to be an idle specu- 
lation. For that glorious man Jesus, in whom every virtue 
centered, who was adorned with every grace, who went about 
doing good, and lived as never man did, yet he was despised 
and rejected of men. Blindness of mind is a firstborn sin. 
To see form and comeliness in Jesus, is peculiar to enlightened 
souls. To hear, love, and obey the holy precepts Christ taught, 
ariseth from a renewed heart. Morality and good works are 
at the tongue's end of every man. The most immoral and pro- 
fligate are ever ready to applaud, to boast of, and to trust in, 
even what they never practise. It is a certain truth, that they 
boast most of their works who have the smallest share of them. 

It is the christian's mercy that he is not only delivered from 
such awful delusion ; but what Jesus taught outwardly, in 
word, is written inwardly in his heart by the power of the 
Spirit. Therefore obedience is delightful from inward princi- 
ples. Though he is not called to merit the love of God by his 
moral obedience, yet love is the sweet constraining principle 
to moral observances. Love is the fulfilling of the whole law. 
As whatever is not of faith is sin, so whatever proceeds not 
from love is contrary to holiness. An immoral christian is as 
inconsistent a character as a chaste harlot. Heathens might 
talk of the golden rule, the law may command it, the prophets 
may instruct in the nature of it, natural men may pretend to 
admire it ; but heavenly-instructed believing souls only are 
enabled to love it in the spirit of their minds, and to obey it 
in their life and practice. 

Verily, disciple, though Jesus gave no laws, by the fulfilling 
of which thou shouldst obtain a title to eternal life; yet he 
who fulfilled all righteousness for thy salvation, calls thee to 
love and obey his precepts. The moral precepts of Jesus are 
as much enjoined by him as when he says, ' Come unto me all 
that are heavy laden, and I will refresh you/ In obeying this 
we find comfort to our soul. In observing the golden rule of 
morality, we bear a noble testimony to the honour of Jesus, to 
the glory of God, and the good of our fellow creatures. It be- 
hoves us to beware lest Jesus is wounded in the house of his 
friends, and the way of truth be evil spoken of by a contrary 
conduct ; for, saith Jesus, l Ye are my friends, if ye do what- 
soever I command you.' John xv 14. 



MARCH 2.] 126 [evenlng 

Thou God seest me Gen. xvi. 13. 



Why say est thou, oh trembling sinner, my way is hid from 
the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God ? The 
Lord here asks thy reason, and reproaches thy speech. Isai. 
xl. 27. Look at llagar, and be ashamed of the unbelieving 
surmises of thy heart. She was a dear child of God, yet she 
is left to suffer sore distress. His mistress treats her cruelly, 
she flees to a solitary wilderness ; here was no eye to pity, no 
hand to relieve, no friend to comfort her ; and what must add 
to her sorrow and heighten her distress, she was with child. 
She fled from her station in providence, but the God of provi- 
dence follows her. The angel of the Lord, rather, the Lord, 
the angel, the messenger of the covenant, the Lord Jesus the 
Saviour ; he found her, called her by name, enquires the cause 
of her distress, and bids her return to her mistress, llagar 
knew her Saviour ; she sets up a memorial of his sympathizing 
love for her, and care over her. She called the name of the 
Lord, who spake unto her, i thou God seest me.' Oh how 
much is implied in this ! In every distress, remember this for 
thy comfort, and in every perplexity think of this for thy sup- 
port : Thou God seest me. Let this be the daily watch word 
for thy soul. For it implies, (1) What the church says, l I 
was in his eyes, as one who found favour/ or peace. Song viii. 
10. Therefore the eyes of the Lord are upon me, and his ears 
are open unto my prayers. 1 Pet. iii. 1 2. His loving eyes 
looked upon me, pitied me when f was polluted in my blood, 
called me to enjoy his favour and his peace. But, (2) Am I 
got into a wilderness of perplexity ? Do I find no one who 
can comfort me ? Do I think I have deserted the Lord, and 
therefore he hath deserted my soul ? Still remember, ( thou 
God seest me/ Sees the sorrows, marks the sighs, and hears 
the complaints of thy labouring breast, with an eye of sympa- 
thy, and a heart of love. Our dear high priest is most tenderly 
touched with a feeling of our distress. Heb. iv. 15. Therefore 
he searches after and follows us, with this tender and com- 
passionate call, ( Return again to me/ Jer. iii. 1. Come unto 
me, ye weary and heavy laden ; I will give rest and refresh- 
ment to your souls. Matt. xi. 28. (3) Is there sorrow in our 
hearts for the folly of our ways, and this cry in our souls ; oh 
that it was with me as in months that are past ! This is be- 
cause the Lord sees us in mercy, comes after us in love, and. 
hath not given us op in wrath. And what says he? I have 
seen his ways, and will, — what? condemn him ? Oh no ! Oh 
the riches of grace : ' I will heal him/ Isai. lvii. 18. Lastly. 
If ' thou God seest me/ oh may I always live as seeing 
thee by the eye of faith. Live in thy service, walk in thy fear, 
and to thy glory 



MARCH 3.] 127 [MORNING. 

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time 
of need. Heb. iv. 16. 

Very few, comparatively, of the subjects of an earthly 
monarch are permitted free access to majesty. This is too 
high an honour to be made common. Kings' courts are for 
the noble and eminent. The poor and destitute, the miserable 
and distressed have no admission there; but, ye poor, dis- 
tressed subjects of Jesus, the King of kings, it is njt thus with 
you. Your King, though ever on a throne, where majesty and 
glory shine with the brightest lustre, yet grace, mercy and 
kindness are freely dispensed to needy souls. Hither you are 
invited to come ; yea more, to come boldly. Why ? Because 
you are rich, and encreased in goods, and have need of no- 
thing ? Nay, but because your King knows you are poor and 
miserable, blind and naked creatures in yourselves, day after 
day. Nothing to present to your King to procure his favour, 
nothing to bring which deserves his acceptance of you. But 
he loves your persons, and has riches for your poverty, eye- 
salve for your blindness, a garment for your nakedness, a robe 
for your rags, and mercy for your misery ; yea, a heaven of 
grace for your hell of deserts. 

Your Mediator with his blood, your High Priest with his 
much incense, always intercedes. There can be no period of 
your life but what is a ( time of need/ Who has obtained all 
the mercy ; who has found all the grace which can be dis- 
pensed from his throne ? Thou art still a sinner, and wantest 
mercy and grace ; thou hast still need of both ; and as thou 
findest thy want of mercy, thy need of grace, hither thou may- 
est always repair with boldness. Here thou mayest ever ex- 
pect a rich supply ; for God the Father is the fountain of grace 
and mercy, Jesus thy Saviour is the treasurer. All fulness of 
grace dwells in him. The spirit, the comforter, is the dispenser 
of mercy and grace. Why then, oh soul, that backwardness, 
that shyness, which too, too often hangs upon thee? What 
privilege so great ; what encouragement so strong ? 

' Come with boldness/ yet consistently with awe and rever- 
ence. Boldness of faith is grounded on something without a 
man, on nothing in him; not on the fervent heart of love, the 
bleeding heart of repentance, the active life of obedience, the 
suffering mind of patience ; but faith fixes on Jesus, and the 
believer comes with an empty heart and hand to be filled with 
the free gifts of grace. He may come with boldness of speech 
to Jesus as his friend and brother, freely to pour out his com- 
plaints into his loving heart, and to tell him of all his sorrows. 
Sweetest encouragement from the Friend of sinners ! ' Come 
unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden/ (most blessed 
promise !) ' and I will give you rest.' 



MARCH 3.] 128 [EVENING. 

Filled luiih all the fruits of righteousness, which are 
by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God. Phil, 
i. 11. 



He who sees not himself stripped of righteousness, his eyes 
were never yet opened, nor his heart convinced of sin by the 
Spirit of God. He who imagines he has got an inherent righ- 
teousness of his own, in which he can stand before God, and 
answer all the demands of his holy law, deceives his own soul. 
He who seeks to be made righteous, to be justified in God's 
sight, and to obtain a title to heaven, in any other way than 
by the righteousness of Christ, rejects Christ, and disbelieves 
the scripture. He who does not delight in the fruits of righte- 
ousness, and desire to abound in them, and to be filled with 
them, is a stranger to our righteous Saviour, and destitute of 
the power of our most holy faith. Mind, (1) ' The fruits of 
righteousness/ Why do we not always speak in scripture 
phrases, and use words which the Holy Ghost teaches. It is 
much easier to understand this phrase, the fruits of righteous- 
ness, than that of inherent righteousness. Many people use 
it, but they neither know themselves, nor can they explain to 
others what they mean by it. These school terms have brought 
no honour to the plain, simple gospel of Christ ; but have 
puzzled and misled simple hearts. Pray mind how exceedingly 
cautious Paul is in his phrase, Rom. vi. 16. Whether of sin 
unto death, or of obedience unto — what !— Life ? The former 
antithesis seems to require it should be unto life ; but Paul well 
knew what a legal, self-righteous spirit is in us, and how it 
works by pride ; therefore he cautiously avoids elating it. He 
says, of ' obedience unto righteousness,' not unto life. This is 
the obedience of faith, and hence springs the fruits of righte- 
ousness. (2) These are ' by Jesus Christ,' as he is the Lord 
our righteousness. All the fruits of righteousness flow from 
our vital union to him, and communication from him through 
faith. (3) The end of them : they are not to satisfy God's 
justice, obtain his mercy, or procure his favour ; nor to fulfil 
his law, in order to get life thereby. Tf we think so, we shall 
be puffed up in our minds, reject our Saviour's righteousness, 
do despite to the Spirit of grace, who glorifies him, and turn 
the eye of faith from him, to trust in our own good fruits. But 
they are ' unto the glory and praise of God.' To the glory of 
God, who has justified us freely, and will give us the kingdom, 
of his own good pleasure. Oh christian, here is the heavenly 
spring of all holy zeal, fervent obedience, and abounding in all 
the fruits of righteousness. Pray, study and strive, that you 
may excel, abound in them, and be filled with them. ( For,' 
says our Lord, ' herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear 
much fruit.' John xv. 8. 



MARCH 4.] 1£9 [MORNING 

Unto you who believe he is precious. 1 Pet. ii. 7. 

We are loved with precious love, redeemed by precious 
blood, comforted by precious promises, justified by precious 
faith ; yea, righteousness, holiness, heaven, we have all by 
union with a precious Jesus. Surely then ' to them that be- 
lieve he is precious.' 

Say, ye sons and daughters of poverty and affliction, is not 
this a time when friends grow cold and desert you? But in 
such a season did you find one friend who visited you in your 
distress, who was ever saying kind things to you, ever doing- 
all possible good for you ; when in prison he sought you out, 
and set you at liberty ; when sick he was your physicia i aid 
healed yon, when naked he clothed you, when in abject po- 
verty he made you rich, and thus was always pleased when he 
could make you easy and happy. Say, is not this a friend ot 
ten thousand, a friend who sticketh closer than a brother ? Is 
not such a one precious indeed? 

All this, and infinitely more than all this, hath Jesus done 
for a poor wretched race of sinners. Therefore, he is indeed 
to them a precious ' friend, who loveth at all times ; the pre- 
cious brother who is born for adversity/ Prov. xvii. 17. Jesus 
Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Precious 
in what he hath done yesterday ; having shed his blood for the 
guilty, and wrought out a righteousness to clothe the naked 
soul. To-day he is pleading our cause before the throne, 
where he ever lives to save to the uttermost all them that come 
unto God by him. Heb. vii. 25. He is making love visits, 
sending kind tokens, refreshing manifestations of his favour, 
causing poor hearts to rejoice in him, filling them with peace 
and comfort through him. Oh he is inestimably precious in 
what he is doing, and in what he will do ; for Jesus will never 
leave one of his members till he has brought them all safe 
through a wicked world, given them the victory over sin, Sa- 
tan, and death, and lodged their precious souls in the arms of 
his embraces. .' For where I am, there shall all my servants 
be/ saith our loving Saviour. Who can say how infinitely 
precious Jesus is to the saints above ! This we must die to 
know. Though now we know but in part, and speak but in 
part ; yet from w hat we do see and know by faith, we can say, 
' he is precious indeed.' 

However distressing our circumstances to sense and feeling, 
yet his eye seeth us, his heart of love is towards us, he is Im- 
raanuel, God with us. Are we sick of sin? He is our physi- 
cian. Is sin our burden ? He is our mighty deliverer. Doth 
the law accuse and condemn us ? He is the Lord our righte- 
ousness. Do lust and corruption rebel against us ? He is our 
sauctincation. Do the world, sin, and Satan, threaten our 
destruction? He is Jesus, our Saviour, our salvation ; ou 
all and in all. Col. iii 11 s 



MARCH 4.J 130 [EVENING. 

The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the 
righteous ; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto 
iniquity. Psal. cxxv. 3. 

How shall we draw the line between the righteous and the 
wicked. How shall we distinguish them, seeing they are both 
alike the subjects of a corrupt nature, derived from Adam the 
sinner, their father. The Holy Ghost does this. He sets a 
mark upon the righteous, by which they are essentially dis- 
tinguished from the wicked, in the first verse of this psalm. 
' They trust in the Lord.' The wicked trust in themselves 
that they are righteous, trust in their own power to make and 
keep themselves so, and hope for God's favour and heaven, 
because they are so. They trust in their own wisdom to guide 
them through life, and to their own goodness to make them 
happy in death. The righteous are stripped of their own righ- 
teousness, they are convinced of sin, are poor, hopeless, des- 
perate, and in a forlorn and wretched condition as to them- 
selves. (Do you see somewhat of your own picture here?) 
They trust in the Lord Jesus, for righteousness to justify and 
entitle them to heaven, to cleanse them from sin, for wisdom 
to guide, power to support, grace to sanctify, and love to bring 
them to glory. Now these two sorts of persons are back to 
back ; the face of one is towards heaven, the other towards 
hell. They are of two seeds, and there is enmity put between 
them. The wicked have always a rod for the back of the righ- 
teous. Ay, and they would lay it on with both hands, and 
always keep it upon their backs too. Though for wise and 
gracious ends the Lord permits this for a season, yet he will 
not suffer it to e rest' there long. Wicked Saul was a scourge 
to righteous David, so was blaspheming Sennacherib to good 
Hezekiah ; and says the church, ' Thou hast caused men to ride 
over our heads/ Psal. lxvi. 12. Yet David came to the throne. 
Hezekiah and his people were unhurt by the Assyrians : and 
the church says, ' We went through fire and water, but thou 
broughtest us into a wealthy place.' Here is a reason why 
our Lord will not suffer the rod of the wicked to rest on the 
righteous : ( lest he put forth his hand unto iniquity.' We 
never suffer judgment, but mercy is in it. Our troubles are 
dealt to us by the hand of love, mercy is mixed with them all. 
The Lord knows the righteous is but frail, he remembers that 
he is but dust, and liable to sin. He is wise to prevent this. 
When oppression and trials from the wicked bring us low, and 
make us cry to the Lord, then we honour his grace and his 
power, his truth and his love by the affiance of our heart. ' He 
will fulfil the desire of them who fear him, he also will hear 
their cry and will save them.' Psal. cxlv. 19. 



MARCH 5.] 131 [MORNING. 

Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, 
2 Tim. i. 9. 



Such as our notions of sin and danger are, such is our judg- 
ment of salvation and deliverance. In our natural state we 
see only the fruits of sin in outward actions, but consider not 
the corrupt cursed root from whence they spring. Hence poor 
souls think it no great and difficult matter to be saved, espe- 
cially if they have some specious show of the external adorn- 
in gs of sobriety, morality, and religion. Happy souls, who 
have escaped this dangerous rock of pride and self deceit. For 
when the scales of ignorance fall from the eyes, and the veil of 
unbelief is taken off the heart ; when the true light shineth in 
the mind, and the purity and spirituality of God's holy law is 
made manifest in the conscience, then the sinner sees his state 
to be truly desperate. Sin appears exceeding sinful, justly 
deserved hell and wrath are most dreadful ; and most deplora- 
ble of all, he finds he must utterly sink into despair and perish, 
for any thing he is able to do to save his own soul. ' God be 
merciful to me a sinner,' is the cry of his heart. ' In that day 
shall the deaf hear the words of the book ; and the eyes of the 
blind shall see out of obscurity,' saith the Lord, Isai. xxix. 18. 
The book of God's eternal counsel shall be disclosed, his pur- 
pose and decree of salvation shall be made known by his re- 
vealed truth to the heart, the joyful sound of salvation by 
Jesus shall be heard in the soul, and the poor sinner shall see 
Christ's finished work as his only hope. Love presided in the 
council, grace shall reign to salvation. The gospel trumpet 
sounds reconciliation to ungodly sinners, salvation for lost 
souls. Their good works produced it not ; their sins, however 
numerous and great, shall not deprive them of it. We are 
first saved, then called to know it, and to glorify God for it. 

When called with an effectual calling to Jesus, by the word 
and power of the Spirit, we possess and enjoy hope in God, 
and comfort from him. Effects prove their cause. A bold, 
confident assurance that I am elected, that I know my sins are 
pardoned, is not of the essence of gospel faith, or that applies 
the comforts of gospel salvation to the soul ; but election to 
salvation is made manifest by ' a holy calling.' Paul did not 
confidently assert that he was an apostle ; but, says he. ' + ruly 
the signs of an apostle were wrought among you.' 2 Cor. xii. 
12. And verily, disciple, if thou art saved in purpose and 
decree from eternity, redeemed by Jesus in time, effectual vo- 
cation is the consequence ; whereby thou art called to the 
knowledge of a holy Saviour by a holy faith ; art a partaker 
of a holy nature, and wilt c show thy faith by thy works.' 
Inward purity of heart and outward holiness of life will ever 
be the study and joy of thy soul. ' Without holiness, no man 
shall see the Lord.' Heb. xii. 14 



march 5.] 132 [evening. 

Now abideth faith, hope and charity, these three ; but 
the greatest oj these is charity. 1 Cor. xiii. 13. 

It is a pity it was not rendered ' love/ instead of charity, all 
through this chapter. It certainly would have been a means 
of preventing much error. Consider, first, the abiding of love. 
It springs from faith and hope, and has no existence in the 
heart without them. We have no more love to God than a 
beast, yea, than a devil has, till we believe his love to us, and 
hope in his promises made to us in Christ Jesus. We love 
him, why ? Merely because of the glories and perfections of 
his nature, is he the object of our supreme love ? No, but 
rather * because he first loved us.' 1 John iv. 19. How has 
God manifested his love to us? In this : ' Because that God 
sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live 
through him/ ver. 9. But our hearts are strangers to this love 
till we believe in Jesus, and hope in his salvation. Then the 
effect of love is produced from its original cause, the love of 
God. Then we live in love and walk in love, because we live 
a life of faith on the love of God. — Secondly, why is love 
greater than faith and hope. (1) Because it is the greatest 
proof of their existence. How can you prove that you believe 
and hope in Christ, without love. This is the love of God, 
that we keep his commandments. Suppose you were called 
to be a martyr for Christ. You believe you can do all things, 
through Christ's strengthening you, and you hope that he will 
strengthen you. But if you so love him as to suffer for him, 
you prove your faith and hope. (2) Love is the perfection, the 
rich and ripe fruit of faith and hope. Love is the very nature 
of God in the soul ; for ' God is love.' Love makes our souls 
cheerful in the service of God and one another. What is life, 
even the life of faith and hope, without love ? (3) Love will 
live and sing, when faith shall be lost in sight, and hope in 
fruition. Love includes faith and hope : for love ' believeth 
all things, hopeth all things, beareth all things, endureth all 
things : it never faileth/ ver. 7, 8. Oh my Lord, my love, glory 
to thee, that I do believe and hope in thee. Crown, oh crown 
these blessed graces with more heavenly love. Love is of thee, 
and from thee. So shed thy love abroad in my heart by the 
Holy Ghost, that I may not only be a believing, hoping, but 
loving disciple of thine ; that my soul may burn with a flame 
of love divine, to thee, and to my brethren. Then shall I 
assuredly live in the suburbs of glory, above the deceits of sin, 
Satan and the world, for love is of God. 1 John iv. 7. 

Lord, hast thou blest my soul with Lovk ? Then make me watchful every hour, 

My soul, which thee did hate ? To live and walk in love : 

And shall I sing thy praise above From sin's deceit and Satan's power, 

When £ti«h and hope abate ? Lord, lift my soul above. m 



MARCH 6.] 133 [MORNING 



Striving against sin. Heb. xii. 4. 



What poor, low, legal work is this, say some. We are happy 
in Christ without such a strife. We are perfect, fully born 
again, perfectly sanctified and freed from all sin ; therefore our 
strife is at an end, say others. Alas, poor, honest, upright 
christian, thou art ever in danger ; on the right hand, of licen- 
tiousness ; on the left hand, of pride and delusion, and also 
jrom a deceitful heart within. What with the white devil of 
pride, and the black devil of lust, thou art ever liable to be 
seduced from the truth. What a mercy to have a true touch- 
stone to try men and doctrines by ! The experience of chris- 
tians of old, as recorded by the Spirit of truth, affords us quite 
different sentiments of the influence of gospel grace. 

The regenerate soul being restored to the life and love of 
God by the faith of Jesus, ever, while it is imprisoned in the 
body, is surrounded, within and without, with foes of every 
kind. These like mighty combatants, strive and fight against 
its rest, holiness, and comfort. Here the christian under the 
influence of the Spirit, cannot, will not dare be passive to 
suffer sin, in its tyrannizing nature, to lord it over him : but he 
will be active, fighting, striving, wrestling against his bosom 
inmate, his worst foe, in-dwelling sin. It reflects a dishonour 
upon the author and the grace of faith, to suppose that it leaves 
the soul in an idle kind of waiting, or melancholy sitting still ; 
or that it can be satisfied with the carnal gratifications and 
sensual delights of a perishing world. No : being alive to 
God, possessing the faith of Jesus, we shall strive for the 
mastery, and be temperate in all things. Our very sighs and 
groans, sensible weariness and heaviness, evidence our con- 
flicts and struggles. Our cry to Jesus for strength proves our 
wisdom, and forebodes our victory : our patient enduring, sub- 
missive waiting, steady persevering, and constant striving, till 
deliverance, perfect deliverance is granted, show that we have 
the mind of Christ, the life of Christ, the Spirit of Christ ; that 
we are the beloved brethren of Christ, and that soon we shall 
be for ever with the Lord. 

Now the Lord's promise is, I will drive out your foes by 
little and little. In a very, very short time, (oh christian, lift 
up thy head with joy, thy redemption draweth nigh) the joyful 
sound of perfect victory- shall be proclaimed, and the enemies 
you this day see, feel, and groan under, strive and fight 
against, you shall see them no more for ever. 

Lord, 1 esteem thy judgments right, In vain we boast perfection here 

And all thy sfatutes just ; While sin defiles our frame, 

Thence I maintain a constant fight And sinks our \irtues down so far, 

With every flatt'riug lust. They scarce deserve the name. 



MARCH 6.] 13 4 [hVKNING. 

Christ died for all, that they who live should, not 
henceforth live unto themselves, hut unto him who died 
for them, and rose again. 2 Cor. v. 15. 

Christ died for all whom the Father gave him. John xvii. 9« 
Sooner or later, all these willingly and cheerfully come unto, 
or believe on Christ. Joyful to remember, we are drawn to 
Christ by the love of the Father, or else we never should have 
come to him. John vi. 44. Now we have done with working 
for life, and asking what must we do to be saved ; for now we 
actually are saved, and really do live. (I) We are saved from 
the love of sin, from our natural hatred to the doctrines of 
grace, and from our aversion to full justification and final sal- 
vation by the work of Christ only. Legal self-righteous hearts 
cry, do not tell us of doctrines of grace, but of what we must 
do to be saved. Truly the way is plain, and there is work 
enough for them to do. If they will enter into life by keeping 
the commandments, let them perfectly fulfil the law, and sal- 
vation is sure. So say they, no matter how you live, live as 
you like, your salvation is sure. This is very true : Salvation 
is not only possible, but sure and certain to every believer in 
Christ, and all such strive to live as they like. (2) We ' live/ 
a life of faith on the Son of God. Not under the legal threats 
and terrors of the law in our consciences, striving to pacify its 
wrath, by fulfilling its commands, but perfectly justified from 
all its condemnation. We do not like to live and walk in our 
sinful lusts, to obey our depraved wills, to gratify our sensual 
affections, to live to sinful sense at all, nor to righteous self 
neither. Our souls are equally averse to sinful lusts, as to 
self righteous pride. Both are opposite to the love and glory 
of our dear, once dead, but now risen Saviour. As by him we 
live, so to him we live also. This is what we like and prefer 
above all things. Say, oh my soul, is not this thy chief, thy 
one desire ? We have no greater pleasure on earth than to 
walk in the truth, to live by the truth, and to live and walk 
according to the truth. Oh thou life of our souls, thou Jesus 
and our all, without thee we can do nothing ; help us to con- 
sider what a little while we have to live to thee, and to glorify 
thee, before we shall live and reign with thee. Lord, in the 
belief of this, fire our hearts with a holy zeal for thy glory, un- 
remitting diligence in thy service, and unwearied constancy in 
obeying thy will, ' being ready to every good work.' Tit. iii. 1. 

Christ died for us that we should live, Oh may the love, the dying love 
No more to self and sin : Of Christ posses my soul, 

This truth is precious to helieve, By living faith to soar above, 

And makes us pure within. And all my powers controul. m. 



MARCH 7.] 135 [MORNING. 

My voice shall thou hear in I he morning, oh Lord ; in 
the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will 
look up. Psalm v. 3. 

In the Lord we all live, move, and have our being ; therefore 
it is the indispensable duty of all men to call upon the name 
of the Lord in prayer. But what is a duty from nature and 
reason, is esteemed a rich privilege, an inestimable blessing, 
by the children of grace. The pouring out of the Spirit ot 
grace and supplication, is one of those spiritual blessings 
wherewith they are blessed in Christ Jesus. In the exercise 
of this, saints in ail ages have experienced sweet fellowship 
and communion with God, and have been indulged with many 
mercies which they sought for from him. * And this is the 
confidence that we have in Jesus, that if we ask any thing 
according to his will, he heareth us/ 1 John v. 14. 

This duty seems to be the first employ of David's heart. He 
begun the day in prayer : as soon as his eyes were favoured 
with the morning light, he directed them to look up to the 
Lord. After his tongue had been locked up in silent sleep, 
the first sound of his voice breaks forth in addresses to his 
God. Why is this holy man's practice recorded. Doubtless 
it was written for our instruction, to remind us that it is sweet 
to begin the day with God. Better to go from a throne of 
grace into the business of life, than after worldly concerns 
have intruded on our minds. Wisest to seek and serve our 
best friend first. But is not this an affecting truth? Though a 
throne of grace is ever accessible, though believers are always 
acceptable in Jhrist, though we have the greatest encourage- 
ments to draw nigh to God, though we have so many strong 
corruptions, powerful lusts, and sinful passions, ever ready to 
break out, yet that we should be so often beset with backward- 
ness to prayer ! May we not justly charge many of the slips 
and miscarriages, sins and failings, the breakings forth of 
our unholy tempers, to the neglect of this duty? How care- 
fully, oh my soul, oughtest thou to begin the day with seeking 
the power of the Spirit to enable thee to mortify thy sins, 
and to live unto God. Thou complainest of deadness and 
barrenness of soul ; who can enliven and make thee fruitful 
but the dear Lord to whom thou neglectest to cry ? If thine 
outward walk is a reproach to thee, if the peace of thy mind 
is frequently ruffled and disturbed through want of peace 
and power from Jesus, doth not thy closet testify against thee, 
as too much neglected ? May not this accusation be justly 
charged upon us : ' Ye have not, because ye ask not.' James 
iv. 2. But our beloved invites ; his command is for our bless- 
ing. ' Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.' 
John xvi. 24. 



MARCH 7.] 136 

Oh visit me ivith thy salvation. Psalm cvi. 4. 



There is no good got by paying trifling visits, and receiving 
trifling visitors. The soul that is alive to God, will be sick of 
such an impertinent way of sacrificing its time. ' Christ hath 
redeemed us from our vain conversation.' 1 Pet. i. 18. Our 
grand business is to be looking at, glorying in, and talking of 
his righteousness and his salvation, all the day long. This 
was David's practice. If we followed it more, we too should 
say with him, ' My lips shall greatly rejoice, and my soul 
which thou hast redeemed.' Psal. lxxi. 23, As our joy in Jesus 
encreases, carnal, impertinent acquaintance would forsake us. 
Here is the cry of a convinced sinner, of a truly gracious 
heart. c Oh visit me with thy salvation.' This is a blessed 
frame of soul. Lord help us to consider it, and animate us to 
live to thee. Here is spiritual sight, and spiritual feeling. 
What is a christian without these ? Truly sunk in the state of 
dead formality. (1) Spiritual sight. The poor sinner sees 
himself totally ruined, and must be eternally miserable, for any 
thing he can do to save himself. Sin has destroyed him, and 
the law of God curses him. Eut he sees that Christ has per- 
fectly fulfilled the law, suffered its curse, and eternally satis- 
fied inexorable justice. Thus is salvation finished. In the 
firm belief of this he cries, visit ' me,' even me, a desperate 
sinner in myself, with the joys and comforts of thy salvation. 
Oh Jesus, T cannot be content with hearing of salvation, with 
seeing it is for sinners, with believing it is everlastingly finish- 
ed for them, without tasting the joys, and feeding upon the 
comforts of it in my own soul. (2) Here is spiritual feeling. 
Laugh on, deride as you please, ye quickened multitude at the 
bitter, sweet feelings of living souls. We feel the bitter of 
of our misery as sinners, w r e groan being burdened with a body 
of sin and death, we cry out oh wretched that we are, who 
shall deliver us ? But blessed be God, that prayer of the 
church of England, at the Visitation of the Sick, is answered 
upon us : ' We do know r and feel that there is none other 
name, under heaven given to men, in whom, and through 
whom, we may receive health and salvation, but only the 
name of our Lord Jesus Christ.' This is the sweet feeling of 
faith. Therefore in faith we cry, visit ' me,' miserable me, 
with thy salvation Lord Jesus. Make me to feel the peace of 
God which passeth all understanding, and shed the love of 
God abroad in my heart. The Lord keep our souls in this 
believing, praying, loving, feeling frame below, till we come 
to the full fruition above, rejoicing that we are made ' wise 
unto salvation.' 2 Tim. iii. 15. 

In llie firm faitli of sacred truth, The precious visits ot thy grace, 

Oh may I e'er abide Gram me, dear Lord, to prove 

Expecting God's refreshing love, In this forlorn and wretched state, 

Tho' foes do me deride. To fit me tor above. 



MARCH 8.] L37 [MORNING. 

But ye have not so learned Christ, if so be that ye have 
heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is 
in Jesus. Ephes. iv. 20, 21. 

Jesus, the great prophet of his church, speaks to the hearts 
of his members. This is his superior excellence above all 
other prophets, for they can only speak to the ear. To attend 
a preached gospel is our constant duty ; but all our profit and 
happiness arise from hearing the Saviour's voice to our souls. 
Under the outward ministry, inwardly to listen to the teach- 
ings of his Lord, should be every christian's concern. JVJany 
cry, Oh what an excellent preacher, what a charming sermon : 
but why? Didst thou hear Jesus speak; did he teach, and 
hast thou heard somewhat from him ? Thou knowest, disciple, 
though a Paul plants, though an Apollos waters, yet it is the 
Saviour's presence and power that give the encrease of faith, 
love, peace and joy. 

So the Saviour is pleased to teach, and so his disciples love 
to learn. Then is it well with the soul ; for it refuseth to act 
and walk after the course of this present evil world ; for he 
says, the Saviour hath taught me better. Why does he take 
pains to teach me the love of his cross ; why hath he instruct- 
ed me in the truths of his salvation ; why hath he made known 
to my poor heart the unsearchable riches of his grace, redemp- 
tion in his blood, forgiveness of sins, acceptance with God, 
and peace and love from him? And do I possess f a good hope 
through grace,' that as verily as I have learned Christ, heard 
him, been taught by him, and know the truth as it is in him, 
I shall soon be with him. After all this, can I walk in the 
vanity of my mind ; can I turn aside from the free-grace truths 
of the gospel, to have my teeth set on edge with the sour grapes 
of corrupt human systems ? Or canst thou ever think, disciple, 
that the liberty of the Spirit tends to licentiousness of the flesh, 
or that grace makes sin less hateful ; or that a holy walk and 
obedient life doth not flow from the doctrines and teachings of 
our Saviour? Surely, thou must know, that as the work oi 
Jesus' life and death was to justify sinners, so the teaching of 
spirit is to sanctify them. And verily if this is done in- 
wardly on thy soul, it will be evidenced outwardly in thy life, 
in separating thyself as a holy vessel, meet for the master's 
use, from all sensuality. and uncleanness ; in i putting off the 
eld man with his deeds,' and in serving our God and Saviour 
* in newness of the Spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter/ 
Horn. vii. 

Order ray footsteps by thy word, A holy fellowship with thee, 
And make n>y heart sincere : My Lord, may I enjoy ; 

•n have no dominion, Lord, Thas 1 may ever learn to be 
Hut keep mv conscience clear. Dead to all sulfa] m. 



MARCH 8.] 138 [EVENING. 

The holy scriptures, ivhich are able to make thee ivise 
unto salvation, through jaitli ivhich is in Christ Jesus. 
2 Tim. iii. 15. 



We never think to any purpose about salvation, till we see 
our own condemnation for sin. Has there ever been a tribu- 
nal set up in your conscience? Have you been arraigned, 
and held up your hand at the bar of justice ? Has the law of 
God brought its charge against you, and have you from inward 
convictions of sin been forced to plead guilty ? Then the law 
pronounces its curse upon you, and there it leaves you, under 
its guilt and terror. For, to convince and to condemn, is all 
the law can do. The Lord knows, and poor sinners know too, 
I speak for one, this is a most deplorable state. Now, the 
once neglected book of God becomes most precious to the soul. 
He now sees, as he had no knowledge of sin but by the law, 
so he can obtain no knowledge of salvation but by the gospel. 
Such a soul is wise, but not in his own eyes ; prudent, but not 
in his own sight. There is a woe against such as are, Isai. v. 
21. And Christ thanks his Father that he had hid the things 
of his kingdom from the wise and prudent, and revealed them 
unto babes. Matt. xi. 25. It is blessed to be a babe in one's 
own sight, to know that we have no wisdom in ourselves, to 
be stripped of all our corrupt ideas of salvation, to see that we 
must learn all from the scriptures, and simply receive and 
believe what they testify of salvation by Jesus. This is true 
wisdom, this is being wise unto salvation. Now, if you closely 
attend to and examine the cause, why your walk is not always 
holy, happy and joyful, you will find it is because of your folly. 
You do not simply search the scriptures for wisdom, nor 
simply believe the salvation they reveal, which is in Christ 
Jesus. The scriptures are * able to make thee wise unto sal- 
vation.' But say you, cannot the Spirit do this without them? 
This is folly. The Spirit is in the word, he teaches us to be 
wise unto salvation by the word. If you expect the Spirit 
without the word, you have the vain hope of a fool. ' Through 
faith in Christ Jesus.' The scriptures testify of him, and of 
salvation by him only. To believe the scriptures, is to believe 
in Christ unto salvation. Oh say some, 1 do from my heart 
believe the scriptures, but I fear I have no saving faith in 
Christ. Here you are not a babe, not simple of heart. You 
did not learn this from the scriptures, you get into the reason- 
ing of the father of lies ; so you distress your mind. Take 
thy Lord's reproof, ' Oh fools and slow of heart to believe 
(what?) all that is spoken.' Luke xxiv. 25. 

Vain men wlio seek 1o be made w.isc, Come listen to the scripture's voice, 

Without God's holy word, Its sacred truths obey 

Neglecting faith in Jesus Christ, With wisdom then, ye shall rejoice 

Ye ne'er can know the Lord. In Christ the only way. 



MARCH 9.] 139 [MORNING. 

The redeemed of the Lord shall return and come tilth 
singing to Zion, and everlasting joy shall he upon their 
head : they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and 
mourning shall flee away. Isai. li. 11. 

' A good word maketh the heart glad.' Prov. xli. 25. This 
is true of the good word of gospel-grace. Unscriptural notions 
of conditional grace and salvation deject the spirits of sensible 
sinners. God's free grace declarations and absolute promises 
revive the hearts of contrite ones. Man's ifs, suppositions, 
and peradventures, tend to counteract God's shalls and wills, 
his gracious purposes and loving determinations. Where the 
word of a king is, there is power: ' and who may say unto 
him, what dost thou?' Eccles. viii. 4. In the word of Jehovah 
there is almighty power : ' He doth according to his will in 
the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth : 
none can stay his hand, or say unto him, what dost thou?' 
Dan. iv. 35. 

God's ' I will/ and ' you shall,' are the stay, the streng h, 
the food of faith. It is the joy of believing hearts to set their 
seal to God's free promises, and say, Amen, so be it. The arm 
of the Lord, the strength of Jehovah, which hath done wonders 
of old, is not shortened that it cannot save ; that is our mercy. 
It is, it ever will be stretched forth in power ; that is our com- 
fort. Every redeemed soul shall return to mount Sion, to the 
general assembly of the church of the firstborn, which are en- 
rolled in heaven ; and to God, the Judge of all ; and to Jesus 
the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprink- 
ling. Heb. xii. 23. 

All the objects of the Father's love are the subjects of the 
Son's redemption, and shall be partakers of the Spirit's power 
and consolation. In returning to Jesus they shall find rest, 
and peace, and joy. By the sprinkling of his blood, sorrow 
and mourning flee away from their consciences. Then how 
sweetly, how joyfully do we sing the song of Moses. Exod. 
xv. 1. ' The Lord is my strength and my song ; he is become 
my salvation.' How comfortably do our souls join the trium- 
phant song of the victorious followers of the Lamb, Rev. i. 5. 
1 Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his 
own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God, and 
his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. 
Amen/ What strong consolation, what full assurance is pro- 
claimed from the mouth of the Lord. Every sentence contains 
a shall ; not it may be, but it shall be, Sinners feel the power 
of grace, which melts hearts of stone into flesh ; saints feel the 
comfort of love, which turns mournful penitents into joyful 
souls. ' All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to him- 
self by Jesus Christ.' 2 Cor. v. 18. 



MARCH 9.] 140 [EVENING. 

This people have I formed for myself: they shall shew 
forth my praise. Isai . xliii .21. 

What says the world of God's new formed creatures ? ' These 
men turn the world upside down/ Acts xvii. 6. Well, if they 
do, is it not right ? Seeing the devil by sin turned it upside 
down once> Christ, by the power of his grace, turns it upside 
down again, and then it is turned into its right state. The Lord 
is here about to perform a wonder of grace, and he calls for 
our special attention to it. ' Behold, I will do a new thing,' ver. 
19. He was going to take those who were not his people, to 
make them a people. The eminent displays of God's grace 
should be the admiration of our hearts, and the glory of our 
souls. See (1) The description of this people. They are com- 
pared to the beasts of the field, to dragons and owls. Yet the 
Lord calls them, l my people, my chosen,' ver. 20. My soul, 
remember what thy nature is ; as filthy as a beast, as fierce as 
a dragon, as stupid as an owl. Was the earth at its first crea- 
tion without form, and void of order? Gen. i. 2. Just so re- 
specting spiritual things, are all the subjects, on whom the 
Lord displays the power of his grace. View thy nature, come 
down from thine altitude, live in the valley of humiliatiou, 
adore the power that formed thee, confess the hand divine. 
For (2) The Lord e forms' such. Till this is effected, we are 
only formed to serve our lusts, enjoy the pleasures of sense 
and sin, and to be the slaves of Satan. What hand have we 
in our spiritual formation. Just as much as the earth had, in 
forming itself into order and beauty, out of a rude mass of 
chaos and confusion. Well might Paul say, ' We are his 
workmanship, created anew in Christ Jesus.' Ephes. ii. 10. 
Settle this well in thy mind, to quell the rising of cursed free- 
will pride, which robs the Lord of the glory of his efficacious 
grace. (3) See the end of the Lord's work of grace upon sin- 
ners : they are ' formed for himself.' How precious is that 
word ; formed to come unto God, to enjoy fellowship with 
him, and live upon the fulness of the grace of Christ. Yea, to 
choose the Lord for our portion, and delight in him as our all, 
in time and eternity. ' They shall shew forth my praise.' Lord 
fill our hearts with such a sense of thy distinguishing grace to 
us, that thy name may be ever praised by us. Oh may we 
ever praise thee, with the love of our hearts, and the obedience 
of our lives, who hast called us out of nature's darkness, into 
the marvellous grace of Christ. 

We're all alike destroyed by sin, Through Christ unto our ruined race, 

And sunk into a liell of woe ; To raise our souls to joys above, 

But sovereign grace renews within, 

Hence peace with God and comforts flow, Equal praise to thee, oh Spirit, 

Our souls are ever bound to give, 

Sing;, oh ye saints, this matchless grace, By thy power we now inherit 

Flows from our Father's endless love. "Our all in Christ, and on him lb e. u. 



MARCH 10.] 141 

Follow peace with all 7nen, and holiness; without 
which no man shall see the Lord. Heb. xii. 14. 



' He that believeth shall be saved:' this is the immutable 
decree of the God of truth. As no man shall see the Lord 
without holiness, so no man can be holy without faith in Jesus. 
But this is the peculiar blessedness of every believer ; he is 
holy, he is ' sanctified by faith which is in Christ Jesus.' Acts 
xxvi. 18. All such are ' called to be saints/ 1 Cor. i. 2, called 
to holiness of life and conversation. There are no holy unbe- 
lievers, nor unholy believers. Gospel exhortations are suited 
to the spiritual state of regenerate souls. They are subjects 
of the Prince of peace ; are at peace with God through our 
Lord Jesus Christ. As agreeable to their character, to the 
will of God, and to the peace of their own minds, they are 
ever to study and endeavour to follow peace with all men, con- 
sistent with faith and a good conscience. So of holiness : 
being holy members of the holy Jesus, beloved children of a 
holy God, subjects of a holy Spirit, called by a holy gospel, 
partakers of a holy faith, heirs of a holy kingdom ; therefore 
all the way of their journey thither they are to follow holiness. 
Partaking of the root of holiness, by union with Jesus, all the 
fruits of holiness spring. Christ is the way wherein we are to 
walk : conformity to his image is the delight of new-born 
souls *, but we are the subjects of a nature which is averse to 
this. Still we know that holiness and happiness are ever inse- 
parable. Holiness is our vocation, our business, and is ever 
to be our constant aim ; though not to recommend us to God 
to procure his favour, or as a condition of our acceptance in 
his sight, but that we may glorify him ' who hath made us 
accepted in the beloved.' 

Saints are not to indulge themselves on the bed of sloth, 
dream of heaven, big with hopes of a fool's paradise, and 
vainly wish to cast themselves out of Delilah's lap of worldly 
pleasures and sinful gratifications, into Abraham's bosom of 
heavenly joys. But we are studiously to avoid every thing 
which is contrary to the nature of true holiness, and ever to be 
diligent in the use of such means, which, through the power of 
the holy Spirit, may increase our love of holiness, and cause 
us to abound in the practice of it. True, we have innumerable 
enemies from within and without to oppose our progress in 
holiness. So much the more need of diligence and activity. 
We know that the delicious fruits of happiness grow only in 
the paths of holiness ; and the Lord's strength which is for 
us, is greater than all that is against us. Ever remember a 
throne of grace is always open to us, and we are exhorted to 
draw nigh to God with boldness. Great and precious promises 
are given us. All are to encourage us ' to serve God without 
fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of 
cur life.' Luke i. 74, 75. 



MARCH 10.] 142 L EVE ^!NG. 

J.U that the Father giveth me, shall come to me; and 
him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. John 
vi. 37. 



By how many ways does Satan get advantage over us. 
Though he cannot engage us in his drudgery, as cooks and 
scullions in a kitchen, yet he often employs us to nurse those 
peevish, deformed, ill-favoured brats, corrupt reason, unbelief, 
and slavish fear. And he gives us no other wages for our ser- 
vice but distress, dejection, and discontent. Oh ye children 
of God, instead of nursing such a vile brood, why do ye not 
rather poison them by divine truths, and dash them in pieces 
by divine promises, flowing from God's everlasting love to you. 
Mark the process of it. (1) Because the Lord loved you, he 
gave you to his Son. This implies some secret transaction 
between God the Father, and his Son Jesus, in covenant pur- 
poses. c All' whom the Father loved with an everlasting love, 
and chose in the morning of eternity, he committed into 
Christ's hands, to be saved by him, with an everlasting salva- 
tion. Came the Son of God from heaven upon an uncertainty ? 
Died the Lamb of God, as a fool dieth, to no fixed end and 
purpose? No, he died to redeem, he rose to justify, he evei 
lives to save, ' all whom the Father hath given him/ ver. 39. 
Believest thou this ? Yes, says a poor sinner, and I tremble, 
lest I should not be one of this blessed number. You have 
reason to tremble, if you have not come to Christ. For (2) 
He saith, ' they all shall come to me.' What, as dragged by 
the hair of their heads ? So some, impiously pun upon the 
doctrine of efficacious grace. No, but they come willingly 
and cheerfully to Christ, as drawn by the bands of love, and 
the cords of reason. We see ourselves in all the filth of sin, 
in utter ruin and distress, feel guilt in our conscience, the 
curse of the law on our heads, self-despair in our hearts, and 
with this cry in our mouth, Save, Lord, or I perish. I am lost, 
but thou hast died. There is no Saviour, no salvation but 
thee. I believe this, and come to thee. Is this thy case ? 
Then rejoice : thou wast given to Christ by the Father in 
eternity, and the Spirit hath quickened thee, to come to Christ 
in time. (3) Hear what our dear Saviour saith of all such : 
' I will in no wise cast them out.' This blessed negative is 
the strongest affirmative. This precious word has been a 
sheet-anchor to many a soul in storms of distress. ' In no 
wise,' though black as hell, deformed as a devil by sin ; yet 
whenever such a soul comes to me, my loving heart will most 
freely receive, my gracious arms most cordially embrace, my 
precious blood perfectly cleanse, my glorious righteousness 
everlastingly justify, and I will for ever save him to the utter- 
most. Heb. vii. 25. 



MARCH 11.1 143 [MORNING. 

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my 
love : even as I have kept my Father s comyvindments, 
and abide in his love. John xv. 10. 



Do any reproach us concerning our hope of eternal life, that 
we do not expect it by free grace and promise only, hut 
clogged with terms and conditions which we must fulfil. Do 
they say we are only dreaming legalists, under the legal yoke, 
and not Christ's free-men. We answer, We not only talk of, 
but we enjoy Christ ; we do not merely prate about faith, but 
we partake of its power ; not only hear of love described, but 
we feel its influence ; not barely look for salvation from sin, 
but we enjoy it by the faith of Jesus now ; and we know that 
we shall partake of salvation with eternal glory. For he who 
never spoke one word in vain, hath pronounced of all his 
members, ( As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. 
Continue ye in my love/ And the loving heart of Jesus is so 
set upon our being always happy, that he directs us to act, so 
as constantly to abide in the sweet sense of his love ; that so 
we may enjoy still greater measures of it in our hearts. If ye 
keep my commandments, so shall it be with you. 

Jesus ever abode in his Father's love ; this he manifested 
by doing the Father's will, and keeping his commandments. 
In his work of obedience he received this testimony from 
the Father, ' This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well 
pleased.' So Abraham had this blessed witness borne him by 
the Lord : ' Now I know that thou fearest God.' A repetition 
of the grand promise was also given him upon the obedience 
of his faith. Gen. xxii. 15 — 18. 

So also shall disciples find the testimony of the comforting 
Spirit, in the way of keeping the commandments of Jesus. 
Though not for, yet, ' in keeping thy commandments there is 
great reward.' Psal. xix. 11. This David well knew by happy 
experience, and all the saints know the same. 

Faith and love are the commandments of Jesus. To believe 
in, rely upon, confide and trust in the Lord Jesus from hour to 
hour, this is to honour him. To love God, and one another as 
his children, is the true badge of the disciples of the loving 
Saviour ; this is to obey him. The more loving faith and faith- 
ful love to Jesus abide in our hearts, so much the more will 
peace, consolation and "joy be encreased in our souls. 

Do any deem this legality ? May the God of grace fill our 
hearts with such legality day by day : so shall we be truly 
evangelised. ' As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the 
Lord, so walk ye in him, rooted and built up in him, and esta- 
blished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein 
with thanksgiving.' Col. ii. 6, 7. 



MARCH 11.] 144 [EVENING. 

Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is 
in you, except ye up reprobates ? 2 Cor. xiii. 5. 

Happy for ministers, when their mission from Christ is called 
in question, to appeal to their people's hearts, to prove that 
Christ hath spoken to them. Happy for christians, to examine, 
prove, and know themselves, and to find Jhrist is in them. Ig- 
norance of ourselves lies at the bottom of all error and self 
deceit. Lord help us deeply to consider this important ques- 
tion. ' Know ye not your own selves?' Come, you are very 
ready to judge ministers, find fault with them, and to call their 
gifts and graces in question. Look at home, know yourselves. 
Be not puffed up, consider yourselves, and be humble. Your 
hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, 
Your nature is totally corrupt and abominable. In your flesh 
dwells no good thing ; its motions are, to bring forth fruit unto 
death ; its lustings are, continually unto sin. Know, there is 
no difference in your nature, from that of the most vile and 
abandoned sinner upon the face of the earth. If left to your- 
selves, there is not the most atrocious sin but you might com- 
mit. There is not a hell in which others are eternally suffering 
for sin, but what you justly deserve, and would fall into. For 
your sinful nature is as reprobate, corrupt and adulterate as 
others, even as the most vile. Yea, and your state is also by 
mature, as bad as others, even ' children of wrath.' Know ye 
not your own selves? Has the Spirit of truth made you thus 
acquainted with yourselves ? Be not afraid to see and know 
the very worst of yourselves. For ' know ye not that Jesus 
Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?' Blessed distinc- 
tion ! In this the elect differ from the reprobate ; the former 
have Christ in them, the latter reject Christ, and are without 
any true knowledge of him, faith in him, and love to him. 
What is implied in Christ's being in us? (1) Dwelling in our 
earts by faith. A clear knowledge of him, cordially receiving 
him, heartily believing on him, stedfastly cleaving to him, con- 
stantly abiding in him, steadily looking to him, as he is reveal- 
ed in the word, the righteousness of sinners, the atonement for 
the guilty, justification for the ungodly, and the Saviour of the 
hopeless, helpless, and desperate. Therefore, (2) He is pre- 
cious to us, as being suitable for us, in his glorious person, 
and all his blessed offices. Hence our hearts go after him, 
our affections are placed on him, and it is the desire and de- 
light of our souls to honour, serve and obey him. Thus self 
knowledge, and the knowledge of Christ, are the very criterion 
of salvation. Oh that we may sink into the depths of the 
deepest humility by the one, and rise into the heights of the 
highest comfort, peace and joy by the other. So shall we 
prove, that, we have true christian experience of the love, and 
grace of Jesus. 



MARCH 12.] 145 [MORNING. 

The Kings daughter is all glorious within, her cloth- 
ing is of wrought gold. Psal. xlv. 13. 

Thus Jehovah, the sovereign Lord of all, who calleth things 
that be not as though they were, speaketh by his Spirit of his 
church. By the pen of the royal prophet, the Lord describes 
the beauty and glory of all his members. They are viewed by 
God the Father from all eternity, in Christ Jesus the heavenly 
bridegroom. They are beloved and chosen in him, saved in 
the Lord Jesus with an everlasting salvation. Isai. xlv. 17. 
They are made all glorious within ; without, they are most 
richly clothed. 

What the church is viewed from eternity, that each member 
is destined to, and shall be made in time. For the establishing 
and comfort of our faith and hope, which is in God, here is a 
sweet, a near and dear relation spoken of, and which ever 
subsists. The church is the King of glory's daughter, ' the 
Lamb's wife,' Rev. xxi. 9, according to the immutable law of 
love, which, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, changeth 
not. Therefore she shall possess and enjoy her portion and 
dowry which is designed for her. Though in herself she is 
black and deformed, yet she is most gloriously arrayed with 
the perfect comeliness which Jesus puts upon her. Ezek. xvi. 
14. But she knows not of, nor glories in this outward clo- 
thing, till she is all glorious within. When the blessed Spirit 
hath quickened, enlightened, and possessed the soul of the 
rich graces of faith and love, then in a holy triumph of hea- 
venly joy and ecstasy she cries out, ' I will greatly rejoice in 
the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God ; for he hath clo- 
thed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me 
with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh him- 
self with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her 
jewels.' Isai. lxi. 10. 

Thus the righteousness, the perfect righteousness of Jesus 
is our clothing ; like gold for its value and purity ; like wrought 
gold, being the work of the life of Jesus to an exact confor- 
mity of the perfect law. Our inward glory lies in the graces 
of the Holy Spirit, in the hidden man of the heart. By the 
former we have a title to glory ; by the latter we have evidence 
of interest in, and meetness for the kingdom. Thus faith's 
views are struck from t'he impression of the royal signet of 
God's word. Wo to licentious tongues, who would deprive 
the church of her inward glory and holiness. Wo to those 
sacrilegious hands of pharisees, who would strip the church of 
her glorious robe of imputed righteousness. ' For, saith the 
Lord, I will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will 
be the glory in the midst of her. He that toucheth yon, 
toucheth the apple of his eye ' Zech. ii. 5, 8. 

u 



MARCH 12.] 1 46 [EVENING. 

Bui speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him 
in all things, who is the head, even Christ. Ephes. iv. 15. 

There is much good or much harm done, by public preach- 
ing*, and private speaking. See to it christians. It either 
makes souls grow up in self love, self righteousness, and self 
complacency ; or to grow quite out of all conceit with them- 
selves, and to grow up into Christ in all things. Vain persons 
who think themselves very handsome, are peculiarly fond o 
looking at themselves in a glass that flatters or deceives them. 
If they see a disgustful spot or blemish in their face, their 
vanity prompts them to give it some better name than it de- 
serves, that it may not bring down their high opinion of their 
own beauty. This is the exact case with those who are grown 
up in themselves, in a high conceit of their own sinless and 
senseless perfection. If a spot or blemish of sin appear, that 
is only an infirmity, they do not call these things sin. But one 
loud peal of thunder, one dreadful flash of lightning from 
Mount Sinai, would make them say with David, s I have seen 
an end of all perfection.' Psal. cxix. 96. And with Paul, c I 
was alive without the law once, but when the commandment 
came, sin revived (it seems, sin was fallen into a dead swoon, 
but the law revived it) and I died/ Rom. vii. 9. Then Paul 
was glad to speak the truth in love, to love the truth as it is 
in Jesus, to grow out of conceit with himself, and to grow up 
into Christ in all things. This is blessed growing. Lord make 
our souls thus encrease, with all the encrease of God. i Into 
Christ;' in a greater knowledge of his glorious person, more 
experience of his humbling grace, stronger exercise of faith in 
him, hope towards him, love to him, patience, resignation and 
self denied obedience to his blessed word and will. ' In all 
things,' even as Christ has redeemed us from all iniquity, and 
justified us from all things. Faith works by the love of this, 
to universal obedience. For ' Christ is the head/ Ever re- 
member this and be humble ; firmly believe this and be joyful. 
He is, (1) The head of influence. You can have no grace to 
strengthen you, no righteousness to justify you, no holiness to 
sanctify you, no love of the Father to bless you, no Spirit to 
comfort you, but in and from him. The body is nourished from 
the head ; so are all Christ's members. (2) He is the head of 
eminence to protect you from every evil, enemy and danger, 
till he brings you safe to his glory. All this comfort and 
blessedness is enjoyed in the faith of Christ ; and all spiritual 
conformity to him is founded in a knowledge of and love to 
the truth, as it is in Jesus. We are chosen to salvation, 
through sanctification of the Spirit, and the belief of the truth. 
Grace and peace are multiplied unto us, through the know- 
ledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. 



MARCH 13.J 147 [MORNING. 

Again he limitelh a certain day, sayings To-day, if ye 
will hear his voice. Heb. iv. 7. 

No marvel, that among other devices of Satan to distress 
sinners, and cause them to despair of God's mercies in Christ 
Jesus, he urges this also : ' Your day of grace is past, the time 
of your visitation is ended.' Hence many poor souls have 
been driven to their wits end. &nd have not some preachers 
been so too, who have encreased such persons fears by speak- 
ing in a most unscriptural manner on this point ? Such are 
the effects of human systems, and free-will notions, with their 
offers of Christ, and their proffers of grace. I heard one de- 
clare, ' This is the last offer ; if it is not now accepted, eternal 
damnation will be the inevitable consequence/ Does thus 
preaching of hell and damnation make converts to Jesus? 
From such harsh and unwarrantable declarations, these un- 
scriptural conclusions have been drawn by some awakened 
sinners, ' that they withstood the offers of mercy, and their day 
of grace is for ever ended ; and that there is no place for re- 
pentance, though they seek it carefully with tears/ 

Most injurious thoughts of a God of love ; most dishonour- 
able thoughts of the blessed Saviour. Never was any sensible 
sinner half so willing to be saved from wrath, as Jesus was to 
suffer wrath for sinners. Never was any weary heavy-laden 
sinner half so willing to come to Jesus, as he is to receive 
him. ' The Lord is longsuffering, not willing that any should 
perish, but that all should come to repentance/ 2 Pet. iii. 9. 
Therefore he hath limited a certain day, the day of gospel- 
light and salvation, the day of glad tidings to poor sinners. 
In the day of his power, his people are made willing to trust 
to Jesus' blood and righteousness, to come to his feet, claim 
him as their king, and submit to his laws and government. 
His voice of grace is first heard in his word : when that is 
believed in the heart, his voice of love is heard in the soul. 
While the gospel is proclaimed, God's arms and heart are 
open to sinners, even the chiefest and vilest of sinners out of 
hell. His word assures us that ' the elect have obtained, and 
the rest were blinded.' Rom. xi. 7. But who blinds them? 
Not the God of love ; no, ' the god of this world blinds the 
eyes of those that believe not/ 2 Cor. iv. 4. Who hardens 
them ? Not a God of "grace ; but they are hardened ' through 
the deceitfulness of sin.' Oh, if any sinner's heart is soft and 
yielding to Jesus' love and salvation, ' this is the Lord's doing, 
and it is marvellous in our eyes.' How long hath he waited 
to be gracious to thee! Remember thy past conduct wi h 
shame, think on thy present state witlr gratitude, look forward 
with hope, hear his voice with joy, come to him with boldness; 

walk worthy of the vocation wherewith thou art called/ 
Ephes. iv 1 



MARCH 13.] 148 [EVENING. 

Only believe. Mark v. 36. 

A short answer to a case of great distress. A simple recipe 
from the great physician. A grand catholicon, or universal 
remedy that suits all cases, states and circumstances, and is 
seasonable at all times. Look at this history ; look to the 
author of faith to profit by it. Here is a ruler falls at Christ's 
feet, beseeching help for his daughter at the point of death. 
Jesus went with him. Before he arrives at the house, news is 
brought that the child is dead. The Lord of life and death 
forbids the father's fears : ' Be not afraid.' He encourages his 
hope : ' Only believe.' Fears are natural to sinners, and faith 
expels them. Christ restores her to life, and it brings joyful 
news for us. Here is precious encouragement for our faith, 
in every application to Christ ; for here is a marvellous display 
of his great love, ready will, and almighty power, to help and 
relieve us. He not only restores at the last gasp, but when 
life is departed, he recals it. If your soul is alive to God, you 
have experienced this. It was dead in sin ; Christ quickened 
you. Now he is your life, how are you to walk and enjoy the 
comfort of it. ' Only believe.' How many hearts heave with 
indignation against this doctrine. How many taunt at us : 
; Oh you are all for faith— nothing but faith— only believe.' 
True, we are all for Christ, nothing but Christ, only Christ ; 
aud we can enjoy him only by believing. He reproves our 
slowness of heart to believe, as our greatest folly, Luke xxiv. 
25. All our comfort flows from faith, all our misery from un- 
belief. Bring this to a point. Are we groaning under the 
burden of inbred sin, vexed with sore temptations. Do we 
feel the accusations of conscience, fear the terrors of a broken 
law, see the drawn sword of justice in the hand of a sin aveng- 
ing God, and tremble at the solemn thoughts of death and 
judgment? Under all this, what can bring relief to our con- 
science, hope to our mind, and peace to our soul ? ' Only 
believe,' that Christ hath redeemed, justified, and will eternally 
glorify us. This is death to our fears, and life to our joys. 
Again, how is the life of holiness maintained ? ' Only believe,' 
that walking in fellowship with Christ, infinitely exceeds all 
the pleasures of sin, the joys of sense, and the happiness of 
the world. Faith elevates the soul above all this, and causes 
it to look down with a holy contempt upon it. Faith enjoys 
Christ, and that is heaven in the heart. In this stedfast faith 
we are to resist Satan, and overcome the world. 1 John v. 4. 
1 Pet. v. 9. 

' Only believe :' Lord give the pow'r, Faitli brings all glory to the Lord, 

To look to thee in every hour It trusts his power, it trusts his word : 

Of sorrow, need, and sore distress, It lifts dejected spirits up, 

For love to help in everv case ho lean on Christ theii Only hope. m. 



MARCH 14.] 149 [MORNING, 

And now, Lord, what wait J for ? My hope is in thee. 
Psalm xxxix. 7. 



What a blessing is inward composure of mind ; how delight- 
ful an exercise is waiting upon the Lord ! What a profitable 
privilege is prayer ; how happy the soul whose hope is in God ! 
These are all the sweet attendants upon and promoted by the 
grace of faith in Christ Jesus. While that grows strong in the 
soul, we are more lively and comfortable. Hence the disci- 
ple's petition, ' Lord, increase our faith,' is daily needful. 
Then it is well with the soul when it is enabled to make this 
solemn appeal to its Saviour : Thou, Lord, knowest what I 
long for, what I wait for, even the spiritual blessings of thy 
kingdom, to be more inwardly transformed into thine image, 
to be more perfectly obedient to thy will, and to obtain a more 
complete victory over my worst foes, sin, Satan, and the world. 

Verily the heavenly-instructed soul knows, that all this is of 
God by Jesus Christ ; and that contrary to all this is from the 
lusts that dwell in him, and the evils that surround him ; there- 
fore God 'alone is his hope. His hope is not in his graces, his 
feelings, his frames, his comforts, but in the God of all grace ; 
not in the streams, but in the fountain ; not in what he has 
received, but in the infinite fulness which is treasured up in 
Jesus for the needy. Hope of salvation in Jesus is our hel- 
met, faith guards the heart, hope fortifies the head ; hence the 
christian lifts up his head in the day of battle, and in the hour 
of temptation. His head being armed, he dreads not divine 
wrath, Satan's terrors, nor the law's threaten ings. 

Thou man of God, consult not thy carnal reason ; consider 
not thy body, which is dead because of sin ; but know that the 
Spirit is life, because of righteousness. Though the law is 
weak through the flesh, yet grace reigns ; and through gospel 
grace thou hast great and precious promises to encourage thee 
to hope confidently, and the omnipotent power of the Spirit to 
work in thee, to make thee go on cheerfully, while Jesus is the 
stay of thine heart to uphold and strengthen thee. Fear not, 
only believe ; greater is Jesus than all thine enemies. Stronger 
is he who is for us, than all that are against us. Verily thou 
shalt not be disappointed of thy hope, seeing it is in the Lord. 
Where Jesus is the object of faith, and the anchor of hope is 
cast within the veil, that soul shall safely and comfortably 
weather out every storm, and shall assuredly obtain the haven 
of eternal rest. By faith we possess the promises, hope ex- 
pects the perfect fulfilment of them, and in waiting we renew 
our strength. 

My fainting flesh had died with grief, Wait on the Lord, ye trembling saints, 
Had not my soul believed And keep your courage up ; 

To see thy grace provide relief; He'll raise your spirit when it faints, 
Nor was my hope deceived. Ami far exceed vour hone. 



MARCH 14.] 150 [EVENING. 

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psal. lvi. 3 

A christian's fears commence with his joys. Being new 
born, he is the subject of new joys, and new fears also ; and 
glory to divine grace, he lias a new object to trust in, a coyc- 
nant God in Christ, who is unchangeable in his love. Confi- 
dence in him is the sovereign antidote against dejecting -fears. 
Fears that the world know not of, beset the people of God. 
(1) They find and feel their hearts to be superlatively deceit- 
ful, and desperately wicked. They dread their corruptions, 
more than all the men on earth, or devils in hell. They are 
afraid lest some vile lust, accursed corruption, or devilish 
temptation should prevail, so as to offend their Lord, wound 
their conscience, and bring a reproach upon the blessed gospel. 
This is a holy fear ; it can do the soul no harm, it is for its 
good, keeps it humble and self diffident, and causes it to say ; 
' I will trust in thee.' Do, saith the Saviour : ' My grace is 
sufficient for thee, my strength is made perfect in thy weak- 
ness,' my power shall prevail over thy wickedness. (2) They 
may be afraid, after all their delightful hopes of Irving and 
reigning with Jesus in glory, that through the pressure of a 
body of sin and death, the snares and devices of Satan, and 
the allurements of the world, they may come short and perish 
at last. They may fear lest after they have spun the last 
thread, they should perish on the shore, in sight of glory. But 
they may boldly and confidently say, ' I will trust in thee; 7 
for here is a most precious threefold cord which can never be 
broken. Jesus saith, ' I give unto my sheep eternal life, and 
they shall never perish, neither shall any one pluck them out 
of my hands.' John x. 28. I thank thee, my dear Lord : this 
has been a sheet-anchor to my soul in many a dreadful storm. 
(3) We may be afraid of that terrible monster, death. But 
Christ hath conquered him for us, and trusting in the Lord 
brings perfect victory and joyful triumph over him. So that 
we may say, i Oh death, where is thy sting ? Oh grave, where 
is thy victory ? Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ.' 1 Cor. xv, 57. Faith makes 
a bridge over the river of death. But (4) Says a poor sinner, 
I am not afraid of perishing in hell, but of starving on earth. 
But will he who hears the young ravens when they cry, be 
unmindful of the wants of his people. Is it possible, that after 
giving his Son to die for us, he should not with him also freely 
give us all things ? ' Trust in the Lord, and do good, and 
verily thou shalt be fed.' Psal xxxvii. 3. cxi. 5. 

How many are the fears Oli teach my soul the art, 

Which exercise my mind ; All times to trust in thee : 

But God is nigh, his grace appears, For, oh how gracious is thy heart, 

From (his support 1 find. In love it hied for me. » 



MARCH 15.1- i^ 1 [MORNING. 

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that 
shall believe in me through their ivord. John xvii.20. 

What a rich fund of comfort is here for every believer in the 
Lord. His loving heart was not contracted, nor his eyes of 
compassion confined to the little flock now with him ; but he 
looked forward in love, his bowels of tender mercy yearned 
over, and his innocent tongue pleads in behalf of all the tender 
lambs of his flock, through all succeeding ages, in every period 
of time. Yea, ere they had a being in the world, or faith in 
their hearts, they had an interest in Jesus' prayers, for they 
were given to him by the Father. Methinks one hears some 
poor doubting member of Jesus saying, ' Ah, if I was but sure 
that my worthless name was written in the Lamb's book of 
life ; if I could but know his heart of love was towards poor 
sinful me ; that I was included in the happy catalogue of those 
whom Jesus prayed for, how happy, how joyful should I be !' 
Here thy Lord has answ r ered thy request Read it for the joy 
of thy heart, and for the establishing thy soul in faith and love. 
Hast thou heard the apostolic truth, Salvation by Jesus 
Christ ? Is it glad tidings to thy heart ? Dost thou believe 
in Jesus Christ as the only Saviour of the lost and guilty, as 
the only hope for thy otherwise hopeless soul ? If so, thou hast 
as much reason to conclude that Jesus prayed for thee, as 
though thy name was written at full length in this very peti- 
tion. Jesus prays for * all who shall believe in him through 
the apostles' word.' 

The whole of salvation is sure to all believers, even the 
weakest of all, from the covenant, from Jesus, from the Spirit, 
and from the oath and promises of God. Though there is a 
sea of corruption and sin in thy nature, a world of temptation 
around thee, legions of devils in battle-array against thy poor 
soul ; yet as thou hast the faith of God'*? elect in thine heart, 
be it ever so weak, thou art possessed of a precious jewel, 
which is the inestimable gift of God's holy Spirit. And verily, 
as sure as Jesus prayed this prayer unto his Father on earth, 
thou, even thou, wast in his all-seeing eye ; hadst a place in 
his loving heart, and hast an interest in his finished salvation. 
Therefore be assured thou shalt most certainly be brought to 
glory, to ascribe salvation to God and the Lamb, through the 
happy, happy ages of a never-ending eternity. For so is the 
righteous challenge of "our Saviour : ( Father, I will that they 
also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that 
they may behold my glory.' John xvii.24. 

He lives, lie lives, and sits above, Faith has an overcoming power, 

For ever interceding there ; It triumphs in a dying hour 

Who shall divide us from Christ's love, Christ is our life, our joy, our hope, 

Or what shall tempt us to despair ? Nor can we sink with such a prop. 



MARCH 15.] 152 IKV-ENING. 

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us 
cleanse ourselves from all fikhiness of flesh and spirit, 
2 Cor. vii. 1. 



Cleanse ourselves ! What, was holy Paul the subject of fil- 
thiness ? Yes, he, as well as all the saints of Corinth, con- 
stantly wanted cleansing by the blood of Christ. Paul, again 
and again, declares against the proud notion of sinless perfec- 
tion. He well knew that regenerating grace, and adopting 
love, do not entirely destroy the infection of our nature ; but 
hereby we are brought into a holy state, and are set above the 
power of sin. We hate its defilement, and most ever have 
recourse to the precious blood of the Lamb, for cleansing 
from it. The Son of God has made us free indeed, from the 
slavery of sin, and the bondage of the law ; free to come to 
him that we may wash our garments, and make them white in 
the blood of the Lamb ; but still this cleansing will be oft re- 
quired. Do you see and bemoan that you are he subject of 
internal, as well as external fllthiness ? Should you not be 
ashamed that your fellow christians should know, what filthy 
and abominable thoughts pass through your mind ? Are they 
not the grief of your very soul? The Lord knows them all. 
He has provided, and set open, a precious fountain for sin and 
for uncleanness. Zech. xiii. 1. Believe his love, take the 
benefit of his Sons blood ; come freely, come daily, come con- 
stantly to it by faith ; wash and be clean. See the reason for 
this : ( having these promises/ Consider how great and pre- 
cious they are ; for they are promises of our being made tem- 
ples of the living God, promises of his indwelling presence, 
of his being our God, and we his sons and daughters ; promi- 
ses of God's receiving us, and owning us as such, whenever 
we come to him. What powerful motives for cleansing and 
purifying our hearts ; what precious privileges. We are not 
called upon and urged to cleanse ourselves, by the terrors of 
the law, on pain of damnation. No, but as loving children, 
in a sta,te of salvation, under the covenant of love and grace. 
Nothing but great and precious promises await us, from the 
love of God our Father, from the grace of God our Redeemer, 
and from the witness of God our Sanctifier. And it is by these 
that we are animated and excited to cleansing and purifica- 
tion. Would it not be a scandal and a shame to an earthly 
monarch, for his children to appear in filthy garments ; to con- 
sort with the low and vulgar of his subjects, and give into 
their practice ? Oh ye sons and daughters of the King of kings, 
consider your dignity, act up to your high station, adorn your 
profession, walk worthy of the Lord unto all well pleasing. 

Lord I've daily need of cleansing, Now I'm in thy new creation, 

By thy most precious hlood ; Oh cleanse and keep me clean : 

Filthiness of flesh and spirit Jesus, thou art, my salvation. 

Cleave to my every {rood. Purge me from every stain. m 



MARCH 16.] 153 [MORNING. 

I will lift up mine eyes to Ike hills, J) om whence corn- 
el h my help. Psal. cxxi. 1. 

The most comforting subject to a spiritual mind, the most 
delightful object to a spiritual eye, is God in Christ, reconciled 
to us— ' not imputing our trespasses unto us/ The hills afford 
us a pleasing idea of Jesus : they are elevated parts of the same 
earth as the lowest valley, so Jesus being found in fashion as 
a man, took on him the same nature, and was in all things 
like unto his brethren, sin only excepted. Wherefore God 
hath highly exalted him, and given him a name above every 
name, even the precious name of Jesus the Saviour. We can 
never dwell too much upon the human form and humble ap- 
pearance of Jesus, while we entertain the most exalted ideas 
of his eternal power and Godhead. He bore our sins, and 
carried our sorrows ; all our help is laid upon him, all our 
hope is in him, and our help cometh from him. And for the 
encouragement of faith, his word assures us of his love towards 
sinners, and his power to help them. 

Soldiers of Christ, what is your chief business on earth but 
to glorify God? What your daily w r ork, but ' to fight the good 
fight of faith, and to lay hold on eternal life ?' This is our call- 
ing ; the light of another day is vouchsafed us, yet whither 
can w r e turn our eyes, but enemies surround us on every side. 
Yea, from within as well as from without. And can we ex- 
perience safety, or walk in comfort, except while our eyes are 
up to Jesus? He is entered into heaven, ' to appear in the 
presence of God for us,' and now 7 he says to us, ' Look unto 
me, and be ye saved/ Isai. xlv. 22. 

The sight of sin that dwelleth in us causeth dejection ; look- 
ing to our own righteousness and fancied excellence, begets 
pride and vain confidence; the power and subtilty of that 
malicious spirit, the prince of the power of the air, is enough 
to make one tremble. This present evil world, with its ho- 
nours, profits and pleasures, is exactly suited to our carnal 
nature. Who can. withstand its smiles, renounce its carnal 
children, and bear their reproaches. Who is proof against 
these potent adversaries. Verily, with all knowledge received, 
all inherent grace, all past experience, we shall not be able to 
stand, if we are not continually lifting up our eyes, ' looking 
to Jesus ;' he only is our present help. We are kept by his 
mighty power to salvation ; but let us remember, it is through 
faith, that gives all the glory to the Saviour. 1 Pet. i. 5. 

To heav'n I lift my waiting eyes ; Dear Si^iour, let me find thy help, 

There all my hopes are laid : On thee my hope I place, 

The Lord that built the earth and skies, So shall I fi^ht the fight of faith, 

Is my pcrpetuar aid. And run with joy my race 



MARCH 16.] 154 [EVENING. 

Perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor. vii. I. 



Who are thus exhorted? Saints in Christ Jesus. What 
for? To labour after perfect holiness, to obtain the favour of 
God ? No. They are already perfectly justified in his sight, 
and sanctified to his glory. But some reject this ; they legal- 
ize the gospel, if I may so speak, under a specious show for 
holiness, as though that was to procure more for us from GodV, 
than the blood and righteousness of his dear Son. This is 
aiming to perfect holiness, not in the fear of God, but in igno- 
rance and unbelief. This eclipses the glory of Christ's work 
for us, inverts the order of the gospel, and brings perplexity 
and distress upon God's children. It is the glory of the gos- 
pel, that the moment a sinner is justified by the faith of Christ, 
he is also sanctified by the Spirit of Christ. Our title to hea- 
ven, and our meetness for glory, come together by the same 
rich grace. Being brought to a sense of God's favour, we 
have also suitable dispositions to enjoy him. What then? 
Are we to be idle in the christian life, to live and walk accord- 
ing to the course of this world, fulfilling our carnal lusts ? No. 
Those who do, have no reason to think that they possess a 
holy faith in a holy Jesus, or that a holy God is become their 
Father. Saint of God, thou art called to perfect holiness ' in 
the fear of God.' (1) How is this to be done ? By living a 
life of faith on the Son of God, who came to destroy the works 
of sin and Satan, and to conform us to the image of God. We 
are daily to look to Christ, to be our sanctification, as well as 
>ur righteousness. We have daily sins to be subdued, graces 
to be exercised, and duties to be performed. Only the grace 
of Christ is sufficient for us ; and by that we are enabled to go 
on, perfecting holiness. It is a constant, progressive work. 
No one is perfect in holiness ; every saint is going on ' per- 
fecting' it, to the end of life, in the holy, loving fear of the 
Lord. (2) Why is this to be done ? It is our calling, and we 
must follow it as our trade. The more holiness from Christ, 
the more happiness with him. It brings honour and glory to 
Christ. It proves that his religion is of a holy nature, that we 
possess a holy faith, and that it works by a holy love to him. 
So it puts to silence the ignorance of foolish men, by living 
down their carnal objections, that the doctrine of absolute 
unconditional salvation leads to licentiousness. Yet, (3) Here 
is no room for legal boasting of our holiness ; for the Lord 
' works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure,' and 
he alone hath ' wrought all our works in us.' Phil. ii. 13 In 
all that we are and do, we are to follow after holiness. ' Holi- 
ness to the Lord shall be upon the bells of the horses, and 
upon every pot in Jerusalem.' Zech. xiv. 20. 

Lord daily teach me more and more, Oh let thy fear dwell in my heart, 

The way to joy and bliss, Lest I should thee offend, 

That all who reach the heav'nly shore, And from thy holy ways depart 

Must >valk in holiness. And hold not to' the end. 



MARCH 17.] 155 [MORNING. 

Let your speech be always ivitlt grace, seasoned with 
sail, that ye may know hoiv ye ought to answer every man. 
Col. iv. 6. 



' There shall not a hoof be left behind/ said meek Moses to 
the stubborn monarch. All that belonged to God's children 
must go with them for his service. So the whole man, the 
soul with all its faculties, the body with all its members, Jesus 
claims for his glory and service. The tongue, though but a 
little member ; words, though but as wind ; speech, though but 
as sound ; yet the name, the work, the love, the glory of Jesus 
are hereby greatly advanced in the world. As salt not only 
preserves from putrefaction, but seasons flesh with an agree- 
able flavour and relish, so doth grace in the heart the speech. 

To a heart warm with the love of Jesus, and alive to his 
glory, why is the vain conversation of carnal company so dis- 
agreeable ? Truly, the christian is out of his element. He 
fears getting harm, an embargo is laid on his tongue. It is his 
glory to shun, rather than seek such company. If through 
connections in life he cannot totally refrain from such society, 
it is his wisdom to restrain his speech ; ' to keep his mouth 
with a bridle while the wicked are before him, that he sin not 
with his tongue.' But always to season his speech, by the 
grace of Jesus, to the glory of his name. 

When saints meet, what should be the end of their conver 
sation but Jesus. The free favour of God in him to poor 
sinners, the glorious doctrines of grace in Christ, their perfect 
consistency and blessed tendency, the comfortable work of 
grace from Jesus upon your own souls ; how begun, carried 
on, and how it is with us now. These should ever be our 
delightful subjects. But this by no means to catch applause, 
as though we were not in ourselves poor sinners, hanging 
upon, and hoping in Jesus from day to day. The precious 
promises of grace in Christ Jesus, how immutable and es- 
tablishing. The salvation of grace by Jesus, how uncondi- 
tional and absolutely certain to every believer. Conversing 
on such subjects, how savoury and relishing. Speech thus 
seasoned, how becoming and profitable to gracious hearts. 
When it is not so, it is a sad sign that the soul is like salt that 
has lost its savour, and calls for great searchings of heart. 
' For every one shall be -salted with fire, and every sacrifice 
shall be salted with salt,' Mark ix. 49. 

Then whiie I am a pilgrim here Lord, warm my heart, unloose my tongue, 

What should my tongue employ To tell thy wondrous fame, 

But God's free grace and Clirist's rich love, No subject is so sweet to me 

Poor sinners chiefest ioy As thou, my loving Lamb m. 



MARCH 17. j 156 [EVENING. 

Whosoever livelh and believelk in me shall never die : 
belie vest thou this ? John xi. 26. 



In great declining of strength, dejection of spirits, and in 
consideration of the near approach of death, these precious 
words of our dear Lord were brought to my mind. They were 
as a comforting, reviving draught to my spirits Lord; i bless 
thee for them. Oh my soul dwell on them. Am I a sinner 
born to die ? Is death the wages of sin ? Must these eyes 
which now read thy precious sayings, be soon closed in death ? 
Must the hand which now directs this pen, be shortly stiff and 
cold in death? Yet dost thou my Lord say, living and believ- 
ing in thee, I shall never die ? Dost thou ask me, l Believest 
thou this ?' Lord, thou who knovvest all things, knowest, that 
by thy grace, I can say, Thou art the Son of God. Thou hast 
fulfilled thine own promise, ' Oh death, I will be thy plague : 
oh grave, I will be thy destruction/ Hosea xiii. 14. ' Death 
is swallowed up in victory.' 1 Cor. xv. 54. ' Shall never die.' 
Death has lost his form ; he is changed from a substance into 
a shadow. Psal. xxiii. 4. Only children and fools are afraid 
of a shadow. Glory to thee, my Lord, that I am a man in un- 
derstanding, and by thee am made wise unto salvation. Death 
has lost both his sting and his strength. Sin is atoned, the 
law is fulfilled I believe in thee, oh Jesus, who hath done 
both for the victory. It is mine : I have it in possession, thy 
word cannot fail. Thou hast said, ' I shall never die.' The 
terrors of death are changed into the sweet composure of sleep. 
I shall soon fall into this precious rest, and sleep in thee. 
Thou shalt soon wipe away all tears from mine eyes. I shall 
awake with thee, and sin and sorrow shall be no more for ever. 
Well mayest thou ask, ' Believest thou this?' For in the faith 
of this consists all my comfort, which results in loving thee, 
and glorifying thee in life and in death. 

' Faith works by love.' It works by the Father's everlast- 
ing love, in giving his only Son to be our Saviour. It works 
by the precious love of thee, thou sin atoning, law fulfilling, 
justice satisfying, death conquering Son of God. It works by 
the love of thee, thou soul renewing, faith begetting, sin sub- 
duing Spirit of holiness and truth. This is the given princi- 
ple of love, which faith springs from, lives upon, and works 
by. Here faith is all in all ; for it brings Christ and all his 
victories into the heart, puts death and every enemy under our 
feet. It silences all Satan's accusations, and all legal con- 
demnations. ' This is the victory, even our faith.' 1. John v. 4. 

Oh soul reviving joy of faith, Christ lives and says, I ne'er shall die, 

Which lives upon my Saviour's word ! His word I'm sure he will fulfil : 

It triumphs o'er the pow'rs of death, He's truth itself, he cannot lie, 

Possest of vict'ry in my Lord. And death is subject to his will. 



MARCH 18.] 157 L M0RNIN G. 

This is the name wherewith she shall be called, The 
Lord our righteousness. Jer. xxxiii. 16. 

o 

Before days began or years were numbered, in the book of 
God's election were all the members of Jesus written, ( which 
in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of 
them/ Psal. cxxxix. 16. God's electing love would have 
remained an eternal secret to us, had not the Spirit of truth 
made it known. But as it is revealed in the word, it is an 
object of our faith ; and it ever will be the subject of glorying 
and of triumph to those who possess the faith of God's elect ; 
for faith is a blessed evidence, that ' God hath chosen them in 
Christ, before the foundation of the world/ Ephes. i. 4. Was 
the man Jesus, God the Father's ' elect, in whom his soul 
delighteth.' Isai. xlii. 1. So are all his members, loved with 
the same love as the head. God gave not the Spirit by mea- 
sure unto Jesus, the glorified head of the church ; but every 
member receives the Spirit through Jesus, ' according to the 
measure of the gift of Christ/ Ephes. iv. 7. 

Unspeakably glorious, distinguishing grace. This is the 
rejoicing of simple-hearted, believing souls. They are beloved 
and chosen by God the Father, and partake of the same Spirit 
with Jesus ; and are also called by the same name with Jesus. 
Is Christ called ' the Lord our righteousness V Jer. xxiii. 6. 
So the church, the Lamb's wife, being married in faith and 
love, is called by the very same name with her Lord and Hus- 
band, ' The Lord our righteousness/ But some render the 
words, ' He that shall call her,' to be a peculiar people to 
himself, ' is the Lord our righteousness.' Then he clothes 
them with the glorious robe of his own righteousness ; then 
his name is called upon them, for they are one with Jesus. 

Angels wonder, saints admire. Oh ye righteous, how aston- 
ishing is this. Ye, who by nature are children of wrath ; ye 
who by practice have been rebels and transgressors from the 
womb, yet exalted by Jesus to such a high and glorious state. 
Amazing love : ye can never, never enough dwell upon the 
Father's love, the Son's grace, and the Spirit's vocation. Glo- 
rious days of gospel light and love. While others are left 
WTetched in nature's pride, free-will boast, and self-righteous 
glorying, ye not only may, but shall be saved by free-grace 
truth. Ye shall dwell saufely ; for God your Father's justice 
is satisfied, his law is fulfilled, your enemies are all conquered, 
God is at peace with you. What then can harm you ; for ' as 
the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so Jehovah is round 
about his people, from henceforth even for ever.' Psal. cxxv. 2. 



MARCH 18.] 158 L EV£NING - 

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then hare we 
confidence towards God. 1 John iii. 21. 

A text misapplied is like a bone out of joint, which puts the 
body to pain. This text may have such an effect upon the 
soul ; for what poor sinner is there upon earth, but his heart 
must condemn him, for coming short of God's glory, and per- 
fect obedience to his holy law. Must he therefore give up his 
confidence towards God. Yes, if we so understand the text. 
But surely this was not the apostle's design ; for this would 
effectually destroy love to God, and distress the souls of his 
dear children, by taking away the comfort of faith, that ' there 
is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus/ Rom. 
viii. 1. What meaneth lie then ? Plainly to establish our 
hearts in the faith of God's love to us in Christ, and from this 
love experienced in the heart, in love to our brethren in Christ. 
This is an experimental truth ; if faith and love abate, our 
hearts condemn us, and our confidence towards God grows 
weak. In proportion to our lively faith, and warm love, con- 
fidence towards God is strong. (1) As to faith. The apostle 
calls on us to t behold what manner of love the Father hath 
bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God/ 
Now, are you beholding, believing and living upon this stu- 
pendous love of God in Christ? Are you dwelling upon it; 
does it engage your attention ; does it captivate your affec- 
tions ; does it swallow up the low, mean, inordinate love of 
the world ? If not, your heart will condemn you, your confi- 
dence in God will abate. You will not delight in him with 
the affection of a child, nor draw nigh to him with joyful glad- 
ness, as to your loving Father. So (2) Of Love. The apostle 
is here treating of love to the brethren of Christ. Lively faith 
in Christ, ever begets warm love to our brethren. Then we 
have strong confidence towards God, that he is our loving 
Father, and we his obedient children. But if love be wanting, 
our hearts will smite and reproach us, and confidence in God 
forsake us. Hence, all our comforts spring from confidence 
towards God, and all our distress from our hearts condemn- 
ing us for want of faith and love. Let us cry to the blessed 
Spirit, to enable us to live more upon the love, the matchless, 
everlasting, unchangeable love of God to us in Christ Jesus. 
Let us be thankful, that he has given us feeling hearts, which 
are not like the wicked, hardened by the deceitfulness of sin ; 
but are tender, to feel the least condemnation. And when our 
hearts condemn us, let us flee to our great High-priest, who is 
touched with a feeling of our infirmities. Heb. iv. 15. 

My heart doth oft condemn, But still he Lids me care 

When God condemneth not : To walk in faith and love, 

He justifies me in the Lamb, In him, and to his children dear, 

And all my' sins doth Mot. And taste his joys above m. 



MARCH 19.] 159 [MORNING. 

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which 
we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 
2 John 8. 



The salvation of God's people is certain, by his immutable 
love. Their safety depends on his almighty power, their con- 
fidence and glorying is in the finished work of Jesus, and their 
comforts are enjoyed from the Spirit's testimony of the Saviour 
to their hearts ; as having loved, redeemed, and saved them 
as lost, guilty, and perishing sinners. The clearer views we 
have of this truth, so much the more do we cleave to Jesus. 
As our faith increases, our comforts are strengthened, and this 
is the evidence of a gracious heart ; the comforts of love ever 
excite to care and circumspection in life and practice. A 
glimpse of Jesus begets longing after more comfortable enjoy- 
ment of him: so also a holy jealousy of soul, lest what is 
gained should be lost in sense and enjoyment. While sur- 
rounded by false teachers, exposed to unscriptural doctrines, 
beset by a subtle adversary, and so nearly allied to corrupt 
lusts and carnal reasonings, we are ever in danger of losing 
sight of free grace truths, gospel love, and the finished salva- 
tion of Jesus, so as to be moved away from the hope of the 
gospel, and to make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. 
Gospel truths and gospel grace give spring to action, life to 
obedience, and are the sources of encouragement to persevere 
in the path of truth and holiness. What thanks are due to the 
loving Spirit for this wholesome advice. How much concern- 
ed should we be daily to improve it. Look to yourselves, see 
your danger, your vileness, your weakness ; look up to Jesus 
for safety and strength. Blessed be the God we serve ; he is 
not unrighteous to forget our work of faith, patience of hope, 
and labour of love. We enjoy his reward in our work, though 
not for our work. No : let Jesus have all that glory. Still the 
more work, the more sufferings for his sake, so much the more 
reward ; of just debt to him, of righteous grace to us. Oh 
how apt are we to pine and grieve at the loss of a little shining 
dust. Should not the loss of light, liberty, love, peace and joy 
m Jesus, infinitely more affect us ! 

Would we avoid sorrowful complaints of loss ? Are w r e so- 
licitous to rejoice in present gain, and in hope of a future full 
reward? ' Therefore, rny beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, 
immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ; for- 
asmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the 
Lord.' 1 Cor. xv. 58. 

Songs of immortal praise belong To fear thy pow'r, to trust thy grace, 

To my almighty God ; Is our divinest skill ; 

He has my heart and he my tongue, And he's the wisest of our race 

To spread his name abroad. That best obeys thy will. 



MARCH 19.] 160 [EVENING. 

Wlierefore, let him who thinketh he siandeth, take heed 
lest he fall. 1 Cor. x. 12. 

Formal professors of his name are called the Lord's people, 
as well as those who are possessors of his love. The former 
for want of love to God, have no zeal for his glory. Hence 
they are careless of their walk, and are liable to fall from the 
height of a towering profession, into the bottomless pit of per- 
dition. Possessors of God's love are also liable to fall, though 
not out of the hands of Christ into hell, yet into many things 
which may wound their souls, bring a hell into their conscien- 
ces, a dishonour on the name and gospel of Christ, and give 
the enemies thereof an occasion to blaspheme that worthy 
name by which they are called. Oh christians, see to your 
standing. You are called upon, as you love your dear Sa- 
viour, as you value the peace of God, and the comfort of your 
souls, ' To take heed lest you fall.' Be not high minded, but 
fear: you s and by faith. The dreadful falls of others are 
here set before us for ensamples, types or patterns, of the 
awful judgment of God against sin, and as a warning to us, 
to beware that we fall not as they did. (I) Into idolatry. 
Beware of sacrificing your precious time and attention, to 
heathenish vanities. Any thing that takes your heart from 
God is an idol. Mixing with the wicked and profane, to par- 
take of their carnal joys, is a species of idolatry. You as 
good as say, I cannot find complete happiness in n\ God, 
therefore I seek it here. Covetousness is idolatry, Col. iii. 5. 
A covetous man seeks that in his gold, which can only be 
enjoyed in God. Be sure, the anger of the Lord will smoke 
against such. (2) ' Fornication.' Beware of this gross sin of 
the flesh, and also of spiritual fornication against your Lord 
Christ. (3) ( They tempted Christ.' Beware how r you distrust 
the grace, power, and faithfulness of Christ to keep you and 
comfort you, so as to withdraw your faith in him, hope on 
him, and prayer to him ; or tempt him, by presuming on his 
power to keep you, in the midst of snares and temptations, 
into which you wilfully run. (4) ' They murmured.' Oh watch 
against a spirit of dissatisfaction with the dispensations of 
providence, and the displays of grace. The pride of our na- 
ture is prone to find fault with both. What caused all this ? 
Why, (5) ' They lusted after evil things.' This is the source 
and spring of every sin. l When lust hath conceived, it bring- 
eth forth sin, and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death.' 
James i. 15. What is the sovereign antidote against all this ? 
Standing in, and walking by the faith of the Son of God. This 
brings fellowship with God. Hence lust is killed in the heart, 
that it cannot break out iuto sin in the life. ' Be ye therefore 
sober, and watch unto prayer.' 1 Pet. iv. 7. 



MARCH 20.J 101 [MORNING, 

Thy words were found, and J did eat them ; and thy 
word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart ; for 
I am called by thy name, oh Lord God of hosts. Jer 
xv. 16. 



This is a sweet petition in the service of the church of Eng- 
land ; 'Grant, oh Lord, that we may not only hear, read, 
mark, and learn, but inwardly digest the holy scriptures.' As 
soon as the Lord hath fulfilled this prayer upon any poor sin- 
ner, then Jesus is the hope of his soul ; he esteems the scrip- 
tures as his daily food ; the doctrines of grace are the joy and 
rejoicing of his heart ; and he will love and attend such pro- 
phets of the Lord, who have also found God's words and have 
eaten them. 

Glory to our loving Shepherd, he finds his sheep scattered 
and starving upon the barren mountains ; he leads them to 
green pastures of gospel grace and love. There they feed and 
lie down, beside the still waters of peace and salvation. This 
also heightens every comfort, and improves every joy, even an 
inward testimony : c I am called by thy name, oh Lord God of 
hosts.' How happy, when minister or disciple is able, in sim- 
plicity and godly sincerity to make this appeal, ' Thou hast 
called me.' Thou, Jehovah, who rulest over the armies of 
angels and archangels, and all the heavenly host, thou hast 
condescended to make known thy name, thy grace, thy salva- 
tion to me, even wretched me. I hear thy voice, I know thy 
voice. I feel desires after thee ; my heart thinks of thee with 
pleasure and delight. I find a hungering and thirsting within 
me, which nothing but thy blessed self can satisfy. I am 
grieved when I offend thee ; only happy when thy love and 
presence are enjoyed, and am concerned that I enjoy them no 
more. This is heaven below. Feeding upon the word of truth 
increases desires after Jesus, the object of faith. So also the 
soul becomes dead to the life of sense, the intrusions of sin, 
the allurements of the world, and the baits of Satan. Happy 
those in whom the word of Christ dwells richly in all wisdom. 
Happy those in whose hearts Christ dwells by faith. Oh 
my soul, hast thou an appetite for the bible, to feed upon 
it, to digest it ? Is it ' health to thy navel, and marrow to thy 
bones?' Then thou art blessed with the most exquisitely de- 
licate taste. A poor sailor was lately cast away— lost his all 
— was almost naked. The first half crown he got he enquired 
where to make a purchase — of what think you ? Oh what was 
dearest to his heart— a Bible. Blessed evidence of a chris- 
tian. 

The volume of my Father's grace Oh may thy counsels, mighty God, 

Doth all my griefs assuage, Mv roving feet command ; 

Here I behold my Saviour's face Nor 1 forsake the happy road 

Almost in every page. That leads to thy right hand. 

V 



MARCH 20.] 162 [EVENING. 

The kingdom of God is not in word, bid in power. 
1 Cor. iv. 20. 



It is the wisdom of a christian, to improve from the various 
objects he meets with. See we an open profane sinner ? Be- 
ware of looking down upon him with pharisaic pride, and su- 
percilious contempt. Behold in him your own wicked nature ; 
remember that grace alone made the difference, and be humble. 
Adore the God of grace. See we only the form of godliness in 
any ? Paul tells us how to act : i From such turn away/ 
2 Tim. iii. 5. You will get no good from them, there is little 
hope of doing good to them ; leave them. Why so ? Because 
they are stangers to the vital power of godliness, and destitute 
of the inward experience of the grace of Christ upon their 
souls. True, they may make a great show, may discover won- 
derful zeal for the interest of- a party, be very warm and vio- 
lent for the form of sound words, a consistent plan of doctrine, 
and a set of scripture notions. But after all, it is but the 
notion and form of things which float in their heads, and swim 
on the surface of their understanding. Their hearts are dead 
to the love of Christ, but alive to the love of the world. They 
join the men of the world, in their contemptuous sneer upon 
the power of self-denying godliness ; and in irreligious banter 
upon those who separate themselves from the ungodly and 
profane, and live and walk under the influence of spiritual 
feelings and experience. Ml this they account precise folly, 
and condemn as rank enthusiasm. Have you the power of 
godliness ? Is Christ the power of God in your heart? Is your 
soul alive to him? Is your body the temple of the Holy 
Ghost ? Does God dwell in you, and delight over you ? Is it 
your daily delight to study the word, rely upon the promises, 
taste the grace, feel the power, feed upon the comfort, and live 
upon the fulness of the love of Christ. What have you to 
do with the men who are content with mere form, shadow and 
notion, and are strangers to the power of all this ? Catch the 
infection of their secure spirit you may, and the keen edge of 
your spiritual affections may be blunted ; you may be drawn 
to lie supinely down by them, and into spiritual slumber with 
them. But of all men, there is the least hope of these rising 
from their security, running the heavenly race with you, and 
of being spiritually profitable to you. Think of this, and turn 
from them. Know your danger, if not of losing your soul, yet 
of losing the life, comfort and power of godliness. What is a 
christian without this ? How comfortless the moments, how 
dejecting the hours, how distressing the days, how doleful the 
nil lit s, without experiencing the power of Christ. Yea, what 
is life itself, without the experience of his grace and love. 



MARCH 21.] 163 [MORNING, 

Ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 1 Cor. iii. 23. 



St. Paul ransacks heaven and earth, time and eternity, to 
make up the christian's rich catalogue of mercies. But, as 
though the utmost stretch of thought, of men or angels, might 
omit some part of the believer's treasure ; and lest any thing 
should be found wanting for support and comfort to any needy 
soul, he twice repeats f All things are yours.' Believer, wouldst 
thou know thy title ? Wouldst thou enquire, whence is it that 
the Lord should consign such innumerable blessings, such in- 
finitely rich mercies to us? Whereas one thing we know, we 
feel daily that we are sinners to this very hour. And will not 
this prevent the right to possession, and the freedom of enjoy- 
ment? No: justice and wisdom conspire to take away this 
and every other objection. The medium of communication is 
such, that neither reason, law, nor equity can gainsay. 

Dwell on this point ; look up to the Spirit of truth, to es- 
tablish faith, strengthen hope, encrease love, and promote joy. 
* Ye are Christ's,' by special gift ; his dear purchase, and his 
precious reward. We have all in him by rich love, peculiar 
grace, free gift, and precious promises. Precious faith is the 
blessed evidence of interest and propriety in this blessed in- 
ventory. But how came faith? From hearing the word of 
God. From whom came the word? By the Spirit of truth, 
who also gives faith. Why is the Spirit given? Because Jesus 
is glorified. Wherefore came Jesus to seek and save the lost? 
The Father loved us, and gave his Son for us. Why did the 
Father love us ? It was ' the good pleasure of his will, accord- 
ing to which he chose us, in Christ Jesus, before the founda- 
tion of the world ; predestinated us to the adoption of children, 
and blessed us with all spiritual blessings in him.' Ephes. i. 
3 — 5. Hence, oh believer, how clear thy title ; how certain 
thy possession ! 

* Christ is God's,' God's beloved Son ; so art thou in him. 
Christ is God's gift for thee, God's gift to thee, and thou to 
him. Thou enjoyest all in him, and receivest all from him. 
Canst thou ever want food for faith, a source of love, a foun- 
tain of holiness, or a spring of consolation. What have we 
done, or what could we do to get an interest in Christ, or pro- 
cure a right to such heavenly treasures. Verily we have done 
enough to forfeit, but nothing to deserve them. Know this and 
be humbled ; consider this and be joyful in love. i All things 
are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ.' 
2 Cor. v. 18. Walk worthy of the Lord, and be fruitful in 
every good work. Col. i. 10. 

I claim my title in my bead, How blessed is my present state \ 
Faith is my evidence : Immensely rich am 1 : 

All things are mine, for 1 am Christ's, Christ is my life, death is my gain ; 
Howe'er opposed by sense. I soon shall reign on high. m 



MARCH 21.J 164 [EVENING. 

And he bowed himself and said, What is thy servant, 
that thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as 1 am ? 
2 Sam. ix. 8. 



Old love cannot be forgotten. It makes such deep and last- 
ing impressions on the mind, that time itself cannot efface 
them. This was verified in David and Jonathan. The latter 
is dead: yet love to his memory lives in David's heart. 
Hence he enquires after the remains of his family, to show 
kindness to them. Mephibosheth, the lame son of Jonathan, 
is introduced to the king. He thus expresses the affection of 
his royal heart to him. ' Fear not, for I will surely show kind- 
ness to thee for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore 
thee all the land of Saul thy father, and thou shalt eat bread 
at my table continually.' Had any of David's subjects a right 
to arraign, and call him to an account, for this sovereign act 
of favour ? Which of them would dare to say to him, what 
dost thou ? But yet proud hearts rise with indignation, and 
utter their horrid speeches against. the sovereign Lord of hea- 
ven and earth, for dispensing his free favour and rich grace 
which he owes to none, to whom he pleases. See how Mephi 
bosheth is affected. Struck with astonishment, he bows with 
humility, and rates himself, ' a dead dog,' totally undeserving 
such signal favours. Generous love, in freely bestowing un- 
merited mercies, sinks reflecting minds into deep humility and 
self abasement. Oh that God's free grace to us in Jesus may 
_go affect us. _ Did such love dwell in David's heart to all who 
belonged to Jonathan ? Then, (1) Here is a picture of the 
everlasting, infinite and immutable love of God, to all who be- 
long to Jesus. Jonathan signifies the gift of the Lord : this 
Christ is to us. , (2) Did David enquire after them ? So God 
sends his Spirit to seek us ' Thou shalt be called, sought 
out.' Isai. lxii. 12. (3) Was Mephibosheth lame in his feet? 
We are so crippled by sin, that we cannot run the way of God's 
commandments. Yet, (4) Says David, ' Fear not.' So saith 
our God, ' Fear not, I have called thee by thy name,' Isai. 
xl. 1. (5) Says David, ' I will surely show kindness to thee :' 
c with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith 
the Lord.' Isai. liv. 8. (6) ' I will restore thee all thy father's 
land.' It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the king- 
dom. (7) 'Thou shalt eat bread continually:' and we are 
appointed to eat bread at our Lord's table in his kingdom.' 
Luke xxii. 8. (8) Why is all this ? ' For Jonathan thy father's 
sake.' Oh sinner, be it known unto thee, all the favours, in 
time and to eternity, are bestowed on thee for Jesus the Son 
of God's sake, only. Now what say you to all this? Will 
you not fall down and own, I am as a dead dog, and deserve 
to be treated as .such 'But grace reigns.' Rom. v. 21. 



MARCH 22.] 165 [MORNING. 

Thy Maker is thine husband. Isaiah liv. 5. 

All marriages are, or ought to be,, founded in mutual love 
between the contracting parties. This is the chief ingredient 
to produce happiness in the conjugal state. Where this is 
wanting, true comfort is not enjoyed. When a person of noble 
birth and great fortune marries a woman poor in circumstan- 
ces, and involved in debt, we justly conclude he chose her out 
of pure love and affection to her person ; and surely such a 
one is under the most endearing obligations to love and chas- 
tity. She can never call to mind her former indigent state, 
and her present affluent circumstances, but it must tend to in- 
flame her with the most ardent affection to her husband. 

This is somewhat the case between Christ and his church. 
Pure love in the heart of the heavenly Bridegroom caused him 
to betroth his church unto himself, in lovingkindness and 
in tender mercy. Though she was in the most abject and 
despicable condition, yet he secretly loved her person from 
eternity, and openly espouses every member in time of conver- 
sion, one by one. So saith St. Paul : e I have espoused you 
to one husband, even Christ.' 2 Cor. xi. 2 

Canst thou, oh believer, call to mind thy natural state of 
poverty and distress, over head and ears in debt ; writs issued 
from the law, which justice might have executed ; liable every 
moment to be cast into prison, where thou must have lain 
everlastingly with nothing but rags, filthy rags, to hide thy 
shame and cover thy nakedness ? Canst thou think of this 
without humility ; and dost thou now see the kindness and 
love of thy husband? Has he paid all thy debts, cancelled 
every bond, put in a plea against every accusation, and per- 
fectly fulfilled the holy law, and satisfied divine justice ? Art 
thou blessed with all spiritual blessings in thine husband, and 
enriched with heavenly treasures ? Hath he clothed thee with 
the garments of salvation, and adorned thee with the robe of 
his righteousness ; and doth God thy Father say of thee, 
'Thou art all fair, my love ; I see no spot in thee?' Cant. 
iv. 7. 

What purity of affection, what ardency of love, what chas- 
tity of behaviour is due to such a Lover, to such a Husband ! 
Christ took thee at first ' for better, for worse ; ' his love to 
thee is ever the same, -affectionate and constant ; full of com 
placency and delight, sympathizing with thy troubles, ever 
nourishing and cherishing thee here Shortly the Lamb will 
in the most open and public manner appear as the Bridegroom 
of his church, and celebrate the marriage in a blissful eternity. 
Then it shall be said, ( Let us be glad and rejoice, and give 
honour to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his 
wife hath made herself ready.' Rev. xix. 7. 



MARCH 22.] 166 [evening. 

The Father seeketh such to ivorship him. John iv. 23. 



Error is natural to fallen man ; he sets his face against 
truth, and turns his back upon it with contempt. The more 
error abounds with pride and self sufficiency, so much the 
more is it suited to our corrupt nature. Hence we are natu- 
rally Pelagians : we cannot think that Adam's sin has hurt 
us. Or else Semi-pelagians : though we confess our souls 
are wounded by Adam's sin, yet we cannot think that we are 
totally dead to God thereby ; but as it were only half dead. 
So that we still possess some power and ability, to seek God 
and to please him, if we will but exert ourselves. This is the 
popular doctrine of our day. It tickles man's pride, and keeps 
up his self importance. Hence this dry and shriveled com- 
ment is put upon our Lord's words : ' That if we will but stir 
up ourselves to seek God, possess our minds with an habitual 
sense of religion, and worship him in spirit and in truth, he 
then will seek us and delight in us.' This is reading the scrip- 
tures backward, putting the cart to draw the horse, and sup- 
posing an effect to be productive of its cause. But in oppo- 
sition to this, consider, seeking implies, (1) That we are lost. 
( The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was 
lost.' Matt, xviii. 1 1 . He was sent to * the lost sheep of the 
house of Israel.' chap. xv. 24. Who ever heard of a lost sheep 
seeking after its shepherd ? The Father seeks us, before we 
seek him. Our seeking him is the effect of his finding us. 
Hence every member of Christ's church shall be called, 
' sought out.' Isai. Ixii. 12. Oh this endears the love of our 
Father to our souls ! (2) It implies his knowledge of us. What 
he says of Jeremiah is true of all his people : ' Before I form- 
ed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou earnest out 
of the womb I sanctified thee.' Jer. i. 5. He knew us from 
eternity in the covenant, chose us in Christ, and sanctified, 
or separated us for himself, to worship him in spirit and in 
truth, in time. This lays our everlasting obligation to love, 
adore and praise our heavenly Father. (3) Seeking us implies 
his love to us and propriety in us. Who seeks for that which 
they set no value upon ; who searches after a person they do 
not love ; who will take pains to look for that which is not 
their own property ? The woman who had lost the piece of 
money, sought it diligently, and rejoiced greatly when she had 
found it ; for it was her own. Smile who will at the simile, it 
is just. There is as much disposition in a lost piece of money 
to seek its owner, as there is in a lost sinner to seek his God. 
Hast thou found God ; dost thou know him as thy Father ; 
dost thou worship him in spirit and in truth ? Oh resolve it 
all into his fatherly love in first seeking thee. For thus saith 
the Lord, e L am found of them who sought me not.' 



MARCH 28.] 167 [MORNING. 

Jesus said, One thing is needful. Luke x. 42. 

The disposition and carriage of the sisters, Martha and 
Mary, much resemble the different desires and actings of the 
flesh and spirit, of which every christian is composed. The 
flesh, like Martha, is careful and troubled about many things. 
It is ever restless and uneasy, always in want, seldom satis- 
fied, never truly happy. But the spirit hath chosen that good 
part, that one thing needful. It is truly wise in its choice, 
quite satisfied in its object, and truly happy in its enjoyment. 

Thus it is while the christian is under the prevailing in- 
fluence of this one thing needful. One thing, the enjoyment 
of God, was our first parents' paradise. A thirst after, and 
enjoyment of two things, the knowledge of evil as well as 
good, caused all their woe, and made them miserable : and 
it is the knowledge of the former which keeps all their posteri- 
ty under the sad circumstances they are fallen into, till they 
are brought to know the one thing needful. What is this but 
the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? This was the great 
apostle's continual prayer, ' That I may know Him.' This 
was what Mary was happy in the enjoyment of, and what our 
Lord himself commends her for, and calls that good part, 
which shall never be taken away. 

This one thing comprehends all wisdom, holiness, and hap- 
piness. To know Jesus, is to believe in him. To believe on 
him, is to love him ; and to love him, is to keep his command- 
ments. In every station, in all seasons, and under every cir- 
cumstance, this one thing, this knowledge of Jesus, is ever 
needful, ever seasonable. Doth the christian enjoy health? 
This knowledge joins to health of body, peace and joy of soul. 
Is he in sickness ? To know Jesus is the richest cordial, the 
most reviving draught to his soul. Is he tempted ? What a 
consolation is it to know that Jesus was in all things tempted, 
that he might succour the tempted. Doth sin distress, or the 
law condemn ? The soul who knows Jesus can boldly chal- 
lenge, 6 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect ? ' 
He can confidently declare, ' there is no condemnation to 
them.' Does death, the king of terrors, affright him ? By the 
knowledge of Jesus he is disarmed of his strength and sting, 
which is the law and sin. So that, oh believer, thou mayest 
take up this triumphant challenge against the last enemy : 
' Oh death, where is thy sting ; oh grave, where is thy vic- 
tory ! ' I have all things and abound, in this one thing : I have 
Christ my Saviour found- 

On earth we want the sight And when we taste thy love, 

Of our Redeemer's face ; Our joys divinely grow 

Yet, Lord,' our inmost thoughts delight Unspeakable, like those above, 

To dwell upon thy grace. And heaven begins below. 



• 



MARCH 23.] 16$ [EVENING. 

Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which 
thou hast broken may rejoice. Psal. li. 8. 

Of all the curses of sin, good Lord deliver us from Antino- 
mian licentiousness ; which consists in being so hardened by 
the deceitfulness of sin, as to make light of it. Though David 
had been awfully licentious in his practice, yet we see the 
grace of the saint shine forth, in his brokenness of heart, his 
sorrow and contrition for his past sins. Never quote David's 
dreadful fall, without his deep, soul affected, heart broken 
sorrow and repentance. Never think of one without the other, 
lest you think slightly of the most cursed evil of all evils, wil- 
ful sin against a gracious God. Oh who can tell the horrors 
of soul, and terrors of conscience, David felt when he uttered 
these words ! Consider them, oh my soul, and the Lord make 
sin more dreadful to thy view and hateful in thy sight. (1) 
Spiritual joy and gladness have forsaken him. What had 
the gratifying of his cursed lusts and vile passions brought 
upon him A guilty conscience, a heavy heart, and a discon- 
solate soul. The Spirit of peace and joy was grieved at his 
conduct, and had withdrawn from his soul. Satan the tempter 
was now his accuser. The ghost of Uriah appeared to his 
mind, the thought of Bathsheba brought hell into his con- 
science. All within was terror, all around distress, and all 
above was horror. But the Lord had not given him up to a 
reprobate mind. He convinced him of sin, and by grace, broke 
his heart for it. Hence, behold he prayeth. Oh was it possi- 
ble to recal the cursed, hellish lust and bloody deed, he would 
rather have parted with his crown and kingdom, than ever 
have committed them. What would he not now give, to hear 
the joy of pardon from God, to make glad his soul. (2) He 
complains of broken bones. Who can describe the pain of 
mind he now felt. A broken bone must be extremely painful ; 
but he seems to feel as though all the bones in his body were 
broken. Lord deliver us from sin which caused it ! But why 
does he ascribe their being broken to God : did not his fall 
cause it? Yes, but he lay many months as it were numbed 
by his fall, and insensible of his hurt. But God convinced 
him of his sins, and quickened him to feel pain. Oh ye fools, 
who make a mock of sin, see, God breaks the bones even of 
his beloved saints for it. Better to groan with broken bones 
on earth, than under damnation in hell. Think of David's 
pains and groans, under a sense of sin. Remember Peter 
went out and wept bitterly for sin. See hence the exceeding 
sinfulness of sin ; but forget not the Saviour, ( whose precious 
blood cleanseth from all sin.' 1 John i. 7. 

Against thee, Lord, I sinned have, Oh let me for thy mercy crave, 

And brought distress upon my soul To heal niy soul, and make me whole. 



MARCH 24.] 169 [mornjjng, 

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not, for God is 
come to prove you, and that his fear may be before you? 
faces, that ye sin not. Exod. xx. 20. 

Pride and self-confidence are deeply rooted in the human 
heart. False hopes are built on self-righteous pleas. By these 
the heart is blinded to the exceeding sinfulness of sin, hardened 
against the fear and dread of the Lord ; and such live in re- 
bellion against the truth as it is in Jesus. Like Paul, we are all 
naturally alive without the law ; and with these Israelites of 
old, are ready to say, ' All that the Lord hath spoken we will 
do/ Exod. xix. 8. Alas, poor souls utter such words of igno- 
rance and pride, when, like the disciples on the mount, i they 
know not what they say/ But whom the Lord loves, he proves. 
The Lord is a jealous God, he will suffer no flesh to glory in 
his presence ; nor shall his dear children live w ithout his fear, 
and a holy hatred of pride and sin ; therefore they must go out 
of their tents of vain confidence. 

When the Lord discovers himself in glory and majesty, as 
a holy, sin-avenging God ; when the law, in its holy, just, and 
righteous demands is revealed in the conscience, it makes the 
stoutest heart to tremble. It fills the guilty, self-accused sin- 
ner with fear and horror, and then i sin revives, and he dies' 
— dies to all his former false hopes. Yea, and he would, if 
left to his own dreadful apprehensions, fly from God, and sink 
into black despair, and die without hope. But the dear Me- 
diator is ever near, and prevents this : he speaks in love, 
' Fear not/ This dispensation is not to destroy your soul, 
but to kill your vain hopes ; to prove and try you, to show you 
what is in you ; that you may be dead to the law, and alive to 
God by a better hope, through the faith of Jesus. So fear the 
Lord with a loving fear, as to die to sin. Thunders of wrath, 
terrible peals of curses are necessary to be heard in the con- 
science ; they fulfil God's will. The bleak north wind of the 
law kills the vermin of nature, while the warm, comforting 
south wind of the gospel cherishes and enlivens the seeds of 
grace. 

Thus the Spirit humbles proud hearts, revives contrite 
spirits, endears Christ, who hath endured the curses we have 
deserved, and embitters sin to believing, penitent souls. ' Lo, 
all these things worketh' God oftentimes with man, to bring 
back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of 
the living/ Job xxxiii. 29, 30. 

The law discovers guilt and sin, My soul, no more attempt to draw 

And shews how vile our hearts have been • Thy life and comfort from the law : 

Only the gospel can express Fly to the hope the gospel gives, 

Forgiving love, and- cleansing grace. The man that trusts the promise lives. 



MARCH 24.] 170 [EVENING. 

Thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes. Psalm xxvi. 3. 

This causes a peaceful conscience, a happy heart, and a 
holy life. What is meant by lovingkindness ? It is love ex- 
pressed by action ; the affection of the heart manifested by 
acts of kindness. Thus the Lord speaks of his church in 
general, and of every individual member of it in particular : 
' I have loved thee with an everlasting love/ What then ? 
This love manifests itself in time thus, ' Therefore with loving- 
kindness have I drawn thee.' Jer. xxxi. 3. ' I will betroth 
thee unto me for ever in lovingkindness/ Hos. ii. 19. Being 
thus betrothed and drawn to the Lord, our souls have a sight 
and sense of his lovingkindness. What is meant by its being 
( before our eyes ? ' Its engaging the attention of our mind, 
captivating the affections of our heart, seeing one's interest in 
it, feeling the refreshments of it, and rejoicing on account of 
it, knowing there is no separation from it. Thus everlasting 
love provides a Saviour, almighty grace draws poor sinners 
to him, and then lovingkindness becomes the glory of our 
hearts, and the joy of our souls. We love it and meditate 
upon it. We not only see it, but feast upon it, and are asto- 
nished at it. We cry out with David, ( Thy lovingkindness is 
better than life itself/ Psal. lxiii 3. All our comforts in life 
flow from it, and it is marvellous in our eyes. It exceeds 
expression, and is beyond all conception. Besides these in- 
ternal effects upon the mind, the lovingkindness of the Lord 
hath an external influence upon the life. David adds, ' And I 
have walked in thy truth/ Without this, all might be the 
flights of towering passions, and the sallies of a heated ima- 
gination. But now all is well with the poor sinner ; his heart 
is not only happy, but his life is holy. To walk in the truth, 
is to walk contrary to the deceitful hopes, lying vanities, and 
carnal delights of the men of this world. It is to walk, not in 
self righteous confidence, no more than in lawless licentious- 
ness ; but in Christ who is the truth. In holy fellowship with 
him, humble dependence on him, growing love to him, and 
longing expectation of eternally enjoying him. Oh christian, 
are your sins ever before you ? Let the lovingkindness of 
Jehovah, Father, Son and Spirit, ever be before your eyes. 
This is the glory of saints above ; let this be your glory below. 
For thus saith the Lord, ( let him who glorieth, glory in this, 
that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, 
who exercise lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness in 
the earth : for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.' Jer. 
ix. 24. So also an apostle counted all things but loss, for the 
excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. Phil. 
iii. 8. 

My God, how matchless is thy love r It draws my heart to joys above, 

its kindness is before mine eyes ; And all thy holy ways to prize. M. 



MARCH 25.] 171 [MORNING. 

Knowing that shortly I must put off this my taber- 
nacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me. 
2 Pet. i. 14. 



Nothing but the life of Jesus manilo.st in our flesh, can 
reconcile us to death. This, and this only delivers from the 
fears of death, disarms it of its sting, and fortifies the mind 
with the knowledge of complete victory over the king of terrors, 
* through him who hath loved us.' Constant converse with 
Jesus makes death familiar. So we learn to die daily ; so ihe 
spiritual, immortal life of the soul triumphs over the sensual, 
mortal life of the body. The happy spirit, in some highly- 
favoured seasons, is so far from fearing and trembling at the 
body's dissolution, that it rejoices, and even longs to be set at 
liberty from its imprisoned state ; it pants with desires after 
its beloved, and says, ' Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.' It 
wants to clap its glad wings and tower away, and mingle with 
eternal day. 

How sweet to live in such a frame ; how desirable, how 
daily and earnestly to be sought for ! That when the frail body 
is attacked with any sickness, the soul may ask with great 
serenity, in the words of John the Baptist to Jesus, ' Art thou 
he ? ' Is this disorder to put the finishing stroke to all my 
trials and griefs ; f or must I look for another ? ' When a little 
child of mine saw a beggar ragged and deformed, it ran into 
my arms, and cried, ( Oh papa, save me from that frightful 
man.' Oh thought I, that in the views of death, may I ever 
thus, with boldness and familiarity, run to the arms of my 
heavenly Father. 

All men know they must die. They confess this, but the 
thoughts of it are irksome. Believers in Jesus only have a 
peculiar knowledge of death, so as to dwell on the thought, 
that it will come shortly, with satisfaction, hope and comfort. 
Jesus hath showed them this. From him ' the righteous hath 
hope in his death.' Prov. xiv. 32. 

Is it in vain then, the Saviour saith, ' Forsake all, take up 
thy cross, and follow me.' No, it verily is for the profit and 
the peace of the soul. For the more stedfastly we are attach- 
ed to, and eagerly pursue the things of this life, so much the 
more we are loth to die. We fear the approach, and tremble 
at the very apprehension of the unwelcome messenger. All 
this is, because the objects of time and sense cloud our minds, 
and darken our views of the victorious Jesus, his perfect work 
and finished salvation for us. Only while Jesus is embraced 
in the arms of faith, the soul can say with Simeon, ' Lord, 
now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy 
word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Luke ii. ^9, 30. 



MARCH 25.] 172 [EVENING. 

Behold, the skin of the face of Moses shone, and they 
were afraid to come nigh him. Exod. xxxiv. 30. 

Here see the glorious effect of being on the mount with God, 
of having free access to him, and holy converse with him. 
When we draw nigh to God, and he draws nigh to us, our 
souls catch of the splendour and glory of his grace. : This 
revives our countenance, and makes our face to shine. Here 
is something worthy of our attention, for the holy inspirer calls 
upon us to * behold.' Lord give us to behold this to our edifi- 
cation and comfort. (1) ' When Moses came down from the 
mount, his face shone, but he knew it not.' It is well for us, 
when we are so wholly taken up with the majesty and glory of 
our Lord, and see such splendour of grace and love shine in 
his countenance, as not to be looking at ourselves, and ad- 
miring our own gifts and graces. It is to imitate fops and 
fribbles in nature, to look in a glass to admire ourselves. To 
fall in love with one's own beauty, is to play the harlot. Ezek. 
xvi. 15. (2) Though Moses knew not that the skin of his 
face shone, yet others saw it, and ' were afraid to come near 
him.' Here behold the glory and majesty of the holy law of 
God. Like the face of Moses, it darts its piercing rays of 
light and terror into the consciences of poor sinners. It works 
wrath, it fills the soul with the knowledge of sin, the fear of 
hell, and the dread of damnation. There is a glory in the law, 
though it ministers nothing but condemnation. (3) The face 
of Moses shone so, that he was forced to put a vail on it, while 
he was talking to the people. Did such a little of the glory of 
the law shine in the face of Moses, but with borrowed splen- 
dour, that they could not behold his face ; then how terrifying, 
how dreadful for sinners, to stand before the majesty of divine 
justice, and to be arraigned by divine truth, as transgressors 
of the holy law of God. Who can bear the thought without 
terror ? Who can bear the sight, without death and destruction 
from the presence of the Lord ? Oh think of the law in all 
its dread and terror. See sin in all its exceeding sinfulness, 
and consider, (4) The ministration of righteousness which 
exceeds in glory, through the love and grace of our dear Me- 
diator. We are called to behold him, but not with a vail upon 
his face. ' For we all with open face, behold as in a glass, the 
glory of the Lord.' 2 Cor. iii. 18. (5) Did the Lord cause the 
face of Moses thus to shine? Eternal praises to him: ' He 
hath shined in our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge 
of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ.' 2 Cor. iv. 6. 
In him we see the law fulfilled, its curse sustained, our souls 
redeemed from all its terror and bondage, and brought into the 
glorious liberty of the sons of God. { Ye are not under the 
law, but under grace.' Rom. vi. 14. 



MARCH 26.] 173 [MORNING. 

That repentance and remission of sins should be preach- 
ed in his name anions' M nations. Luke xxiv. 47. 



This is God's method of saving sinners by Jesus Christ. 
Those who know the preciousness of Christ have a regard to 
the glory of God, and love for immortal souls, make this the 
rule of their preaching : for this doctrine, where it is known 
and experienced in the heart, makes a true christian. Evan- 
gelical repentance flows from a seeing eye, a hearing ear, and 
an understanding heart ; and is an evidence and effect of. gos- 
pel faith. To see the evil nature and dreadful effects of sin, 
its punishment in the sufferings of Jesus ; to hear the curses 
and condemnation of the law against sinners, its dreadful 
thunders and menaces in the conscience ; to understand in the 
heart that nothing but the blood of Jesus could atone for the 
guilty, none but he could fulfil the perfect demands of a holy 
law for the unrighteous ; this humbles the soul, cuts off false 
hopes, lays it low in self-abasement before Jehovah, causes it 
to cry out, I am the man, the sinner I, who am cursed by law, 
exposed to wrath, and deserve hell. I mourn without hope 
in myself. I hear of Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. I turn to 
him for hope and salvation. Sin has destroyed me. Jesus 
save, or I perish. 

This repentance Jesus is exalted to give. This makes a 
proud sinner humble. Remission of sins makes a poor sinner 
a happy saint. Hath Christ obtained remission of sins by his 
blood ; hath he commanded this should be preached in his 
name ; is he exalted to give ; hath he brought the poor sinner, 
by his Spirit, to his feet to sue for it ; and will he refuse to 
make the soul happy in the sense of it ? Never, never let such 
a thought be indulged by any poor sensible sinner. We read 
no such hard lines in his word, we find no such dejecting views 
from his life and death. The doctrine he prescribed is a 
lively transcript of all that was in his loving heart. 

Be assured, oh my soul, there shall be a performance of all 
things that are promised of the Lord, to him that believeth. 
The same Jesus who gives the soul the humbling view of it- 
self, and by repentance to turn to him, will give it the rejoic- 
ing knowledge of himself by the remission of sins, through 
faith in his blood. Repentance and remission of sins are 
joined together in preaching, and they can never be separated 
in the heart. So sure as repentance is given to any soul by 
the Spirit of Jesus, that soul is forgiven, through the blood of 
Jesus, by God the Father. 

Blest is the man to whom the Lord With deep repentance well agree ; 

Imputes not his iniquities ; And join to prove his faith sincere. 

He pleads no merit of reward, How glorious is that righteousness 

And not on w r orks, but grace relies. That hides and cancels all our sins ; 

From guilt his heart and life are free ; While a bright evidence of grace • 

Flis humhle joy, his holy fear, Thro' his whole life appears and shines. 



MARCH 26.] 174 [evening. 

When ye shall have done all those things which are 
commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants; ive 
have done that which ivas our duty to do. Luke xvii. 10. 

This is a fatal stab to human merit, and a deadly blow to 
sinless perfection. Oh flee the notion of any merit in thee or 
thy works, as from the face of the devil ; it is of the pride of 
Satan. Avoid the thought of being perfect in thyself/ as thou 
wouldest the most damnable lie. It ariseth from self deceit, 
and is established through ignorance of God's holy law. Our 
dear Lord here instructs us to be active, yet humble ; to be 
obedient, yet self abased ; to do all things, yet to own our 
unprofitableness after alL Beware you do not learn to decry 
that word ' duty.' It is very common for many to do so, as 
implying nothing but what is legal. Thy Lord here uses it : 
be not wiser than thy master. True, thou art freed from all 
slavish duty, and legal bondage, in order to be justified and 
saved thereby : but run not hence into lawless liberty. Thou 
art bound to obey, by the love of God thy Father ; commanded 
to serve thy Saviour Jesus, and this with the affections of a 
dutiful son, and with the love of a sincere friend. ' We serve 
the Lord Christ, knowing that of the Lord, we shall receive 
(as a free gift of grace, not earned by duty and works) the 
reward of the inheritance/ Col. iii. 24. The rule of the duty 
of love, are the commands of the law of love. The end of 
obeying them is, not to make us righteous, not to exalt us in 
our own eyes, not to lay a foundation for, and build ourselves 
up in self-righteous confidence. No, says our Lord, after you 
have done all, renounce all. Humble yourselves under all, 
and say, we are unprofitable servants. Well, but is not this 
very discouraging, both to doing and hoping? Not to doing. 
The end of that is to adorn the gospel of grace, to glorify the 
God of grace, to show a good example to the world, and to 
evidence the faith, love, and hope of your soul ; that you are 
alive to God, and that these graces are alive in you. Not to 
hoping. Do you dread that sentence, cast the unprofitable 
servant into outer darkness? Matt. xxv. 30. That is one 
who is disobedient, and to every good work reprobate ; who is 
a stranger to pure faith, holy love and sincere obedience. All 
such are without hope in Jesus. But, unprofitable as ye are, 
see and confess yourselves to be such ; and though you have no 
confidence in yourselves, or your own doing, yet you are com- 
manded to rejoice in Christ Jesus, ' and again to rejoice/ 
Phil. iv. 4. For he of God is made unto us wisdom, righteous- 
ness, sanctification and redemption. 1 Cor. i. 30. And we 
are made perfectly accepted in him. Ephes. i. 6. 

'Tis ho adorned my naked soul, Upon a poor polluted worm, 

And made salvation mine, He makes his graces shine. 



MARCH 27.] 175 L M0RNING - 

Whereupon, oh king A grippal J was not disobedient 
nnto the heavenly vision. Acts xxvi. 19. 

One is sometimes called to bear testimony before unbeliev- 
ers, of the hope that is in us. It is difficult to speak of the 
manifestation of Christ to the heart, so that the Saviour alone 
may be exalted and glorified : somewhat of self naturally 
creeps into the relation. It is very pleasing to nature to be 
esteemed as one highly favoured, and to have made great 
attainments in Christianity. Oh that single letter, with great 
sound, 1 ! But it was farthest from the heart of Paul, that 
eminent champion for free-grace salvation, to give the least 
encouragement from his conversion to any fellow sinner to 
talk of obedience to God's call, or faithfulness to his grace, 
as conditions of salvation. The soul of that man of God 
would be fired with a holy zeal for his Master's glory, was he 
now on earth to hear his language abused, and his meaning 
perverted, by the pride of men. Men of self-righteous princi- 
ples oppose the truths of the gospel ; deny God's unconditional 
election, unmerited love, the finished salvation of Jesus, and 
its being sure to all his seed, through the sovereign applica- 
tion of the Lord the Spirit. To what end ? Truly to make 
way for their unscriptural notions of terms and conditions of 
salvation. They dare proudly and arrogantly teach, that obe- 
dience to Jesus is the condition of salvation. Will they not 
also say, that when Jesus called, ( Lazarus, come forth,' his 
rising up was a condition of his being restored to life ? How 
hard for pride to forsake the human heart ! 

Paul was favoured with an extraordinary vision from the 
Lord Jesus from heaven, to call him to be his faithful servant. 
Obedient hearts are caused by effectual calls. But after Paul 
had laboured more abundantly than all the rest of the apostles, 
what was his glorying? ( Yet not I, but the grace of God, 
striving,' says he, according — to what ? My power, my ability? 
No, but f according to his working, which worketh in me migh- 
tily.' Col. i. 29. Here is a blessed pattern, a profitable lesson 
of humility set before us. Hath Jesus appeared to us in the 
vision of faith by the word of truth ; hath he effectually called 
us to believe in his name, and to rejoice in his salvation? 
What shall we say, but fall upon the bended knees of our 
hearts, and in warmest gratitude of soul adore his rich, free, 
sovereign and distinguishing grace. Have we been, and do 
we still continue obedient to the heavenly vision? What 
then ? Shall we sacrifice to our own net, and burn incense to 
our own drag, and say, Because of my obedience, my faithful- 
ness? God forbid ! For this is only grace upon grace. If we 
have obtained grace to be faithful, the comfort is ours ; but 
all the glory is due to the Giver. ' Lord, thou wilt ordain 
peace for us, for thou hast wrought all out works in us.' 



MARCH 27.] 176 [EVENING. 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 
Galatians v. 25. 



The enemy of souls works powerfully against these two 
things ; namely, to keep sinners from coming to Christ for 
salvation ; and then when they are come, to prevent their en- 
joying the comfortable knowledge that Christ is their Saviour. 
And our own legal hearts and wicked natures, join the enemy 
of our peace and salvation in both : but love lives and reigns 
above. Our Saviour sees how it is with us, and sends the 
power of the Spirit to help, relieve and comfort us. The 
blessed Spirit quickens us, when we are dead in trespasses 
and sins, and then it is he guides us in our walk. What need 
we then of exhortations ? Much, very much ; for consider, 
the walk is ours ; but to order our steps aright, is by the grace 
of the Holy Spirit. Our comfortable enjoyment of an interest 
in Christ is experienced in a holy walk, or walking in the 
Spirit. The battle is the Lord's ; yet David was to engage 
and conquer Goliath. 'The Lord gave him the victory/ 3 Sam. 
xvii. 47. Therefore, exhortations point out our weakness, 
our need of the Spirit's help, and they excite us to p.ray for it. 
What is it to walk in the Spirit ? (1) It is to mind the things 
of the Spirit. Those spiritual truths revealed in the gospel, 
concerning our hope of eternal life, by the sin- atoning death, 
and law -fulfilling life of the Son of God. It is to set our affec- 
tions upon Christ, to seek all our happiness in him, and expect 
daily comfort from him. To make his precious blood and 
everlasting righteousness our constant plea, expecting the 
reviving sense of God the Father's favour and love to us, only 
in Him. (2) It is t»o go forward, step by step, day after day, 
looking for, and depending on the Spirit's assistance, to keep 
our souls close to Jesus, and to maintain fellowship with him. 
And to show that our hearts are simple, and sincere, we shall 
be diligent in the means of grace, studious to exercise our 
graces on Christ, and be uniform in the discharge of every 
duty. What a blessed walk is this ! This is the walk of 
comfort, peace and holiness. Do you not find it so ? Perse- 
vere in it. So will you walk above the accusing terrors of the 
law, the groveling life of sense, the defiling life of lusts, the 
vain life of worldly pleasures, and the distressing life of 
Satan's power. Wouldst thou enjoy spiritual comforts ; these 
can only be found in a spiritual walk. Dost thou complain 
for want of them ; examine thy walk. Say not this is legal. 
What, is it legal to follow the lamb wheresoever he goeth ! 
Beware lest carnal notions prevail ; and by living after the 
flesh, you condemn what is truly evangelical and spiritual. 
' They who are after the Spirit, do mind the things of the 
Spirit.' Rom. viii. 5. 



MARCH 28.] 177 

Then shall we know, if we follow -on to know the 
Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and 
he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and 
former rain upon the earth. Hosea vi. 3. 

The hearts of disciples enjoy sweet fellowship in the truth, 
and hence they mutually help and encourage each other's faith. 
The Saviour loves to have it so : he blesses them, and mani- 
fests himself to them in this way. So it was with the disciples 
after his crucifixion and death. They resorted together, and 
communed with each other ; and Jesus, though unknown to 
them at first, joined company with them, expounded the scrip- 
tures to them, opened their understandings ; and they said one 
to another, ' Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked 
with us by the way.' Luke xxiv. 32. 

So the true disciples of the old-testament church exhort one 
another in faith. ' We shall know, we shall follow on to know 
the Lord.' So the words may be rendered. Those who know 
a little of Jesus' love, and are but just brought acquainted 
with his free grace and salvation, shall hold on their way. 
Knowledge, light, peace, and love shall encrease in their souls, 
through that Spirit by whom they are regenerated and born 
again. Though at first they are but babes in Christ, yet, 
through the milk of the word, they shall grow and encrease, 
with the encrease of God. The going forth of the love of 
Jesus towards us, is as the morning. At the dawn of day, 
light is scarcely discernible : it seems opposed by surrounding- 
darkness, yet it gradually encreases till the sun gains its meri- 
dian. So ' the path of the just shineth more and more unto 
the perfect day.' 

The sun never forsakes the earth, though at seasons its light 
and heat seem withdrawn in comfort and enjoyment. Thus 
it is with the Sun of righteousness ; he shall also ' come unto 
us as the rain,' to refresh, enliven, and make our souls fruitful 
in knowledge, peace, love and holiness ; yea, as ' the latter 
and former rain.' In the land of Israel they had usually two 
rains in a year, one just after the seed was sown, the other 
when the corn was almost ripe, and the harvest near at hand. 
Sometimes, just after the seed of eternal life is sown in the 
hearts of young converts„(Oh what refreshing seasons of love 
and joy are they favoured with !) their ' hearts are filled with 
laughter, and their tongues with singing.' Others experience 
the most plentiful showers of heart-reviving love, just as the 
sickle is to cut them down, that they may be gathered into the 
celestial garner. Our heavenly Husbandman knows best what 
seasons to give, whether the storm of affliction, the rain of 
prosperity, or the sunshine of joy. This is our mercy: * Jesus 
is a God of judgment, and blessed are all they that wait for 
him.' Isai. xxx, 18. 2 a 



MARCH 28.] 178 [evening. 

/ will soiv her to me in the earth, and I will have 
mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy ; and J will 
say to them which were not my people, thou art my peo- 
ple, and they shall say, thou art my God. Hos. ii. 23. 

Declarations of grace depend not on the will of the flesh for 
their accomplishment. Sovereign power brings sovereign pur- 
poses to effect : human will can neither forward nor frustrate 
them. So the Lord raises up and forms a people for his glory 
on earth, and the Redeemer's crown in heaven. See the pro- 
cess of it. (1) ' I will sow her.' This alludes to the word 
Jezreel in the last verse, which signifies the seed of God. The 
Lord's people are his own precious seed, he sows them in the 
earth. (2) ' Unto me.' As they are sown by him, so they 
spring up unto him. Though they lie long under the clods of 
nature's darkness and corruption, and for a while spring up 
only to the world, the flesh and the devil, yet there is a set 
time to favour them, a fixed day of power to come upon them. 
Men do not sow their precious seed, and care no more about 
it : neither doth the Lord. For, (3) * I will have mercy upon 
her, who had not obtained mercy.' His eye of care preserves, 
till his day of mercy comes. Through grace, it is as impossible 
for an elect redeemed soul to perish without mercy, as for the 
truth of God to fail. ' It is impossible for God to lie.' Heb. 
vi. 18. The truth of God is the joy of faith. Paul, though 
exceeding mad against Christ, obtained mercy from him. The 
thief on the cross obtained mercy at the last hour. Your soul, 
mine, and every soul that is called, converted, and justified by 
the faith of Christ, obtains this from mere mercy, just in the 
same way. Because justice is satisfied by Christ, mercy flows 
from God through him to us (4) ' I will say to them which 
were not my people, thou art my people.' God's voice of love 
comes to us, his grace challenges us, his power apprehends us, 
before we apprehend him. We are children of wrath by na- 
ture ; we are at enmity against God, and fly from God. But 
the good Shepherd seeks us : he claims us as his own sheep, 
as the gift of his Father, as the purchase of his blood. He 
manifests himself to us, and gives us faith in his name. Then, 
(5) ' They shall say, thou art my God.' My God : oh how 
much is contained in this ! Now there is peace in the con- 
science, love in the heart, and joy in the soul. The sinner can 
never be happy, till he thus appropriates the Lord to himself, 
and makes a full and voluntary surrender of himself, to be the 
Lord's for ever. Then the soul is inspired with a holy loving 
*ear, and excited to a cheerful walk. A hope full of immorta- 
lity is in the heart. This is ever in the eye: ' All is of God, 
who hath reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ.' 2 Cor. 
v. 18. 



MARCH 29.] 179 [MORNING. 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a broken 

and a contrite Jieart, oh God i thou ivilt not despise 
Psalm li. 17. 



It is the wisdom and joy of disciples to see somewhat of 
Jesus in every page of the lively oracles. Then the word is 
searched with pleasure, studied with delight, and is made 
exceeding profitable to the soul. To this end the sins and 
backslidings, the humiliations and repentings, the joys and 
experience of saints of old are recorded. We see their deserts 
to be the lowest hell ; but grace reigns. Though sin abounded 
in them, yet grace superabounded over them. All is through 
Jesus : no mercy for sinful man, but through that dear Man 
and blessed Mediator. 

So he glorifies his name, so he makes known his power to 
be ' the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever,' in saving his 
people from their sins. Though sin may blind the eyes to his 
love, and harden the heart against his fear, and the spirit 
become stout and rebellious for a season, yet see his amazing- 
love, behold the effects of his almighty grace. A cruel, mur- 
dering, adulterous, yet beloved David shall be arraigned, plead 
guilty, sue for mercy, and hope for pardon. But did a broken 
spirit and a contrite heart entitle him to this ? Did he plead 
his present griefs and humiliations to atone for his past trans- 
gressions ? No, alas, if he had no other hope than this, horror 
and black despair would have been the portion of his backslid- 
ing soul. God will not, doth not, cannot bestow pardon for 
sin, till he makes the soul sensible of, and sorry for sin. Nor 
will he ever despise, abhor, or reject broken-hearted, contrite 
souls ; for his Spirit effects this in them. Though no plea can 
be founded for this, yet the soul is sweetly encouraged hereby 
to hope ; because here is an evidence that the Lord hath not 
given up such to a reprobate mind. He still works in them, 
and they feel the effects. A sense of guilt is dreadful to be 
borne, distressing to feel; therefore such cry for deliverance.: 
* Restore unto me the joys of thy salvation.' 

Our loving Lord breaks the heart for sin, though sin cannot 
break the covenant of his love ; therefore sin shall not reign 
unto death. Oh believer, art thou mourning for thy sins? 
Remember Him on whom the iniquity of us all was laid. 
Look to him * who bore our sins in his own body on the tree ; 
by whose stripes we are healed.' A contrite spirit flies from 
the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season. It cannot 
rest till former joys are restored ; it is also solicitous about 
his future walk, lest he fall again. He therefore cries, ' Up- 
hold me with thy free spirit.' 

I cannot live without thy light, Oh may thy love inspire my tongue, 

Cast out and banish'd from thy sight Salvation shall be all my song ; 

Thine holy joys, my God restore, And all my powers shall join to bless 

\i*.d guard me *r>2t I fall no more. Tiie Lord, my strength and righteousness 



MARCH 29.] 180 [evening. 

Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils, for 
wherein is he to be accounted of? Isai. ii. 22. 

This precious text, our dear Lord preached to my heart, day 
after day, upwards of twenty years ago, when it first pleased 
him to make me happy in his love. Though not then, yet I 
have since seen abundant cause for it. That soul is in good 
health that can say, I am sick of sin, sick of men, and sick of 
myself. The Lord is teaching us this lesson day after day. 
It is a hard one to flesh and blood ; for we are naturally prone 
to look to, trust in and depend upon an arm of flesh. But this 
is to depart in our hearts from the Lord. A curse is denounced 
upon this, Jer. xvii. 5. Consider, man's breath is in his nostrils. 
The best of men are subjects of sin, and liable to the stroke of 
death. The breath that promises you great things to-day, ere 
to-morrow's dawn, may be vanished into air, and all your 
hopes blasted. The arm of flesh which to-day is strong, and 
stretched forth in your service, to-morrow may be stiff in 
death ; all your expectations buried in the grave of despair, 
and you left in disappointment and vexation. Wherein is 
man to be accounted of? In his best state he is altogether vanity. 
1 Cease ye from man.' Yea, from professors too ; for you are 
in danger of being hurt by them also. I have, and therefore 
speak from experience. Here is our danger : we are apt to 
think too highly of ministers and professors. Even Paul cau- 
tions us against this : ' Lest any man think of me, above that 
which he seeth me to be.' 2 Cor. xii. 6. You entertain a 
very high opinion of such a one : perhaps you may soon see 
something in him you little expected. You are stumbled, you 
get into reasoning ; he falls away from the hope of the gospel. 
How many awful instances have I known, both of eminent 
ministers and great professors ! You are staggered, you know 
not what to think. Up comes Mr. Devil, with, ah, you see it 
is all a delusion : give all up, follow the gospel no longer. But 
our Lord would have our hearts simply looking to him ; there- 
fore he bids us ' cease from man.' He, he is the only precious 
Man, we are never to cease from. In him there is none occa- 
sion of stumbling ; he is a perfect man. Fix your eye steadily 
upon him, seek all your perfection in him, look for all your 
comforts from him. Cease from yourself, avoid all self con- 
fidence, flee all self complacency. Cease from self righteous, 
vain glorious, self deceived liars, who say they are perfect, 
and have no sin in them. Ever look at, ever glory in that 
dear Man, in whom we are perfect ; i presented to the Father, 
holy, unblameable, and unreprovable in his sight.' Col. i. 22 

We're prone, alas, to trust in man, Comince u.-> of this foolish plan, 

And from our God depart, Lord take and keep our heart. 



MARCH 30.] 181 [MORNING. 

Are ye not carnal, and walk as men ? 1 Cor. iii. 3. 

The phrase ' carnal saints/ the self-righteous look on as a 
very opprobrious term, as though contradictory to the cha- 
racter of a real christian : but suoh persons differ in judgment 
from an inspired apostle. Paul calls these Corinthian con- 
verts, ' babes in Christ ; ' while he says to them, ' Ye are yet 
carnal/ Yea, he appeals to their judgments : e Are ye not so V 
Doth not your walk, your words, your strife, your views give 
sad evidence of the truth of this my assertion? Do you not 
act and behave too much like men who are strangers to Jesus, 
and the life and power of vital godliness ? 

But believers are a compound of flesh and spirit ; the new- 
created soul dwells in a sinful body, and is opposed by a 
carnal nature. There may be true grace within, though much 
carnality appears without. Weak faith in Jesus may be 
opposed with strong corruptions and unbelief; a little true 
knowledge of Jesus in the heart, yet beset with great ignorance 
and weakness of judgment ; the dawning of true hope in Jesus, 
but interposed with clouds of darkness ; the stirrings of real 
love to Jesus, but resisted by the love of the world, and the 
objects of sense ; real esteem for a preached gospel, and yet 
carnal contentions and debates may arise about ministers and 
things of no real profit to the soul. This is true : yet such 
weaklings in the faith, such babes in Christ are as safe, be- 
cause beloved by the same Father, redeemed by the same pre- 
cious blood of Jesus, and renewed by the power of the same 
Spirit, as young men and fathers in Christ. But indeed they 
are not so happy ; they do not glorify God so much, they do 
not bring forth so much fruit to God, nor so greatly adorn the 
gospel of Jesus as those who are strong in the grace which is 
in Christ Jesus, and more established in the faith and love of 
him. 

But let not such discourage their hearts, nor entertain hard 
thoughts of our loving master Jesus, as though he expected to 
reap where he has not sown. Let them not burden their weak 
minds with things that are too strong, nor exercise their tender 
hearts with matters that are too high ; but let them simply 
consider Jesus ; look to the Lamb of God, confess their weak- 
ness at his feet, praying to him for strength, studying his word 
for knowledge ; and ' as -new-born babes, desire the sincere 
milk of the word, that they may grow thereby.' ' For those 
that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the 
courts of our God/ Psal. xcii. 13. Fear thou not, for I am 
with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God ; I will 
strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold 
thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Tsai. xli. 10. 



MARCH 30.J 182 L EVEN1NG - 

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have 
fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus 
Christ his Son cleanscth us from all sin. 1 John i. 7. 



The walk of many professors seems to speak this language, 
why cannot we love the world, indulge ourselves in the ways 
of it, and yet enjoy fellowship with God. Now we have clear 
notions of the doctrines of grace, of acceptance with God, and 
justification before him, why need we be so very precise in our 
conduct. As though they were desirous to walk as near as 
possible to the very borders of hell, and yet hope to get safe 
to heaven at last. Such walk not in the light of truth, in the 
comforts of love, in fellowship with God. (1) What is ' fellow- 
ship with God V it is a sweet heart-felt concord, harmony and 
agreement, between God and our souls ; a mutual communion 
of'spirits, a free communication from the Lord to us, and from 
us to the Lord ; just as two loving friends have between each 
other, as though but one soul possessed them both. Lord, to 
what a high, holy and honourable state are we miserable sin- 
ners admitted. Eternal thanks to thee, oh Jesus, through whom 
we are admitted ; and to thee, oh holy Spirit, who hast formed 
us for the enjoyment of this inestimable blessing. Lord grant 
we may prize this sweet fellowship above all things, yea above 
life itself; for what is life without it. (2) How is it enjoyed ? 
By ' walking in the light.' God dwelleth . in the light ; we 
must walk where God is, to have fellowship with him. Christ 
is < the Light/ God is in Christ ; by faith in Christ we walk 
with God, and have fellowship with him. Here the Father 
is well pleased with us, and we with him. We communicate 
to him our wants, he communicates to us every rich supply 
out of the fulness of Christ. Christ shines in the light of truth, 
in every doctrine which flows from him and centers in him. 
Are we loved, elected, called, justified, sanctified, and pre- 
served unto salvation ? It is e in him/ We are to walk in 
that faith which worketh by the love of these truths, worketh 
love to them, and to God for them ; and this faith and love is 
contrary to all the darkness of sin and error. Christ the light, 
shines in every command of his. Faith receives them ; in love 
we obey and walk in them. But though we walk in the light, 
yet sin dwelleth in us. What then ? This need not distress 
us. For (3) As sure as we have fellowship with God, ' The 
blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin/ Did it 
cleanse us yesterday ? So it will to-day, to-morrow, and to 
the end of life. Who shall dare to set bounds to the cleansing 
virtue of the blood of the Son of God ? No sin too great, no 
sinner too vile for this precious blood to cleanse. The chief 
of all sinners speaks from experience, let no one despair. For 
we sinners have boldness to enter into God's presence, by the 
blood of Jesus Heb. x. 19. 



MARCH 31.] 183 [MORNING. 

r Plie wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the 
righteous hath hope in his death. Pro v. xiv. 32. 

It is most comfortable in a dying hour to look back upon a 
well-spent life, say many. It is most comfortable to ( forget 
the things that are behind, and to look forward, and press 
towards the mark for the prize of our high-calling of God in 
Christ Jesus/ saith the christian. Phil. iii. 14. What a de- 
lightful prospect in a dying hour, to view a reconciled God, a 
glorified Jesus, and a kingdom prepared for us from the foun- 
dation of the world. But if we have not experienced a life of 
faith on Jesus, and by the grace of God had our conversation 
in the world, a life of self-righteousness will only beget vain 
confidence, and delude the soul with false hopes, which will 
end in awful disappointment at death. But who are ' the 
wicked ? ' Verily all who reject the faith of the Son of God, 
who refuse to submit to his righteousness, hope in themselves, 
and trust to what they can do to make themselves righteous, 
and to make their peace with God. This is the very essence 
of wickedness. Ail such are destitute of righteousness, their 
eyes are blinded by sin, their hearts are hardened against the 
truth. Living and dying so, they shall be ' driven away' from 
the comforts of the righteous in the awful hour of death ; in 
the tremendous day of judgment, they shall be ' driven away' 
from the presence of Jesus, with ' Go, ye cursed/ 

Who are * the righteous ? ' Even all who receive the gift of 
new covenant love, the gift of righteousness, which ' cometh 
upon all the children of faith by one, Jesus Christ.' Rom. v. 
17. The righteous man is of divine extraction, bora again 
from above ; he hath the mind of Christ, he loveth righteous- 
ness and hateth iniquity. The righteous hath hope in a God 
of justice, hope in a God of truth, hope in a God of faithful- 
ness, because his hope standeth in God's own covenant grace 
and love, which maketh sinners righteous in Jesus. This hope 
shall never forsake the righteous : it animates him in life to 
love and obedience, it comforts him in death against fears of 
wrath and terrors of hell, it inspires him with joyful assurance 
of a crown of righteousness in life and immortality. 

Well might that eminently faithful minister of Jesus, the 
late Rev. Mr. Hervey, so sweetly fall asleep, with this hope in 
his heart, while his lips" were warbling his dying song: ' Pre- 
cious salvation, precious salvation ! Oh precious grace, pre- 
cious promises, precious faith, precious hope — all flowing to 
poor sinners, through the perfect righteousness and precious 
blood of the infinitely and eternally precious Jesus.' Well 
might St. Paul sum up ail our blessedness in that apostolic 
benediction, which includes all our hope : ' The grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of 
the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.' 2 Cor. xiii. 14. 



MARCH 31.] 184 [EVENING, 

Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your 
backsliding s. Jer. iii. 22. 



Backsliding is a species of apostasy from the faith, apostasy 
is the high road to destruction, and total apostasy will certain- 
ly end in eternal damnation ; for there can neither be repent- 
ance or hope for such a soul. The Son of God is the only 
sacrifice for sin. This he once professed to believe ; but now 
he tramples on his precious blood, and wilfully despises and 
rejects the Saviour, Now therefore, he has only i a certain 
fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which 
shall devour the adversary.' Heb x. 27. Most striking is the 
picture of such, drawn by Mr. Bunyan, in his Pilgrim's Pro- 
gress, as a man in an iron cage, who thus confesses : ' I was 
once a fair and flourishing professor, both in mine own eyes, 
and in the eyes of others. I was, as I thought, fair for the 
celestial city, and had even joy at the thoughts that I should 
get thither. But I left off to watch and be sober, and laid the 
reins upon the neck of my lusts. I sinned against the light of 
the word, and the goodness of my God. I grieved the Spirit, 
and he is gone. I tempted the devil, and he is come to me. 
T provoked God to anger, and he has left me. I have so hard- 
ened my heart that I cannot repent. Oh eternity, eternity ! 
How shall I grapple with the misery I must meet with in 
eternity ! ' Lord enable me to take warning by others, and 
obey thy gracious words, which prevent thy childrens' total 
apostasy from thee. Observe the conduct of the Lord to such. 
He arraigns them in the former verses, of treacherously depart- 
ing from him, like a wife from her husband. Oh what perfi- 
dious, faithless conduct ! It brings on perverting our way, 
and this ends in forgetting the Lord our God. This is the 
cause of every evil. If the objects of time and sense drive the 
remembrance of the Lord from our minds, though but for an 
hour how foolish do we act. Our hearts imperceptibly backslide 
from the sense of his presence : but oh the love of our Lord. 
He reminds us, though backslidden, that he still owns us as 
' children.' Oh Father, thy love ever lives, though folly is in 
our ways. He calls in love, i return.' May love cause us to 
take shame, fall down in sorrow, and cry for mercy. He also 
promises and says, ' I will heal your backslidings.' I will 
freely and fully pardon them all, though ever so numerous, 
heinous, or aggravating, as though they had never been com- 
mitted. Backsliding sinner, believe and rejoice. See the 
effects of this love in the next meditation. Oh Lord, my God, 
lighten mine eyes, lest 1 sleep the sleep of death. Psal. xiii. 3. 

I've nought to plead but tliy free grace, Grant me to see thy smiling face, 

Which does in Christ abound ' With mercy circled round. 



APRIL J.J 185 [MORNING. 

The end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, 
and watch unto prayer. 1 Pet. iv. 7. 

The word of grace and truth, like a judicious physician for 
the body, prescribes different recipes for the soul. Sometimes 
the bitter draught of affliction ; at others the strengthening, 
comforting balsam of faith, with the restorative mixture of 
love ; but at all times a necessary regimen, whereby to rule 
and govern our lives, so that our souls may prosper and be in 
good health. 

To use means in faith is our bounden duty ; to neglect them 
is a contempt of the wise Prescriber ; whereby we suffer loss, 
and receive hurt to our souls. As faith binds the soul to 
Jesus in the sweet bands of love, so it produces a conformity 
to him in heart and life. As the Spirit enriches the soul with 
precious graces, so they are accompanied with his transform- 
ing influence. He ever directs to the word he has inspired, 
that we may be taught to avoid those things contrary thereto ; 
and also to practise those duties, which have a native ten- 
dency to strengthen the soul in persevering in holiness and 
truth. 

An intemperate thirst after, and inordinate indulging our- 
selves in the enjoyment of any of the good creatures of this 
life, sadly indispose the mind to spiritual concerns. This is 
contrary to the life of faith ; interrupts sweet communion with 
the Father of spirits, deadens the heart to holy fellowship with 
Jesus, and opposeth the comforting consolations of the blessed 
Spirit. Hence the soul finds great langours, deadness, and 
formality in its addresses at the throne of grace. Thy soul 
and mine is therefore called upon to consider, time, how short ! 
eternity, how near ! The judge is at the door. All things are 
on the point of dissolution. We are to be expecting the mes- 
senger to call us hence. 

Since continuance here is so uncertain, all worldly enjoy- 
ments so precarious, and all certainly perish in the using, 
what temperance, what sobriety of conduct becomes us. And 
this is certain, Jesus, with his much incense, is ever before the 
throne. It is a mercy-seat, sprinkled with his precious blood. 
From hence all grace is bestowed, all power given. Oh may 
we be concerned to watch continually against the motions of 
the enemy, the stirrings oT pride and lust ; watching in prayer 
for the power of the Spirit, watching after prayer for an 
answer of peace. And when, disciple, is the time that this 
exercise may be omitted ? Verily, not till faith is lost in sight, 
hope turned into enjoyment, and prayer lost in praise. Oh 
what a precious word is this from our Jesus : ( Whatsoever 
ye shall ask in my name, that will I do/ John xiv. 13 

2 "b 



APRIL 1.] 186 [EVENING. 

Behold, we come unio thee, for thou art the Lord our 
God. Jer. iii. 22. 



Peter was an awful backslider, his crimes deserved hell, so 
do yours and mine. Both he and we should be sent there, if 
iove did not reign in heaven, and grace abound to sinners on 
earth. One look of love from Christ broke Peter's heart, 
made him weep bitterly, aiad return to a crucified Saviour 
earnestly. A bone broken and set, is stronger than it was 
before. This I am sure of, a heart broken by forgiving love, 
grows stronger in love. Having much forgiven, we love much. 
I have often thought, fresh love added speed to Peter's feet, 
when he ran to the sepulchre, to see his dear, his crucified 
Lord. John xx. 4. See the happy effects of loving speeches 
and gracious words from a loving Lord. We saw the back- 
sliding children arraigned, and their conduct condemned in 
our last meditation. What was the sentence passed on them? 
Was it, Go ye cursed, vile wretches ; ye have gone from me in 
your ways, now I will be glorified in your damnation. 'No. 
Break hard heart ; melt, oh frozen soul ; bow, stubborn knee, 
an.d be as the sinews of a new-born babe ; for love everlast- 
ing, immutable love lives, sovereign unmerited grace pro- 
claims, i Return, ye backsliding children : (children still, oh 
matchless grace !) ' and I will heal your backslidings.' What 
say gracious hearts to this ? Do they reply, Oh this is fine 
doctrine. Come, let us continue to go on, to enjoy the world 
and sin, and delight ourselves in our happy distance from 
God. Oh no. This is the language of hell -born, free-will 
pride. If left to that, so they would act. But a spark of free 
grace within us catches fire from gracious words without, and 
therefore it is, ' behold,' see the effects of the Lord's rich grace 
and precious love. Like fire it melts down our hard hearts, 
makes us lament our base conduct, affects us with the deepest 
sense of sin, inspires our souls with a hope of mercy and the 
assurance of pardon ; and therefore, ' we come unto thee/ 
Here we see the actings of a holy faith in the heart, ft works 
by love, by the declarations of a gracious Father, and a dear 
Redeemer. It works love in the heart, and it works by love 
in returning to God ; and here is the joyful claim of faith. 
' For,' oh precious cause ! ' For thou art the Lord our God.' 
Was it not so, thou couldst never have borne with our vile 
conduct, and never have had a thought of mercy or a look of 
love towards us. Oh let covenant love and faithfulness ever 
bind our hearts to thee, that we may never more depart from 
thee ; pervert our way before thee, or ever forget thee, oh 
Jehovah, Father, Son and Spirit, our one God in Jesus. 

When we the sacred truth helieve, Our souls lo him return and \\vr-. 

Of God's great love in Christ, And thus, by grace, were blest. 



APRIL 2.] 187 [moaning. 

He restore th my soul : he leadeth me in the paths oj 
righteousness, for his name's sake. Psalm xxiii. 3. 

With gratitude and joy, every believer has daily cause to 
address his soul in the words spoken to Naomi at the birth of 
Obed : ' Blessed be the Lord, who hath not left thee this day 
without a kinsman or redeemer, whose name is famous in 
Israel, who shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life.' Ruth iv. 
14, 15. To the glory of Jesus be it ever remembered, that life 
once received from him can never be lost. The soul once 
quickened from a death in trespasses and sins, dieth no more ; 
death hath no more dominion over it ; for it is delivered from 
sin, the cause of death. Partaking of the life of grace from 
Jesus, sin has no more dominion over it to kill and to destroy. 

But though the soul enjoys life in Jesus, yet sin is not dead. 
It dwelleth in us, it worketh in the members, and opposeth the 
life, peace and comfort of the new-born soul. Is there a day 
passing, but we find that the old man is still alive ? Yea, at 
times the soul is so pressed above measure, that it almost 
despairs of life. It seems to sense and experience, as though 
the sentence of death was executed : yet how doth Jesus again 
revive and restore it ! Sin often brings death upon the com- 
forts of the soul, though it cannot touch its life ; that is secure 
in the life-giving Head : ( it is hid with Christ in God/ Col. 
iii. 3- Believers can never sin themselves beyond the extent 
of Christ's love, nor the reach of his power to restore them. 
The precious blood of Jesus is alsufficient to purge away all 
sin from the conscience, yea, sins of the deepest dye. See 
then the exceeding sinfulness of sin, in the most exceeding 
precious fountain that is opened for its cleansing. See the 
love and care of the faithful Shepherd in restoring his wander- 
ing sheep. But know, oh soul, whenever thou dost deviate 
from the path of Jesus, or backslide into sin, thou turnest thy 
back upon thy best Friend, thy kindest Lord ; thou joinest 
thyself to his implacable foes. True, so unchangeable is the 
love of Jesus, he will restore the souls of his members ; but 
love mingles bitter potions to do this ; and the most bitter of 
all is, thou sinnest against the richest grace and most precious 
love that ever was known. Love that has followed, and will 
follow thee all thy days ; love that will heal thy backslidings, 
and restore thy soul ; love that will lead thee in the paths of 
righteousness to salvation and glory. When thou remember- 
est this, thou wilt be ashamed and confounded for all that 
thou hast done, and love him who doth all freely for his name' 5 
sake. 

Lord, my restorer and my guide, A hen will I praise, at thy clear feet, 

l-Jow apt am 1 to stray? Thy tender care and love, 

Oh keep me near thy blessed side Which brought me thro' this desert land, 

Until the perfect day, To realms of bliss above. m. 



APRIL 2.] 188 [EVENING. 

Ungodly men, who turn the grace of God into lasci- 
viousness. Jude 4. 



From what the bee extracts honey, venomous insects extract 
poison. The word of God, which is food to gracious hearts, 
is the sport and contempt of profane wits. An ungodly heart 
will convert the most wholesome truths of God's grace, into 
the most poisonous effects. There ever were such men : there 
are such at this day, who hold forth some of the most precious 
truths concerning the Lord Jesus, and the grace of God 
abounding to sinners in him, and yet with these maintain the 
most damnable heresies. They are ' the fools who make a 
mock at sin/ Prov. xiv. 9. Personal holiness they hold in 
the greatest derision. They declare their sin as Sodom — say 
unto the wicked it shall be well with him ; tush, the Lord 
careth not about our walk and life. If we have lusts, better 
gratify them than burn with them ; and they swallow up every 
unscriptural error in that damnable heresy, that all men shall 
be saved at last. One scarcely knows which to wonder at 
most, why such persons should preach at all, or why any who 
name the name of Christ can hear them. But the scripture 
must be fulfilled : ' There shall come in the last days scoffers 
walking after their own lusts/ 2 Pet. iii. 3. I never knew but 
one instance of a person who had joined himself to these vile 
antinomians, that escaped from their soul destroying doctrines. 
My soul rejoiced exceedingly, for a visit from this aged disci- 
ple of Jesus, who through his precious grace is brought back 
into the ways of truth and holiness. When the preacher asked 
him why he had left him ? He honestly answered, ' Were I 
to hear you now, I should be almost ready to fill my pockets 
with stones and stone you ; for you had well nigh sent me to 
hell, with a lie in ray right hand/ Oh brethren, as you love 
the holy Jesus, as you value your precious souls, as you prize 
communion with God, peace of conscience, and joy in the 
Holy Ghost, beware of such ungodly men ; keep at the great- 
est distance from them, maintain the utmost abhorrence of 
their hellish notions. Why, oh why did the blessed Spirit 
convince us of sin, and lead us to Christ for salvation ; but 
that we should love God, delight in God, enjoy fellowship 
with him, have no more to do with the unfruitful works of 
darkness, but walk before him in righteousness and true holi- 
ness all the days of our life. Be assured, if your faith does 
not influence you to this, it is not the faith of the holy gospel, 
not a faith in a holy Jesus ; it does not work by the love of 
him, but is the faith of the ungodly, whose end is destruction. 
Phil. iii. 19. 

Faith without love's an empty dream, Grant me, oh Lord, renewing grace, 

It conquers not the pow'r of sin : Quicken my soul from day to day, 

To live, the soul has but a name, To walk in love before thy face, 

If Jesus reigneth not within. And mind not what th' ungodly say m. 



APRIL 3.] 139 [morning 

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh 
and blood, he also himself took part of the same ; that 
through death he might destroy him that had the power 
of death, that is the devil. Heb. ii. 14. 

We read of one who was so affected with the glory of the 
sun, that he thought he was born only to behold it. With what 
propriety may a christian judge of himself, that he is born 
again to behold the glory, and delight himself in daily con- 
templating Jesus the Sun of righteousness ! Lord, thou shalt 
never stoop to that mean office of ' washing my feet,' said 
honest-hearted Peter. But what was that stoop of abasement, 
when Jesus was in flesh, compared to his taking flesh upon 
him ? Be astonished, oh heavens ; rejoice, oh children of 
faith ; admire and adore what you never can fully comprehend 
— The Lord of life and glory in your nature, clothed with flesh 
and blood ; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with griefs. 
See Jesus, consider Jesus ; oh dwell in contemplation on the 
abasement of the Son of God, till it warms the heart with love. 
Say, which is the greatest, his love, or his humility ! 

He took part with f the children/ Such was Jacob's de- 
light in Benjamin, that ' his life was bound up in the lad's 
life.' The soul of Jonathan was so knit to David, that ' he 
loved him as his own soul.' Verily our life is bound up in the 
life of Jesus. Truly he hath loved us better than life. He 
took our part against our invincible foes, sin, Satan, and 
death. He hath conquered all — for whom ? ' The children ; ' 
by nature children of wrath, by practic ? rebels against God ; 
yet, amazing grace, the objects of the Father's love. Hence, 
given to Jesus to redeem and save, they had an interest in 
Jesus' love, ere they had a being in the flesh. Therefore he 
prays for them as their Mediator ; he owns them by that spe- 
cial mark which the Holy Ghost puts upon each of them in 
the day of his power, namely, faith. l I pray for them also 
which shall believe on me.' John xvii. 20. 

We may say in triumph, If Jesus be for us, who shall be 
against us ? The Lord taketh my part, therefore I shall see 
my desire upon them that hate me. Psal. cxviii. 7. Every 
believer may be sure of victory. Faith in Jesus overcomes 
the world, disarms death.of its sting, which is sin ; enfeebles 
the strength of sin, which is the law. By the blood of the 
Lamb, Satan is overcome. Thus we are more than conquerors 
through him who loved us. Christ gained the conquest over 
Satan and death, by taking away sin, which gave them power 
over his children. This he effected by his own death : for he 
that died once for sin, ever lives to save. { Thanks be to 
God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ.' 1 Cor, xv. 57. 



APRIL 3.J 190 [EVENTING . 

Let God he true, hut every man a liar. Rom. iii. 4. 

I have read of one who was dumb ; but on seeing a violent 
attempt to murder his father, he cried out with great vehe- 
mence, my father ! When his heavenly Fathers truth and 
faithfulness are ' attacked, Paul could not be mute. Fired 
with a holy emotion of spirit, he cries out, ( Let God be true/ 
Vain, arrogant man, will you dare oppose your carnal reason- 
ings and fallacious arguments, against the covenant purposes, 
faithful word, and precious promises of the Lord ? Every such 
man, be he ever so noble, mighty, wise and learned, is ' a liar.' 
Paul's heart was too warm with zeal for the glory of God, to 
pay any soft compliment to those who act under the influence 
of the father of lies. The keen satire of Mr. Pope is admirably 
adapted to such : 

' Snatch from his hand the balance and the rod, 

Rejudge his justice, be the God of God ! 

In reas'ning pride (my friend) our error lies ; 

All quit their sphere, and rush into the skies.' 
Christian, lay aside thy carnal reasoning; take up thy Lord's 
word, and exercise faith upon it. Thou art called to be vali- 
ant for the truths of a faithful, covenant making, and covenant 
keeping God. Timid silence is criminal, when your Father's 
truth is arraigned, and his glory at stake. Know, thou hast 
much within thee, and many around thee, in combination to 
oppose the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, to 
bring salvation to miserable sinners ; and God's faithfulness 
engaged to make this effectual, by his sovereign grace, in spite 
of all the unfaithfulness of man. Mr. Carnal-reason says, 
how can these things be ? Mr. High-thoughts exalts himself 
against them, and Mr. Free-will refuses to submit to them. 
Mr. Unbelief pronounces them impossible to be true. Mr. 
Self-love declares against subjection to them. Mr. Human- 
pride cries, away with them, totally reject them ; and Mr. 
Self-righteousness cries them down as leading to licentious- 
ness. These are all professed judges of divinity, but in reality 
are lying adversaries against your Lord's truth and faithful- 
ness, and your peace, comfort and holiness. Abide by what 
is written. Oppose God's truth to all their lying suggestions. 
Be simple of heart, and let simple faith prevail. Feed by 
faith upon God's truth, and you shall prosper, while others 
cavil against it and grow lean. Hold fast the hope of eternal 
life, which God who cannot lie, promised to Christ Jesus as 
our covenant head, and that we should enjoy it in him, before 
the world began. 

Thy sacred truth shall live and reign, The truth of Jesus is my joy, 
Oh God, within my heart, The source of all my peace • 

In spite of boasting, lying man, In this I'll walk, though foes annoy, 
And all his treacherous art. 'Till thou my soul release. m. 



APRIL 4J 191 [morning 

In a little wrath I hid myself from thee for a moment, 
but with everlasting kindness will I hare mercy on thee, 
saith the Lord thy Redeemer. Isai. liv. 8. 

Love is ever open and communicative ; it conceals nothing 
from the object beloved, which may profit or comfort the mind. 
' S ball I hide from Abraham that thing which I do/ saith the 
God of love, concerning his friend. Gen. xviii. 17. Of those 
that follow the Lamb he saith, e Ye are my friends.' Servants 
are not made acquainted with their master's secrets, but friends 
are. Therefore saith Jesus, the great interpreter of covenant 
love, i All things that I have heard of my Father, 1 have made 
known unto you.' John xv. 15. Children shall not be chas- 
tised, but they shall be told of the Father's kindness and mercy 
in it. Love is ever in his heart, though wrath may appear in 
his conduct. 

The joy of creation is revived by the bright shining of the 
sun: when that is withdrawn, clouds, mists and darkness 
gather. So when the Sun of righteousness hides himself from 
the soul, it seems a dark season of wrath. The mists of cor- 
ruption arise, the thick fog of unbelief spreads itself, the gloom 
of dejection hangs heavy on the mind, and the prince of dark- 
ness is very busy at such a season. Like Job's friends, he is 
a physician of no value, but a miserable comforter to the soul. 
Now all sense, nature and feeling, write bitter things against 
the poor sinner. The Father chastises, the Saviour hides 
himself, the law accuses, conscience condemns, sin terrifies, 
Satan threatens, but — Father, thy mercy never dies, thy love 
changes not. Therefore faith endures and turns to the law of 
love. What saith that? 'In a little wrath I hid myself.' 
Little in comparison of thy deserts, oh believer ; little, com- 
pared with the greatness of the love of God. Faith listens to 
the testimony of Jesus, who says in effect, My deserting thee 
is of the shortest duration, ' a moment,' the twinkling of an 
eye ; it is as no space of time compared to eternity. Then 
love vents itself and declares, ' With everlasting kindness will 
I have mercy on thee.' 

The word of the Lord shall stand, his covenant is sure, his 
love unchangeable, his promises immutable. Hence the soul 
is excited to confidence, to assurance, full assurance ; yea the 
fullest assurance of a God of truth, though all present appear- 
ances seem against it. Then hope dawns in the soul, and love 
to Jesus is quickened. Holy shame and godly sorrow for past 
follies fill the heart, while the Comforter inwardly testifies of 
Jesus. His love, how infinite ; his salvation, how perfect ; 
his person, how precious ; his promises, how reviving ; his 
presence, how joyful ; and every thing which interrupts it, 
how exceeding hateful and abominable. Such is Jesus' love : 
'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the 



APRIL 4.] 192 [EVENING. 

By faith Moses forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath 
of the king, Heb. xi. 27. 

Here we see faith opposed by fear, and the victory of faith 
over the dread of wrath. Consider his work and his danger, 
his faith and his safety. (1) Moses was engaged in a great 
work. He was to go to Pharaoh, and say from the Lord, 
' Israel is my son, even my firstborn son, let him go that he 
may serve me/ Exod. iv. 23. Now might not the king very 
naturally look upon Moses as a very dangerous, pestilent, hot- 
headed enthusiast, who under a pretence of religion, wanted 
to raise a rebellion in his kingdom? He had to fear that the 
king might put him to death in his wrath ; ( for the wrath of a 
king is as the roaring of a lion/ both fierce and dreadful. Prov. 
xix. 12. But, (2) Consider his faith : this set him above fear. 
He bids defiance to wrath ; forsake Egypt he must ; flee from 
the king he was determined, for he had the command of his 
God for it. Faith is the parent of all holy obedience. But 
was his faith nothing more than a strong impulse of mind, 
something within him which suggested that he must forsake 
Egypt ? No : this he might have had, and obeyed it too, to his 
own destruction. But he had the Lord's word for the ground 
of his faith : mind this. ' Thus saith the Lord, I will send 
thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring my people out of 
Egypt.' There is the word of his faith. (3) Consider his 
safety. Pharaoh could not hurt a hair of his head. Why 
not? Because the Lord added, i Certainly I will be with thee/ 
Exod. iii. 12. There is the warrant for his safety. Thus he 
believed God, and feared not the wrath of the king. 

See here the nature and actings of a true and lively faith. It 
hath the word of the Lord for its object. There may be strong 
impressions of mind, warm suggestions of fancy, where there is 
not, ' thus saith the Lord.' Soul, these will not carry thee out 
of the Egypt of nature, to the promised land. They will soon 
forsake thee. Then thou wilt not only fear the wrath of a 
king, but the shaking of a leaf. Faith in the Lord's word, 
delivers the soul from fear of the Lord's enemies. According 
to the strength of our faith, we are set above fears of wrath 
We cannot have a stronger cause for faith than the Lord's 
word, nor a better object for our faith than the Son of God. 
Oh then, when fear of wrath prevails, look unto Jesus, the 
author and finisher of our faith, with Lord increase my faith. 
Luke xvii. 5. 

Where is your faith ? our Saviour cries, Thou author of our faith, increase 
Believe and honour me : The gift which thou hast given, 

Ot:r foolish, reas'ning heart replies, So shall we find thy precious peace, 
Christ's joys are not for me. The antepast of h m 



APRIL 5.] 193 [morning. 

And the acknowledging of the truth, ivhieh is after 
godliness ; according to the faith of God's elect. Tit. i. J. 

St. Paul, though an eminently distinguished apostle of Jesus, 
yet in regard to the salvation of his own soul, his extraordinary 
gifts procured it not; nor could his former hatred and persecu 
tion of Jesus and his members frustrate the electing love of God, 
or obstruct the sovereign operations of the holy Spirit. But be- 
ing chosen of God in Christ Jesus, his heart must partake of the 
precious faith of God's elect. Love, almighty, wonderful love, 
seized him. Jesus challenged him as one of his redeemed souls, 
stopped him in his mad career, touched his heart, and brought 
him trembling and astonished to his feet. And the power of faith 
in his heart was manifested by the obedient cry of his lips, 
' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?' Acts ix. 6. 

Thus election is a doctrine according to godliness. Faith in 
the heart is an evidence of interest in God's electing love. It 
is a special gift of grace, and is connected with salvation. 
Ephes. ii. 8. Faith proves itself to be a genuine grace of the 
holy Spirit, for it submits to and trusts in Jesus' righteousness 
for justification, his blood for pardon, his all-prevailing merits 
and intercession for life. Thus faith glorifies Jesus as priest 
to atone, honours Jesus as king to rule and govern ; and yields 
obedience to him as a prophet to instruct in the truths of god- 
liness. So the believing soul is stript of every self-righteous 
plea, brought as a humble self-condemned sinner to the feet of 
Jesus, and glories in him as his only hope for life and salva- 
tion. If there is no election of sinners by God the Father, 
there is no true faith ; for saving faith is peculiar to God's 
elect. Do any object and say, I do not believe the doctrine of 
election. We only reply, we cannot help you, but we pity 
you ; you do not understand your bible, you do not yet " ac- 
knowledge the truth which is after godliness." The faith of 
God's elect springs from God's electing love, it has Jesus for 
its author and finisher, his life and death for its object, the 
truths of God's word for its warrant, God's promise in Christ 
Jesus its support, love and holiness its evidence, sure and 
certain salvation is its end. Well may this be called precious 
faith indeed. 

Whereas mere human faith, as it arises only from the power 
of the creature, it centres" only in nature and self, talks high 
of terms and conditions, boasts much of human abilities, op- 
poses free-grace, exalts the sinner, debases Jesus, denies the 
imputation of his righteousness, and renders salvation not only 
precarious and uncertain, but utterly impossible. Oh soul, 
study this truth daily : it tends to humility and rejoicing. ' By 
giace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, 
it is the gift of God/ Ephes. ii. 8. 

2 c 



APRIL 5.] 194 [EVENING. 

Incline your ear and come unto me : hear, and your 
souls shall live. Isaiah Iv. 3. 



Some cannot bear exhortations to be used, either to saints 
or sinners. Oh dear, they sound so legal in their ears, they 
are quite surfeiting to them. But why ? Truly they are got to 
be wise above what is written. But they proclaim their folly 
in condemning the conduct of Christ, and his Spirit in the pro- 
phets and apostles. They have most need of exhortations, 
who see least cause for them. Be not high minded, but fear. 
A Chinese philosopher asserted, that a man had three ears ; 
one different from those two which are seen. This was count- 
ed a great absurdity : but it holds true in a spiritual sense, for 
naturally we have ears, but hear not. The hearing ear, the 
Lord hath made. Pro v. xx. 12. This Christ calls for : ' in- 
cline your ear.' Just as condemned rebels and malefactors, be 
all ear to the sound of mercy, and to the proclamation of a 
reprieve from me. Though your hearts are bowed under a 
sense of your lusts and corruptions, your consciences burdened 
with guilt, your minds pained with fears, and your spirits de- 
jected with sorrows ; yet listen not to the suggestions of Satan, 
the intimations of carnal reason, or the surmises of your own 
legal spirits ; but turn away your ear from all to me. It is pre- 
cious living, thus to hear the voice of Christ ; but this call 
from Christ carries conviction with it, that we do not enough 
incline our ear to him ; therefore we are not always happy in 
him. Sweet invitation, ' Come unto me.' Jesus Christ is the 
same yesterday, to-day and for ever. Heb. xiii. 8. His love is 
the same, his words are the very same to poor sinners, whether 
he speaks by his prophets, or by himself in flesh. His loving 
heart proclaims, l Come unto me, all ye who labour and are 
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' Matt. xi. 28. Come, 
under all your load of guilt, weight of dejection, and burden of 
sorrow. Christ gives us to feel all this, that we may see our 
need of him, come to him, and enjoy fellowship with him. 
Never misconstrue your soul burdens and spiritual distress, as 
black marks upon you. They are love tokens from him who 
says, * Hear and your souls shall live.' Not only live, but be 
lively; not barely live, but enjoy the vigour of life, the com- 
forts of life, and bring forth abundantly the fruits of spiritual 
life. All this is by hearing the voice of Christ, believing the 
love of Christ, and living upon his fulness. * See then that ye 
refuse not him who speaketh from heaven.' Heb. xii. 25. 

Holy priuce of peace and love, Thou wouldst have us happy be, 

Thou who callest from above, In the faith and love of thee ; 

Give the power to obey Cause our souls to turn away, 

Thy sweet voice, and come to thee. From all sin and vanity. m. 



APRIL 6.] 195 [MORNING. 

There/ore with joy shall ye draw water out of the 
wells of salvation. Isaiah xii. 8. 

Why, ■ therefore?' What had the church done to procure 
such an inestimable promise ? Oh the joyful day of her public 
espousals to Jesus is come. That day, that blessed day oi 
power, when the loving- bride claims her beloved bridegroom, 
Jesus. Therefore she sings this joyful song, ' Behold God is 
my salvation : I will trust, and not be afraid, for the Lord Je- 
hovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my sal- 
vation/ The claims of the faith of poor sinners are well pleas- 
ing in the sight of God ; they honour his word, glorify him, 
and cause joy in heaven among the angels, while the humble 
claimants obtain the consolation and joy thereof. ' Them that 
honour me I will honour, saith the Lord.' 

This was not to be a transient fit of comfort, but an inex- 
haustible fountain of joy. Believers are to come daily and 
draw water with joy out of the wells of salvation. Jehovah, 
the Father, is the ' the fountain of living waters.' Jer. ii. 13. 
Salvation takes its first spring from his everlasting love, is 
secured by his unalterable covenant and unchangeable pro- 
mises. The Spirit and his grace are called ' a well of water, 
springing up to everlasting life.' John iv. 14. He shows poor 
sinners their want of Jesus, this living w r ater, its freeness and 
sweetness ; supplies them with the bucket of faith to draw with 
joy, and drink with pleasure. This well of salvation by Jesus 
was opened in paradise ; its streams have run through every 
successive age of the church. Patriarchs, prophets, apostles, 
believers in all ages have had their hearts made glad, and their 
souls joyful thereby 

The everlasting love of the Father, the rich grace of the 
Son, the exuberant joy of the Holy Ghost, compose these w r ells 
of salvation. Yet it is but one fountain of grace, flowing from 
the unity of the divine essence, and is communicated to us out 
of the fulness of the man Jesus. Hence we are invited by 
Jesus, ' Oh friends, oh beloved, drink, yea drink abundantly.' 
Cant. v. 1. This fountain is ever free, full, and inexhaustible. 
Why, oh why then are we not always joyful. Why do we ever 
complain for want of comfort. This well is ever open, this 
fountain ever near. Why do we so much neglect, so often 
forsake this fountain of living waters. Where is our faith ; 
why is that precious grace given us, but for use and exercise ? 
So shall we the more glorify the God of all consolation, be 
refreshed in our spirits, and made fruitful in our lives ; and 
our thirst allayed after the perishing comforts of time and 
sense. For saith Jesus, ' Whosoever drinketh of the water 
that I shall give him, shall never thirst.' John iv. 14. 



APRIL 6.] 196 [EVENING. 

Thy God reigneth. Isaiah lii. 7. 

Christ commissions his ministers to proclaim this joyful 
truth to Zion, his church; and that every member of his might 
receive it in faith, change the pronoun and say, my God reign- 
eth. Christ's reign is his people's glory, their triumph on 
earth, and the shouts of disembodied saints in glory. Hark 
to their acclamations of joy. " Alleluja, for the Lord God 
omnipotent reigneth, let us be glad and rejoice, and give hon- 
our to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come/ Rev. xix. 
6, 7. Are we married to the Lamb ; has he got our hearts and 
aifections ? Then we should constantly rejoice, and give hon- 
our to him, that he who is our God reigneth. Where ? Where 
he dwells. In heaven for us, and in our hearts over us. For, 
as he dwells in our hearts by faith, he spiritually reigns ovei 
all within us. Oh what matter of joy and consolation is this ! 
For (1) If our King has set up his throne in our hearts, what 
enemy can hurt us ? They must conquer the Lord God omni- 
potent, before they can subdue us. If Christ reign for us, and 
in us, we are sure of reigning eternally in glory with him. (2) 
Consider his rich grace in thus reigning. We were once under 
the reign of a dreadful tyrant. ( Sin reigned in, and over us 
unto death/ Rom. v. 21. Though we have sin in our nature, 
though it warreth in our members, yet it cannot reign, and get 
the victory over us. It is under the feet of Christ, it is his 
vanquished enemy. He reigns over it, and we are under the 
reign of his grace. ' Grace reigns through righteousness unto 
— what ? Present peace, comfort and joy ? Yes, and infinitely 
more, even unto ' eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.' Is 
sin our grief and burden? That is a proof that Christ reigns 
in our heart. Do we long for perfect freedom from all sin ? 
That is a sign that we are partakers of his holiness. Are we 
afraid sin will destroy us in death ? It cannot. Jesus reigns 
to give us victory unto eternal life. (3) Behold Jesus, our 
King, reigns in righteousness. Isai. xxxii. 1. ' His people 
shall be all righteous.' lx. 21. Christ's righteousness is upon 
us to justify us ; his Spirit within us, to make us love righte- 
ousness and hate iniquity. If we do not, we only talk of 
Christ's reign, but never felt its power. For he must reign, 
till he has put every enemy under his feet. 1 Cor. xv. 25. 
Therefore, (4) Rejoice, for all your troubles, temptations, con- 
flicts and distresses are under Christ's reign. No one can hurt 
you ; and the last enemy, death, shall bring you to reign with 
him eternally in life. Rom. v. 37. 

The Lord on high dotb ever reign, Then why my soul, my friends, tho^e fears, 

For his dear people's good, Which daily us annoy ? 

They soon shall see their foes all slain, Look up to Christ, wipe oft" your tears. 

And shout the Lamb of God. Rejoice with holt joy. 



APRIL 7.] 197 [MORNING. 

Even we have bdieved in Jesus Christ, that ice might 
be justified by the faith of Christ. Gal. ii. 16. 

* We therefore make this definition of a christian, that he 
is not one who is without sin, but one to whom God imputeth 
not his sin, through faith in Christ. Here we must be nothing 
at all, but only receive the treasure, which is Christ, and ap- 
prehend him in our hearts by faith, though we feel ourselves 
to be never so full of sin. Thus God will glorify his Son, and 
be glorified in us through him.' Thus speaks Luther. Having 
the same spirit of faith, we thus speak, make the same confes- 
sion, rejoice in the same hope, are justified by the same Jesus, 
comforted by the same truth, sanctified by the same Spirit, are 
heirs of the same promises, and entitled to the same kingdom. 
And ever remember, all is of free grace. 

Here the most dignified apostle, as well as the most obscure 
sinner are upon a level : there is no difference. Both have the 
same evils to be delivered from, the same object to be saved 
by, both believe in one Jesus to the same blessed end, to enjoy 
peace and pardon from God the Father. In the knowledge of 
this consists all our comfort ; and for this, as poor needy sin- 
ners, we are constantly to cleave to Jesus from hour to hour. 
Have we believed many years since, that we might be justi- 
fied? True, once justified, and ever so ; never after condemned, 
as viewed in Jesus in the sight of God. ' For who shall lay 
any thing to the charge of God's elect. It is God that justi- 
fieth, who is he that condemneth.' Rom. viii. 34. But how is 
it now in our consciences ? Faith is a rooted grace, it cannot 
be lost. Love is its inseparable companion ; sweet peace its 
blessed fruit. But i do ye now believe,' said Jesus. Have 
you the love of God now in you ? Doth the sense of peace 
with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, now abide in the 
heart? If not, intervening clouds, from the world, sin, Satan, 
or the law, intercept the light of God's countenance, and the 
sunshine of his love. What then? Must we live and die 
without hope ? No, blessed be God, he rests in his love ;- it 
is ever the same. Jesus ever lives and prays ; gospel grace is 
still proclaimed to the wretched. Come, as at the beginning, 
to Jesus, owning sin, grieving for folly, and believe in him that 
we may be justified in our consciences, and have a fresh sense 
of pardon and peace. >* They that know thy name will put 
their trust in thee ; for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that 
seek thee.' Psalm ix. 10. 

Good reason for my faith \ have The faith of Christ does justify 

Drawn from the law of love ; The ways of God to man ; 

My Father £ave his Son to sa^e, And God in Christ does justify 

This gift doth faith appr"^ All who ihis truth can scan" M 



APRIL 7.] 198 [EVENING. 

But Jesus stooping down, and with his finder wrote on 
the ground, as though he heard them not. John viii. 6. 

Every, the most minute transaction of the life of Christ, 
should be precious to our souls ; for in all that he did in life, 
and by all that he suffered in death, he manifested himself 
to be the Saviour of lost sinners. The love of his heart knows 
no bounds to such ; he willingly came to seek and to save 
them. It is his joy to iind, and his glory to save the ' lost.' 
Oh were it not so, the hand that writes must tremble to hold 
the pen, must drop it with terror, while his heart must be filled 
with distress, and his soul sink into black despair. But, oh 
this faithful saying, i That Christ Jesus came into the world 
to save sinners/ braces every nerve with joy, and fills the 
whole man with triumph. — See a vile prostitute brought before 
our Lord, and her crime charged upon her. She was taken in 
the act, here are witnesses to prove it, her sin admits not of a 
doubt ; yet Christ pays no attention to them, but pours the 
utmost contempt upon them. From the holy Jesus should we 
not expect to hear, ' Take the vile person from before me, and 
knock out her brains ; her abominable sin deserves it/ Are 
not our self-righteous hearts ready to rise at his conduct? 
• With his finger he wrote on the ground.' Fine amusement 
for a judge ! No, that was not his office. He came, not to try, 
judge, and condemn, but to save sinners. But does he not 
connive at her sin ? By no means : he has an utter abhorrence 
of all sin, at the same time that he has an infinite love to sin- 
ners. His love works by conviction of sin upon the heart, and 
then easing the sin burdened conscience. He had many self- 
righteous hearts before him. While they accused this woman, 
he aimed to convict them. It is said, an ancient Greek copy 
declares, i Christ wrote on the ground, the sins of every one of 
them/ Be that as it may, they were convicted in their own 
consciences. They had not a stone to cast at the poor sinner, 
they left her alone with Christ. What says he to her ? ' I do 
not condemn thee, go and sin no more.' He speaks as the 
sinner justifying, sin hating Saviour. Now imagine yourself 
that guilty sinner, such you are ; standing before Christ, that 
you do ; accused by the law, and condemned by your own 
conscience, that you must own ; and yet, Jesus saying, guilty, 
hell deserving as you are, ' yet I do not condemn thee, S fully 
justify, and freely absolve thee from all sin/ Oh what peace, 
comfort and joy would inspire your soul ! Well, this is true. 
Faith receives it, and takes up the triumphant challenge, who 
shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect. Rom. viii. 33. 

(Jan Jesus e'er he pleased with sin ? Oli let us ne'er licentious he, 

No, sin he hates, sinners he'll love. Because we see free grace abound, 

Then let us prav his grace to win, Rut let us to the Saviour flee, 

And o'er all sin to live ahove. From sins which daily us surround. ». 



APRIL 8.] 139 [MORNING. 

Commit thy ivays unto the Lord : trust in him, and he 
will bring it to jmss. Psalm xxvii. 5. 

We are too apt to forget where we are, what w T e are called 
to, and whither we are going. When we take a survey of the 
present state of men and things, judge according to appear- 
ances in nature and sense, and see one event happen alike to 
all, we are ready to ask, what advantage then hath the chris- 
tian ; or what profit is there to new-born believing souls ? 
Much every way. For unto them, chiefly, are committed the 
oracles of God. The bible is an epistle of love ; the tender 
affections of our loving Father, the living and dying compas- 
sions of our elder brother Jesus, breathe in every page. Here 
we see the various conflicts and trials our former brethren in 
the flesh were exercised with ; how they were supported under, 
and carried through all, safe to glory ; and this, by the very 
same grace and power which is still our happy portion. They, 
being dead, yet speak to us ; to animate and encourage our 
hearts to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 
We see in them the inexplicable mysteries of Providence un- 
veiled, how out of the weakness of nature they were made 
strong in grace. 

It is the glory and excellency of believers to take their 
views, and form their judgment from God's truths ; to oppose 
nature, sense, and feeling ; to stand still and wait to see the 
salvation of God ; to omit no appointed means, but to be dili- 
gent in the way of God's institutions, quietly and patiently 
submitting every issue to his wisdom and goodness. This is 
the obedience of faith, and is attended with the patience of 
hope, and the issue is always determined in love. It is im- 
possible it should be otherwise, for it is the immutable decree 
of heaven, that ' all things work together for good to them who 
love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.' 
Rom. viii. 28. 

Committing our way to God unburdens the mind ; trusting 
our all to him, makes the heart quite easy ; relying on him to 
bring our concerns to pass, makes the spirit joyful. Eut when 
carnal reason is suffered to make its report, then with Jacob 
we cry, ' All these things are against us.' Hence fainting and 
drooping come from fear, fear from doubting, doubting from 
unbelief, and unbelief -chiefly prevails through ignorance and 
inattention to God's word of grace, his covenant love, precious 
promises, and solemn oath in Christ Jesus. Ever needful is 
this prayer of faith, ( Lord, encrease our faith.'' Luke xvii. 5. 

How easy T live, I'm safe like a bird 

How joyful I sing-, Soar'd high on the wing; 

When Ito my Lord, My Lord brings to pass 

My ways do commit. All things hr s^es fit; 



APRIL 8.] 200 [evening. 

Woe unto them which justify the wicked for a reward, 
and take away the righteousness of the righteous Jrom 
him. Isaiah v. 23. 



Persons are said in scripture to do a thing, when they aim 
to do it, and would if it were in their power. So apostates are 
said ' to crucify the Son of God afresh/ Heb. vi. 6. But that 
is impossible. Yet, by denying Christ to be the Son of God, 
they justify the act, and were it in their power, they would do 
it again. So here, a woe is denounced against persons for 
teaching a cursed and corrupt doctrine. (1) They justify the 
wicked for a reward. This is the common and prevailing doc- 
trine of our day. The wicked is the character of every natural 
man. Let the lives of such be ever so wicked, yet instead of 
being told the necessity of being born again of the Spirit, and 
justified by the Son of God ; they are taught to believe that 
they can bribe God's justice, obtain his favour, and justify 
their souls in his sight, by their duties and good works. If 
the Lord had not interposed by his special grace, such would 
have sent my wicked soul to hell, with a lie in my right-hand. 
Glory to thee, oh Spirit, for teaching me the justification and 
salvation of precious Jesus. His blood is my plea for pardon, 
his righteousness my glory for justification unto life. Then (2) 
We are beset on the other side, with those who would take 
away our righteousness from us. What is the righteousness 
of the righteous ? His own works and obedience ? Do these 
constitute us righteous in the sight of God ? No. Why not ? 
Because they fall short of the rule of righteousness, the law of 
God. As they do not fulfil the righteous law, we cannot be 
made righteous thereby. Was our justification put upon this, 
the holiest saint must be condemned for want of righteousness. 
Hear this and tremble, ye self righteous Hear this and be 
humble, ye sin convinced souls. Yet rejoice in Jesus, for he 
is ' the Lord our righteousness.' Jer. xxiii. 6. ' He is of God 
made unto us righteousness.' 1 Cor. i. 20. * We are made 
the righteousness of God in him.' 2 Cor. v. 21. This one, 
everlasting righteousness we receive by faith, and glory in that 
alone : but there be those who would rob us of it, and spoil 
our glorying in it. They tell us this faith leads to licentious- 
ness. We reply, there is a woe against you from the Lord : 
you are linked with those who call evil good and good evil ; 
who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. 
Yea with drunkards also, ver. 20 — 22. See what sad company 
you are in. Your heads are intoxicated with pride, and your 
hearts blinded to the truth, by your own fancied righteousness. 
You decry this truth, which you have not experienced : In the 
Lord shall sinners be justified, and shall glory. Isai. xlv. 25. 



APRIL 9.] ^Oi [MORNING 

Thou standest by faith : be not high-minded, but 
Rom. xi. 20. 



fear 



So we are called upon by the spirit of prophecy, ' Behold 
(give the most earnest attention, let this truth sink deep in 
your hearts) his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him.' 
Hab. ii. 4. Standing by faith, and living by faith, are ever 
opposed to pride, vain confidence, and a high conceit of our 
own attainments. True faith in Jesus sinks the soul in humi- 
lity, works by real love to God, is accompanied with a child- 
like fear of offending him, and excites to a godly jealousy over 
our own souls, lest we fall — fall into sin, fall away from the 
gospel, fall from the precious privileges of Jesus, and the com- 
forting sense of his love. Without this, what is profession 
but an empty name, talking ever so highly but a sound of 
words, pretension to the greatest things but a vain shadow, 
while the substance is not enjoyed. 

It is the glorying of believers in Jesus that they are ' deliver- 
ed out of the hands of their enemies, that they might serve 
God in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.' 
Luke i. 74, 75 ; and it is added, ' without fear.' But are we 
to cast off all kind of fear of God? No verily : no more than 
faith in him, love to him, and hope of enjoying him. One 
would dread such a state most of all, the Lord himself being 
Judge. ' Know therefore and see, that it is an evil and bitter 
thing, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my 
fear is not in thee, saith the Lord of Hosts.' Jer. ii. 19. 

Glory to Jesus, by his grace the bands of legal bondage are 
broken asunder ; the cords of slavish fear, of wrath and hell, 
we cast from us ; yet faith and fear go hand in hand. And 
this is the blessedness of everlasting love and new covenant 
grace : ' f , saith Jehovah, will put my fear in their hearts, that 
they shall not depart from me : so shall they fear me for ever 
for their good.' Jer. xxxii. 40. This is the precious fear the 
apostle exhorts to, which is ever to be cherished in the heart, 
and attended to in one's daily walk. A fear of departing from 
the Lord Jesus tends to keep the soul close to him, fear of 
offending causes watchfulness, hope in a sin-pardoning God 
produceth fear, a sense of pardon encreaseth it. ' There is 
forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.' Psal. 
exxx. 4. e Happy is the man that feareth alway : but he that 
hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.' Prov. xxviii. 14. 

Forbid it Lord, that I forget If I withdraw mv trust from thee, 
My standing is hy faith ; I soon high-minded grow ; 

This ever humbles at thy feet, Forget thy fear, grow proud in self, 
Well pleased at what then saith. So prove I nothing now. m 



2 o 



APRIL 9.] 202 [evening. 

There is no fear in love. Perfect love casteth out 
fear, because fear hath torment : he who feareth is not 
made perfect in love. 1 John iv. 18. 

The wild fire of nature's passions is often mistaken for 
heavenly love, and has hurried people into dreadful delu- 
sions. Some have pretended to be so ' perfect in love/ as to 
have nothing but pure love in them, and that the being of sin 
was entirely taken out of them. But they have soon given 
awful evidence that they ' deceived themselves, and that the 
truth was not in them/ 1 John i. 8. Be wise by other's harms. 
Study the word of God : abide by that. Live upon the ' per- 
fect love of God : glory in that alone. You are and ever will 
be, while in the body, the subject of sin, therefore subject to 
that fear which hath torment ; to fear God as an enemy, armed 
with almighty vengeance and vindictive wrath against you, a 
sinner. How is this tormenting fear to be cast out ? By love, 
the perfect love of God in Christ to sinners. This, clearly 
known, cordially received, and steadily believed in the heart, 
ejects all fear that hath torment. ' There is no fear in love.' 
When we are fully persuaded of God's love, in giving his Son 
to die for our sins, and to save us from wrath ; this precious, 
everlasting, immutable, perfect love of God the Father, and 
God the Son, shed abroad in our hearts by God the Holy 
Ghost, rills our minds with peace and joy. It suffers no tor- 
menting fears of hell and damnation to remain ; our hearts are 
full of heaven. The love of heaven is in our souls. For 6 God 
is love, and God dwelleth in us.' Thou poor sinner, dejected 
with fears, bemoaning thy sins, and mourning thy want of love 
to God, dost thou confess that Jesus is the Son of God ? Know 
then, to thy present peace and everlasting comfort, ' God 
dwelleth in thee, and thou in him.' Do you ask, but why then 
am I so often tormented with fear ? The apostle answers, you 
are not made perfect in, rather, by love. Instead of firmly 
believing, and steadily living upon the perfect love of God in 
Christ, you lose sight of it, are slow of heart to believe it, 
and let it slip out of your mind. Hence fears prevail again in 
your conscience. Here we mistake : we look for perfect love 
in ourselves to God, instead of the perfect love of God to us. 
If we find not a constant, pure flame of love ever burning in 
our hearts, without any smoke of contrary affections, torment- 
ing fears beset us. This is for want of being estaDlished in 
God's love to us. It is by this we are made perfect in our 
conscience, that God is at perfect peace with us in Christ. 
Hence we are happy. ' We love God, because he first loved 
us.' verse 10. 

Oh God of love, now shed abroad, That I may run the heav'nlv road, 

Thy perfect love within my breast, With joy to my eternal rest. 



APKIL 10. j -03 [MORNI^tf. 

Remember the word unto thy servant, upon winch, 
thou hast caused me to hope. Psalm cxix. 49. 

It is not natural to us to hope in God's word. This the 
power of God causeth us to do. Where there is true know- 
ledge of Jesus, the essential Word, there will be a real esteem 
for the scriptures, the written word of Jehovah. The Spirit 
that dwelt in Jesus dictated the truths concerning him, and 
the same Spirit testifies of Jesus in the hear s of his children. 
By the word we are favoured with clear ideaj, just concep- 
tions, and encouraging views of the truths of grace and salva- 
tion. Hence we have the firmest foundation, the strongest 
confidence, and fullest assurance to build our faith and hope 
upon. Hence also we are emboldened to draw nigh to a 
throne of grace, to plead our case, present our distress, and 
claim, with humble boldness, a supply of all our need. 

When there is a death upon all comfortable sense and joy- 
ful feelings, when all things around us wear a gloomy aspect, 
when conscience within writes bitter things against us, the law- 
works wrath, and its terrors make us afraid, and an insulting 
foe, to heighten distress and increase our sorrows, stands over 
us, with ' there, there, so would I have it ; ' in such a season, 
it is life from the dead to remember the infinitely transcendent 
love, victorious toils, and triumphant conquests of Jesus over 
all things for us. How joyful to read that all the promises 
centre in him, and that they are infallibly sure and certain to 
all the seed — yea and amen, to the glory -of God the Father. 
How establishing to hear such gracious words from the mouth 
of Jehovah : e I, even I am he that blotteth out thy transgres- 
sions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.' Isai. 
xliii. 25. How powerfully alluring, how sweetly attracting to 
the affections, when love calls, * Put me in remembrance' — 
plead with me — thou shalt not call in vain — I will hear — I will 
answer thee. Thus love, thus grace descends to the heart; 
thus it speaks by the word. Hence desires are kindled in the 
soul, blown into a flame, and ascend in fervent earnest prayer 
and pleading to n faithful, promise-fulfilling God. Surely we 
can never enough prize God's word, never sufficiently adore 
the Holy Spirit for the knowledge of Jesus by the word ; and 
if the word of the Lord is our hope, we have eternal truth, 
everlasting love, infinite.power, and unchangeable faithfulness 
engaged for us. ' Every word of God is pure : he is a shield 
unto them who put their trust in him.' Prov. xxx. 5. 

\\ bile others boast of nature's frames, Remember, Lord, thy word of grace, 

And ecstasies of joy, On which my soufdoth trust ; 

May I still hope in Gods tried word Fulfil thy promise freely made, 

And thence my comforts draw. 1 plead it thou art just. m. 



APRIL 10.] 204 [evening. 

At that day, saith the Lord, thou shalt call me Ishi, 
and shalt call me no more Baali. Hos. ii. 16. 



Many people say, the scripture is a dead letter. Who told 
them so 1 Not God in his word, certainly. Paul says, ' The 
letter killeth.' 2 Cor. iii. 6. This cannot prove the scripture 
to be a dead letter, but only that the letter of the law is a 
ministration of death. Therefore, even the law cannot be a 
dead letter ; for that which killeth, cannot be dead itself. St. 
Stephen calls it l the lively oracles.' Acts vii. 38. Our Lord 
says, ' The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and 
they are life.' John vi. 63. If we are dead to the law, and 
married to Christ, here is a precious word of spirit and life, 
from our loving Bridegroom to us this night. Married by 
faith : this is what constitutes ' that day,' that gospel day of 
our espousals. Whatever may be in the womb of God's cove- 
nant purpose and decree, concerning any sinner, yet he can 
enjoy no comfort of it, till brought into actual marriage union 
to Christ, by faith. ' Saith the Lord.' When you read this, 
consider yourself in your Lord's presence, and your Lord 
speaking freely to you. ' Thou shalt call me Ishi, and shalt 
call me no more Baali.' Why not? as both names signify 
' my husband.' ' Thy Maker is thy Baal.' Isai. liv. 5. Oh 
but there is much more love raid sweetness in the one, than in 
the other. Here is an overflow of the Lord's affectionate heart 
to us. ' Ishi' is expressive of precious affection, and holy 
familiarity. ' Baali,' of that lordly power, which keeps the 
soul in subjection ; domineering over it, so as to keep it at a 
distance, and making it shy of its Lord. Many women can 
truly call their husbands Baali, because they lord it over them. 
Their fear and dread of them is greater than their love and 
affection to them : but our dear Lord would not have it so with 
us. Therefore bids us, ' Call me Ishi.' Mr. Henry says, ' Ishi 
is my Man ; a Man, the Lord,' Gen. iv. 1. Oh the affectionate 
love, the marvellous humility of our Lord and husband ! May 
he help us to improve these precious words, (1) In casting 
away all servile fear, and slavish dread of our Lord. He has 
taken away the law that cursed us ; put away sin which 
caused it ; and there is nothing but love and compassion in 
his heart to us. Oh let us (2) prove this, in coming to him, 
with the same freedom and familiarity as a loving wife to her 
affectionate husband, and tell him of our sorrows and wants, 
that he may comfort us and supply them. (3) Let us imitate 
Christ in the purity of his love, and the chastity of his affec- 
tion. Turn from all other lovers, delight more in his company, 
and walk closer with him in love. ' For the love of Christ 
passeth knowledge.' Ephes, iii. 19. 



APRIL 11.] 205 [MORNING. 

Jesus said unto them, Take heed what ye hear. Mark 
ivr24. 



It is our unspeakable mercy, it calls for our daily tribute of 
praise, and daily study to improve it, that a free use of the 
lively oracles of truth is permitted us ; others are denied this 
rich privilege. Happy those to whom the word of God is the 
rule of their faith, a light to direct their paths, and a standard 
whereby they try and prove the doctrines they hear, whether 
they are of God or man. The whole truth, as it is in Jesus, is 
precious to every believer. ' Faith comes by hearing the word 
of God.' As the ear is the inlet to the soul, we should ever 
take heed what kind of doctrines we hear. It was through 
the ear that Satan gained access to the heart of Eve, and be- 
guiled her. Paul alludes to this, 2 Cor. xi. 3. ' I fear, lest 
by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his sub- 
tilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity 
that is in Christ.' What is this simplicity? Even this plain 
simple truth, that salvation is wholly and solely by Jesus 
Christ, according to the everlasting purpose and love of God 
the Father, revealed in the word of truth, and applied to the 
soul by the Holy Spirit. Lost and perishing sinners are the 
happy subjects of it. They have no hand in procuring or mak- 
ing it effectual ; but they are wholly saved by election of grace 
through faith. Whatever doctrines are contrary to either of 
these points, oppose revealed truths, are subversive of the 
plan of salvation, tend to rob God of the glory of his grace, 
and his dear children of their comfort and joy of faith. 

Therefore, disciples of the Lamb, take heed ; beware of what 
you hear. These doctrines are not merely speculative, or non- 
essential, but are the important, fundamental, essential truths 
of the gospel. To oppose the doctrine of election is to deny 
the first cause of salvation, the everlasting love of God the 
Father ; it is to gainsay the prophets, apostles, and even our 
Lord himself, who spake most clearly and plainly of it. It is 
to set one's self against the testimony of the Spirit of Truth. 
This ariseth from human pride, which ever imagines it can do 
something to procure God's love. So of the imputed righte- 
ousness of Christ, the saints perseverance in faith and holi- 
ness : If these scripture-truths are maligned and opposed, it 
is from the supposed self-sufficiency and self-righteousnewSs of 
the creature, in order to establish its own righteousness and 
faithfulness; hence salvation becomes precarious, and justifi- 
cation impossible. This strikes at the root of true holiness, 
and tends both to presumption and licentiousness ; for what- 
ever truths are revealed in the word by the Spirit of wisdom 
and truth, it is that they should be the food of our faith, the 
confidence of hope, the rejoicing of love, and excitements to 
holiness. 



APRIL II.] 206 [EVENING. 

Ye are fallen from grace. Gal. v. 4. 

Awful words ! Enough to excite in us a holy fear, a godly 
jealousy, and an earnest cry, Lord, uphold me by thy free 
Spirit. What is here meant by grace ? The doctrine of God's 
free favour, to lost sinners in Christ, redeeming their souls 
from the curse of the law by his blood, justifying their persons 
before God by his righteousness, without any works of their 
own, and finally saving them without any desert of theirs. Oh 
my Lord, what rich, what matchless grace is this ! My soul 
shall love and praise thee eternally in heaven for this. No, 
but stop, thy joy is damped. Thou mayest fall from this grace, 
lose the favour of God, and fall into hell. Who says this ? 
Some say, Paul here does. No, it is as impossible for a saint 
in Christ Jesus thus to fall, as for a glorified saint in heaven to 
fall into hell. Christ is God, and it is impossible for God to 
lie. Christ says, ' My sheep shall never perish/ John x. 28. 
If they did, God the Father must change in his love ; God the 
Son shed his blood, in the greatest agony, in vain ; God the 
Spirit's work upon their hearts would be fruitless, and hell 
would triumph against the love, grace and power of Jehovah. 
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, for persevering, as well as convert- 
ing grace. What then does the apostle here mean ? (l) and 
principally, These Galatian professors of the great and glori- 
ous doctrines of the grace of God, had fallen into other notions 
of justification, than by the righteousness of Christ only. They 
thought their own works must have some hand in procuring it, 
first or last Therefore (2) They were fallen from the profes- 
sion they once made, that they saw themselves lost and perish- 
ing sinners, come short of the glory of God, destitute of a righ- 
teousness to justify them in his sight, and must eternally perish 
without the righteousness of Christ. For, (3) They were now 
fallen into a high opinion of their own free will, to work out a 
righteousness to justify them in whole or in part — faithfulness 
to grace received to entitle them to God's favour — their own 
sinless perfection to keep them in his favour. If at first they 
are not justified by their own works, yet there is a second jus- 
tification, when their works shall entitle them to glory. This 
is the case with some in our day. At first they thought God's 
free grace, through the blood and righteousness of Christ, 
would entirely save them. But now, grown wise in their own 
eyes, and mighty strong in their own power, they are fallen 
from the grace of the gospel, into the pride of nature. They 
say, ' We once leaned too much to Calvinism.' Now, forsaking 
the truth, they get perfection in themselves. Now they can 
do without the imputed righteousness of Christ, and vehement- 
ly exclaim against the doctrines of grace. From such falling, 
good Lord deliver us ! 



APRIL 12.] 207 (.MORNING. 

And Joshua said unto Ac/tan, My son, give, 1 pray 
thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confes- 
sion unto him. Josh. vii. 19. 

The Lord our God is a jealous God ; jealous of his own 
glory and his people's good. Sin is contrary to both. God so 
loves his people, that he will not suffer sin to reign in them. 
Wilful, allowed sin, however secret, he will chastise for, and 
bring the soul to confess and repent of. Though sin shall not 
bring any one of God's dear children to hell, yet it may bring 
a hell into the conscience for a season. Sin may break the 
peace of mind, though it cannot break the covenant of peace. 

Wilful transgression causes the Lord to hide his face, or 
frown upon his dear children. This weakens their hands, 
dejects their hearts, and the enemy gets power against them. 
This was the case with Achan ; therefore the accursed thing 
must be found out, confessed, and put away. Methinks 
Achats case should remind the believer of his carnal sinful 
nature, it is from hence spring all his troubles. Indulging 
its sinful motions brings grief to the soul ; encouraging an 
opinion of its goodness and righteousness, is dissembling with 
God. It is hiding somewhat f in the earth, in the midst of the 
tent/ which is abominable to him, and robs him of his glory. 
The flesh, with its lusts and corruption, though we may think 
of them as Achan did of the Babylonish garment, that they 
are -' goodly/ yet they are accuised by the law of God. There- 
fore w r e are, through the Spirit, to ' crucify the flesh, with its 
affections and lusts.' Like the wedge of gold, and the shekels 
of silver, all must be given up; we must retain none of its 
riches and treasures. How often has our flesh made our hands 
hang down, our knees faint, and our hearts troubled ! 

Oh christian, thou son of the Most High, give glory to the 
Lord God of Israel ; hide nothing in the earth, in thy vile 
nature, from thy Lord and Saviour ; make confession unto 
.iesus of all that is in thee, vile and abominable, wretched and 
hell-deserving as thou art by nature. Give Jesus all the glory 
of redemption, justification and salvation. Expect no good 
from the flesh, in the pleasures and enjoyments of sense ; seek 
it all in Jesus, and from his Spirit. As Achan troubled Israel, 
he must therefore perish in the valley of Achor. So, christian, 
the flesh that troubles thy spirit is shortly to fall and die under 
the sentence for sin. But, saith the Lord, ' I will give the 
valley of Achor (trouble) for a door of hope.' Hosea ii. 15. 
Though the body be sown in dishonour, yet it shall be raised 
in glory. For, saith Jesus, ' 1 am the resurrection and the 
life. He who liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.' 
John xi. 25, 26. 



APRIL 12.] 208 [EVENING. 

By the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous 
Rom. v. 19. 



Paul speaks of ' another Jesus, another Spirit, and another 
Gospel.' 2 Cor. xi. 4. Some talk of a Jesus who shed his 
blood for sinners, and yet lets them perish for want of righte- 
ousness. This is another Jesus, than what the scriptures 
reveal. They speak of a Spirit who strives to make sinners 
righteous, but meeting with so much unexpected perverse 
wickedness in their nature, he gives over his attempt, and 
leaves them to perish in their sins. This is another Spirit than 
that Spirit, whose office it is to convince us of sin, and of the 
righteousness of Christ, to sanctify us in him, and to glorify 
Jesus. Again, they preach what they call gospel, which con- 
sists of certain terms to be fulfilled, and conditions to be per- 
formed by them, in order to get righteousness and eternal life. 
This is another gospel, than that good news of everlasting- 
righteousness, life and salvation, being the free gift of God 
through Christ, to hopeless, helpless, desperate sinners. The 
subtlety of the serpent is in all this. Our minds, though es- 
poused to Jesus, are in danger of being corrupted from the 
simplicity that is in Christ. Paul was jealous over souls with 
a godly jealousy, on account of this. We ought so to be, over 
our own souls. Here is a plain, simple truth. ' By the one 
obedience of Jesus, shall many be made righteous.' That 
heart is not simple which raises the least cavil or objection to 
the obedience of Christ imputed to believing sinners, or says 
they are or may be made righteous any other way. Such reject 
the truth, deny the faith, corrupt minds, dishonour our Lord, 
and deprive souls of the comfort and joy which spring from 
believing Jesus to be, ' The Lord our Righteousness.' Avoid 
such, as you would those who deny the divinity of our ever 
dear Lord. Hold fast and rejoice in this blessed truth, that 
though you are a miserable sinner in yourself, though your 
obedience, after all your sincere strivings and earnest endea- 
vours, is maimed and imperfect ; yet the perfect, spotless obe- 
dience of the Son of God is yours, imputed to your account ; 
as much yours, as though you had in your own person, obeyed 
every jot and tittle of the law of God. By this one obedience 
of Christ, you are perfectly righteous in God's sight. He looks 
on you, loves you, and will treat you as such. Oh then, poor 
sinner, be not dejected, as without hope, but rejoice and give 
glory to your dear Surety, who has fulfilled all righteousness 
for you, that you should eternally love, serve, and rejoice in 
him, though you have no confidence in the flesh. Phil. iii. 3. 

God's truths demand obedient saith, Then to thyself for sin take shame, 

We're bound to hear whale'er he faith ; And all the glorv 2:ive tie Lamb. 



A.PRIL 13.] 209 [MORNING. 

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to 
the things which we have heard, lest at any time ive 
should let them slip. Heb. ii. 1. 

The body receives little nourishment, if its food hastily pass 
through it. To health and strength, proper digestion is neces- 
sary. Divine truths, eagerly heard and soon forgot, neither 
comfort nor strengthen the soul. When the babe Jesus was 
lying in the manger, and the shepherds had told the glorious 
things they had seen and heard concerning him, many ' won- 
dered.' But it was the happiness of the virgin mother, that 
• she kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.' 
Luke ii. 18. We can never be comfortable in Jesus, but while 
the truths concerning him dwell in our minds. 

Many complain of bad memories, they can retain but little 
of the doctrines of grace. True, Jesus saves none for the sake 
of a strong memory ; neither will his loving heart cast off any 
because of a weak one. Yet it is our daily interest to take the 
wholesome advice which the Spirit of wisdom dictates. His 
word is our direction, his gracious cautions are necessary to 
prevent evils. What he teacheth is profitable to the soul's 
health. It behoves us to give the most earnest heed to the 
truths of Jesus ; they demand all our attention. Pondering 
them in our minds, dwelling on them in our hearts continually, 
tend, through grace, to keep us watchful against what would 
rob us of their comfort, and to strengthen our memories, to 
retain the sweet sense of them. Hence a holy fear will be 
excited, lest at any time we should let them slip, or run out of 
our minds, as water does through a leaky vessel ; and so we 
lose the savour of them from our hearts. 

Sudden flashes of comfort, hasty transports of joy, are du- 
bious as to their cause. It is by the word of truth we are to 
try them, and it is by that we shall be able to stand. The 
gospel of grace inspires with courage. Through the knowledge 
of Jesus Ave shall conquer. That Spirit, which excites to dili- 
gence and care, will establish us in the truth. Studious souls, 
in the school of Jesus, make the most established and lively 
disciples. The opposition of enemies to the truths of electing 
love, to Jesus' righteousness, and the final salvation of his 
redeemed, shall do us no harm. This shall be overruled by 
grace, to the rooting and" establishing the faith of God's chil- 
dren. The oak is rooted stronger by the blast that shakes it. 
The more we see of the evil of sin, the pride and unbelief of 
our corrupt natures, and the subtle devices of Satan, so much 
the more dear and precious shall we esteem the doctrines of 
free grace, and the finished salvation of Jesus. And we shall 
prove ourselves his true disciples, ' if we hold fast the confi- 
dence, and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.' Heb. 
iii. 6. 2 E 



APRIL 18.] 210 [EVENING. 

He ivho trmteth in his oivn heart is a fool. Prov. 
xxviii. 26. 



We all do so naturally, therefore we are all natural fools ; 
but through our blindness we are ignorant of it, through pride 
we will not own it. How many continue in this awful state 
of folly, ignorance and pride. Among the many who are made 
wise unto salvation, how doth this folly of self-confidence 
cleave to them ? Say some, To be sure, it is the greatest folly 
for natural men to trust in their own hearts, for they are de- 
ceitful above all things, and desperately wicked ; but God hath 
given me a new heart, a clean heart, and a good heart, and 
surely I may trust in it. — This is the natural language of folly, 
not the judgment of a new creature in Christ. Hear (he Lord : 
' I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord ; 
and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, for they 
shall return unto me with their whole heart.' Jer. xxiv. 7. So 
that the new heart, the clean heart, and the good heart, which 
is from the Lord, knows the Lord as its only confidence, and 
returns to the Lord, and trusts in him wholly and solely. This 
is the nature of true faith, to go entirely out of ourselves, and 
to trust wholly in the Lord. It is the foolish, deceitful, wicked 
workings of the old evil heart of unbelief, that causes self-con- 
fidence. Such was Peter's vain confidence. Hence he got a 
dreadful fall, to teach him more humility. Hazael was very 
self-righteous : he started and stared, when he was told what 
a wicked thing he should do. All the disciples forsook Christ, 
for all their bold declaration to the contrary. Would not that 
mariner be a fool, who would trust his ship to ride out a storm, 
with an anchor of lead, and a cable of straw ? He exalteth 
such folly, who trusts in any inherent righteousness, wisdom, 
and power of his own. For he thereby withdraws his confi- 
dence, in our only righteous, wise, and powerful Friend and 
Saviour. Trust not in the fine frames, and warm feelings of 
your heart. The graces of the Spirit are not bestowed to exalt 
self-confidence, but to glorify Jesus, in whom should be our 
whole and sole trust. For ' of God he is made unto us, 
wisdom, righteousness, sanctiflcation, and redemption/ To 
what end ? A most blessed one. Oh study it more and more, 
day by day, ' That according as it is written, he that glorieth, 
let him glory in the Lord. 1 Cor. i. 31 . 

How foolish a part, 

To trust in one's heart, 
And let go the Lamb, and from him depart? 

Lord, beat clown our pride, 

Oh keep near thy side, 
And keep us chaste to thee, as- thy loving bride. 

While in thee we trust, 

And of thee we boast, 
Fill us with jov in thee, thro' the Holy Ghost 



A.PRIL 14.] 21.1 [MORNING. 

He pave them thtir request, but sent leanness into 
their soul. Psalm cvi. 15. 



When the sunshine of worldly ease, and a greater portion of 
the good things of this life than he was wont to enjoy, fell to 
the lot of that champion of Jesus of blessed memory, Luther, 
it excited a holy fear and jealousy in his heart, which made 
him cry out, ' Lord, I will not be put off with these things/ 
However pleasant and agreeable worldly prosperity may be to 
the flesh, yet indulging and pampering the body begets and 
feeds many disorders and humours which are destructive to the 
health of the souL The body without exercise, naturally loses 
its strength and vigour. Afflictions are the exercise of the 
soul ; though they be dreaded because grievous to the flesh, 
yet are they profitable to the spirit, or else not one of God's 
dear children should know what a single trouble is ; for they 
are all the allotments of covenant love. In our prayers we 
often imitate James and John, ' we know not what we ask.' 
We ask amiss, and yet are ready to complain that the Lord 
doth not answer us according to our desire ; though the very 
thing we asked would have proved as a serpent, to bite and 
destroy us. 

Oh what patience doth our God and Father exercise towards 
the froward dispositions of his dear, but untoward children ! 
It would be bad for the best of us, if we w r ere our own carvers. 
Let Peter have his request, and Jesus shall not die ; then 
Peter and every soul of man must have perished. It is our 
mercy that the Lord sometimes answers prayers with denials ; 
he most blesses us by not granting our petitions. Saints long 
and pray to be entirely delivered from the body of sin ; but 
though the Lord doth not take it away, yet he gives what is 
better, grace to subdue our corruptions : and withal subdues 
pride, and keeps the soul dependent upon himself, which is 
best of all. Thy will, thy glory should ever set bounds to our 
petitions. The health and prosperity of the immortal soul, is 
infinitely to be preferred to the enjoyment and happiness of 
the perishing body. Gay clothing, with empty pockets, and a 
lean, starving body, is a distressed condition ; but how much 
more deplorable, how awfully to be dreaded, the state of many 
professors ! They have got what they eagerly sought, aud 
earnestly requested ; the. riches, honours, and pleasures of this 
world ; but alas, their precious souls are in a lean, starving, 
famishing condition. Can the comforts and joys of a perishing 
w r orld compensate the want of a sense of God s love, the reviv- 
ing grace of our Lord Jesus, and the comforting fellowship of 
the Holy Ghost ? We should be ever concerned, in all our peti- 
tions, to make the enjoyment of God the chief, the ultimate 
end. ' Hearken diligently unto me, eat ye that which is good, 
and let vour soul delight itself in fatness.' Isai. lv. 2. 



APRIL 14.] 212 [EVENING 

For thy names sake, oh Lord, pardon mine iniquity, 
for it is great. Psalm, xxv. 11. 

Strange plea ! Great is mine iniquity, therefore pardon it ! 
Such an address at a throne of grace, never rose from a self- 
righteous heart. No : with the pharisee of old they are ready 
to say, Thank God, I am not such a sinner as David was. 1 
never committed the horrid crimes of murder and adultery : 
his iniquity was great indeed. It was so : but souls enlight- 
ened by the Spirit of truth, to see the spirituality of the holy 
law of God, will agree to our Saviour's gloss upon it, that lust 
is adultery in the heart, and anger a species of murder in the 
soul. Matt. v. 28. * Out of the heart proceed murders, adul- 
teries, &c.' xv. 19. Sensible of the desperate wickedness of 
our heart, convinced of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, who 
will dare plead, pardon mine iniquity for it is little ? Is it 
against a little God that sin is committed? Is a little wrath 
revealed against sin ? Did a little Christ die for us ? Is a 
little hell the punishment of sin ? Lord forbid that we should 
think little of sin, or that iniquity should appear little in our 
eyes. The iniquity of each of us all is great. 

Oh says a poor sin-burdened soul, mine iniquity is great, 
too great to be forgiven. So the father of lies might suggest 
to David, but he believed him not. Great as his iniquity was, 
he did not aggravate his crimes, by rejecting God's declara- 
tions of mercy, invitations of grace, and promises of pardon. 
He confesses his great iniquity, and pleads pardon for it. On 
what does he found his plea? For ' thy name's sake, oh 
Lord.' Thou hist taken upon thee, that precious name, Jesus. 
Thou wilt be salvation to the ends of the earth. Psal. xcviii. 3. 
Thy blood cleanseth from all sin. Wash me in it, and I shall 
be whiter than snow. All manner of sin and blasphemy shall 
be forgiven unto men. Oh while these glorious truths stand 
upon record, I cannot doubt — I dare not despair. The belief 
of them causes me to pray, and plead, and hope. Great as 
mine iniquity is, great as my distress is, yet thou art a great 
God and Saviour, to pardon my sin, and give peace to my soul. 
Was ever any sinner sent to hell, with such a plea in his 
mouth? No, that is impossible ; for the word of God cannot 
be broken, which says, ' If we confess our sins, God is faith- 
ful and just to forgive us our sins.' 1 John i. 9. Therefore 
heaven rings with acclamations of joy from such pardoned, 
glorified sinners. Oh that we may join them, in giving glory 
unto him, who loved us and washed us from our sins in his 
own blood. Rev. i. 5. 

No sin however great, Pardon, oh Lord, my soul, 

Shall keep me from my God ; Bring comfort to my mind, 

For Christ's salvation is complete ; Oh make my wounded spirit whole, 

J'll pleadhis cleansing hlood. loy in thee, let me find. m. 



APRIL 15.] 213 [morning. 

Then opened he their understanding, that they might 
understand the scriptures. Luke xxiv. 45. 

Though Jesus had captivated the heart, and drawn the affec- 
tions of his disciples to himself, before his sufferings and death, 
yet they had very little knowledge in the mysteries of his king- 
dom, and of the mystery of iniquity which worked in them. 
They were but weak in the understanding of the holy scrip- 
tures ; hence arose their diffidence and suspicions concerning 
him. He left them scattered through fear and unbelief, and he 
finds them full of unreasonable doubts and troubles. For this 
he reproves them : ' Oh fools, and slow of heart to believe all 
that the prophets have spoken.' But amidst all their weak- 
ness and ignorance there was a sweet and secret confidence in 
their hearts. Jesus had apprehended them as prisoners of 
love, and they were kept by an invisible power, that they 
might apprehend that for which also they were apprehended of 
Christ Jesus. Though he made the hearts of two of his dis- 
ciples ' burn within them/ yet there was more warmth than 
light ; a transient heat of affections, but not a settled under- 
standing and judgment in the scriptures. Thus it is with 
many of the lambs of the flock now. They have been taught 
to call ' Jesus Lord by the Holy Ghost.' They feel some 
flashes of comfort, but are oftener exercised with doubts and 
fears, jealousies and surmises ; but as the Saviour hath loved 
them, and called them to himself, he will establish their hearts 
in the faith. He not only warms the affections, but opens the 
understanding. Many mistake here : not the fire of our pas- 
sions is to govern us, but our clear understanding of the 
scriptures. By them our faith is strengthened, our judgment 
established, our love encreased, our hearts comforted, our holi- 
ness promoted. Thus Jesus honoured the scriptures of truth : 
so he gave his first resurrection-blessing to his w r eak but sin- 
cere disciples. 

' Jesus died for our sins, and rose again according to the 
scriptures. 5 I Cor. xv. 3. His whole work on earth was to 
fulfil the scriptures. So he honoured them, and herein has left 
us an example. Prize the word of truth, study it constantly, 
pray over it daily. By the word of truth the Spirit teacheth 
knowledge. The scriptures are the sword of the Spirit : Satan 
will fly before them, because they testify of Jesus. Here is 
an evidence of a true disciple : Jesus hath opened his under- 
standing to understand the scriptures. Hath the Lord thus 
blessed thee? Then thou seest Jesus to be the sum and sub- 
stance of the scriptures, therefore thou wilt esteem them as 
thy companion, thy guide, and thy familiar friend. • For 
whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our 
learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the scrip- 
tures, might have hope.' Rom. xv. 4 



APRIL 15.] 214 [evening. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and 1 will give thee a 
crown of life. Rev. ii. 10. 

This text has been seized by Arminian hands, dragged to 
their mint, the impress of man's faithfulness struck on their 
minds, as his title to a crown of life ; and pressed into their 
service, to militate against the electing love of God, and finish- 
ed salvation by Christ alone. Oh christian, does not your 
heart rise with indignation, against such a self exalting notion ! 
It is the very dregs of unfaithfulness to Christ. Are you not 
ready to spurn it with a holy vehemence, saying, get to hell, 
from whence ye sprung? What! My faithfulness on earth, 
the cause, the condition, the merit of my being crowned in 
heaven? Oh my law-fulfilling, justice-satisfying, sin-atoning 
Jesus, can I ever think so meanly of thy agony and bloody 
sweat, thy cross and passion, thy precious death and buriai, 
thy glorious resurrection and ascension ? And of the corning 
of the Holy Ghost, as though all this obtained no more for me, 
than to make way for my faithfulness, to entitle me to a crown 
of glory ! Oh Christ glorifying Spirit, never didst thou teach 
such a diminutive thought of Christ's finished salvation. For- 
bid, that my soul should ever indulge such a self-exalting 
motion. Enable me to attend my Lord's gracious words. What 
means he by our being faithful ? To believe on him to death, 
to exercise our faith constantly on him as our dear Saviour, 
whose blood has atoned for our sins, whose righteousness 
justifies our persons ; who has perfectly reconciled us to God, 
and ever lives to love, pray for, and save us to the uttermost. 
Steadily to believe his word of truth which exalts his grace 
and love, sincerely to obey his precepts which adorn 'his gos- 
pel, to live upon him as our only title to glory, as our head of 
influence, and to receive out of his fulness, grace upon grace, 
to ripen us for glory : — thus faithfully to confess him to be our 
all in all, and ourselves nothing at all, in the work of salva 
tion. To be faithful to his advice, ' After ye have done all 
these things, say we are' — what ? Perfect, sinless creatures, 
who have our own faithfulness to plead at death, for a crown 
of glory ? Oh no : this would be most arrogant unfaithfulness 
to such a precious Saviour, even if we were called to the stake 
for his truth. But even martyrs, in the midst of the flames, 
must say, ( We are unprofitable servants,' Luke xvii. 10. To 
be faithful unto death, is to renounce the filthy rags of our 
own righteousness — all our own faithfulness, cleaving to 
Christ, saying, Oh that I may win Christ and be found in him, 
who gave me grace (o be faithful, and graciously promises a 
crown of life, of his free gift. Rom, vi. 23. 

Sin shall not bow my spirit down, His mercy lifts mv spirit up 

Nor chase me from mv Lord To hear and trust his word. 



APRIL 16.] 215 [morning. 

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ : to him be glory both noiv and 
for ever Amen. 2 Pet. iii. 18. 

Christian, know thy danger. Thou art ever liable to be led 
away by the error of the wicked one, to decline from the truth, 
and to fail away from thy siedfastness in the faith of Jesus. 
Exhortations warn of this ; they tend to quicken stronger exer- 
cises of faith and love, as a remedy against this; yea, through 
the influences of the Spirit they cause new-born souls to grow 
and increase with the increase of God, just as reviving show- 
ers of rain and warm influences of the sun cause the fruits of 
the earth to grow. It behoves every follower of the Lamb to 
consider this ; to wrestle with the God of all grace, lest he 
grow faint in his mind, his hands hang down, and his knees 
become feeble ; but that he grow ' strong in the grace which is 
in Christ Jesus.' Behold the inseparable connexion between 
grace and Jesus, knowledge and growth. No growth in grace 
but by the knowledge of Jesus. The more thou growest up in 
thy head, Christ, the more thou wilt grow out of hope in thy- 
self, out of conceit with thyself, out of the reach of the self- 
righteously wicked. 

To know and experience the grace of God in Christ, is the 
special mercy of poor sinners. To grow in the faith of free- 
grace truths, and in the knowledge of the love of Jesus, is our 
richest consolation, our highest joy. Hast thou experienced a 
little of this special grace ; hast thou tasted that the Lord is 
gracious ? In this consists thy present blessedness, peace, 
and joy. But, alas, what is thy knowledge and experience, 
but like a drop of water to the vast ocean. Art thou hunger- 
ing after more grace, thirsting after greater knowledge of 
Jesus ? Verily, thou shalt be filled — ' filled with all the fulness 
of God,' It is the nature of grace, the property of the know- 
ledge of Jesus, to create an insatiable thirst in the soul after 
deeper experiences of-it. Hence means of grace will be dili- 
gently used ; the scriptures, which testify of Jesus, constantly 
searched ; the gospel of grace highly prized, the sincere milk 
of the word desired, and the influences of the Spirit implored. 
Why all this ? That the soul may grow 7 in the faith and love 
of Jesus ; that the bud of grace may blossom and bear ripe 
fruit to the glory of God. The smallest knowledge of Jesus 
shall be increased till the believing babe in Christ comes ' in 
the unity of the faith, and in the knowledge of the Son of God, 
to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ; 1 until 
faith is turned into sight, hope swallowed up in fruition, and 
the love of an unseen Jesus on earth shall ripen into the fullest 
enjoyment of him in heaven ; and all this to the glory of God 
Father, w r ho hath made us accepted in his beloved Son. 



APRIL -16.] 216 [EVENING. 

Go and cry unto the gods which ye hare chosen, let 
them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. Judges 
x. 14. 



A severe sarcasm from the Lord to apostate professors. It 
causes a hell upon earth to a renewed soul, to hear and feel 
just upbraidings from the Lord of heaven. This is one of his 
severest chastisings to his children. Here is an awful charge, 
and a severe reproof. The Lord keep us clear of the one, that 
we fall not under the other. Consider, (1) The charge. It is 
idolatry : they had gods of their own choosing. For the Lord's 
sake, and for our souls' sake, let us not think, we are in no 
danger of falling into this sin. It is committed by professors 
every day. Aged Paul wept over such. Though they pro- 
fessed Christ r yet they were enemies to his cross. Their belly 
was their God, and their hearts were set upon earthly things. 
Phil. iii. 19. Such are not content with Christ as their portion 
— to live in fellowship with him — to walk in self denied love 
and obedience before him — and to derive all their comfort and 
happiness from him. The lusts of the flesh they gratify, earthly 
things have their hearts. Thus they give up the Lord, and 
give into idolatry against him. Oh what a heinous crime is 
this ! How much practised, how little thought of, deplored 
and deprecated! Christians, where are your hearts? Who 
has your affections ; God, the flesh, or the world ? If not God, 
depend on it you will soon very soon hear from him, in such a 
way as will be awfully distressing. Consider, (2) The reproof. 
A day of tribulation will come. When sorrow and distress 
seize on your minds, then God is a blessed refuge. But oh 
then to think, alas ! I have forsaken the Lord — have preferred 
other lovers to him — chosen other gods beside him — the world 
has had my heart and my hope — I have lived to the flesh — I 
have minded earthly things, and indulged covetous desires. 
Well, but I read, notwithstanding all this, ' The children ot 
Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, we have forsaken our God, 
and served idols,' ver. 10. Ah, but mind the Lord's cutting 
answer, * Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen, let 
them deliver you.' A severer reproof is scarcely to be found 
in the bible. Oh lay it to hear , and deeply consider its im- 
port. Ho not, I pray you, cast away this with contempt as 
very legal ; for consider, the Lord, though as your Father, 
may everlastingly love your persons in Christ, yet he hates 
your conduct, and will make you smart for it in your con- 
science. True it is said, • The Lord's soul was grieved for 
the misery of his children/ ver. 16. But, oh consider, the 
great misery they must feel to grieve the soul of the Lord. 
'What a compassionate Saviour is our Christ: in all our 
afflictions he is afflicted.' Isai. Ixiii. 9. 



APRIL 17.] 217 [MORNING. 

Ye were as sheep going astray, but are now returned to 
the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Pet. ii. 25. 

Scripture allusions continually remind us, that salvation is 
' not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God 
vvho sheweth mercy/ Therefore not unto us, not to our free 
will, but to thy free grace, oh Lord, be all the glory. Like 
that poor silly creature, a sheep, we naturally stray into all 
kind of danger, but are unapt to return of ourselves. We 
never should, unless the Shepherd sought us. ' We have 
turned every one to his own way,' have lost ourselves in the 
wilderness of sin, are wounded by the wolf of prey, blinded 
by pride, self-will, and self-righteousness. We delight in our 
distance from the good Shepherd. We please ourselves in 
feeding on carnal lusts and sensual vanities, while our poor 
souls are in a starving, perishing condition. Cuparalleled 
love ! The sheep's wounds are healed by the Shepherd's stripes; 
pardon is obtained by the Bishop's sufferings and death. All 
this is proclaimed by the Shepherd s voice. But, oh what 
fools ; how slow of heart to believe this ! This keeps many 
poor sheep from returning to Jesus ; and those that have heard 
his voice, and are returned to him, do not keep so close to him 
as is their interest and happiness. The loving Shepherd com- 
plains of this, Jer. ii. 31. * Have I been a barren wilderness 
unto you, oh ye sheep of my pasture V No, truly : our souls 
can never be healthy and thriving but while our Shephnrd is in 
view, and we are feeding in the green pastures of his love, by 
the still waters of his salvation. 

It behoves Christ's sheep to consider daily how dear they 
are to him, what sweet relation he stands in to them, what love 
and care he has for them ; that so Jesus may be more endear- 
ed to them, and his pastoral instructions, cautions and direc- 
tions, may influence their walk and conversation ; for the 
adversary is ever working upon our treacherous nature to 
make us conceive of Jesus otherwise than a faithful shepherd 
and loving overseer, that so, as terrified sheep, we may fly 
from him, and cease to love and follow him. Yea, to this end 
the father of lies thus preaches : * Though you are returned to 
your Shepherd, yet after all he may cease to care for you, and 
let you perish.' This is the doctrine of devils, let who will 
preach it ; for it gives the lie to Jesus, the Truth, who says, 

* I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, 
neither shall any pluck them out of my hands.' John x. 28. 
' We are not ignorant of Satan's devices,' 2 Cor. ii. 11; nor 

* of the cunning craftiness of those who lie in wait to deceive 
Ephes. iv. 14. 



AP3IL 17.] 2J8 LLVExNINtr 

Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name 
of the Lord Jesus. Col. iii. 17. 

I have sometimes thought, how it is possible, that a believer 
in Christ can ever wilfully and deliberately commit any one 
sin ? It is hardly to be conceived, that such can live and walk 
under the power of sin. I am sure all sin is as contrary to tlie 
nature of a new born soul, as heaven is to hell : yet nothing is 
more plain from the word of God, and the experience of his 
saints, than that sin dwells in them. But they are solemnly 
forbid, to ' let sin reign in them, that they should obey it in the 
lusts thereof.' Horn. vi. 12. And if our souls are not striving 
against sin, and pressing after holiness, I know not where to 
find one text in the word of God, to encourage us to believe 
and hope that we are the children of God. I dread not the 
satanic grin of licentious antin-omians. Does their infectious 
breath pronounce this legal ? It only proclaims their unrege- 
nerate enmity against God's truth, his grace and glory. 

Ye believers in, and lovers of the Lord Jesus, here is a 
short, but most blessed and comprehensive rule for your walk 
and conduct. Does Satan tempt, the world allure, and the 
flesh lust ? Gratify them if ye can, only see that you do it 
according to this apostolic rule. Yea, get drunk, game, go to 
plays, routs, take your full swing in carnal pleasures and sen- 
sual delights, and mix with the wicked and profane, only see 
that you do all this as here commanded, in the name of the 
Lord Jesus. Does you heart recoil? It must, if the name of 
the Lord Jesus is music to your ears, and the joy of your soul. 
You can no more take delight in these things, than in the 
music of hell. Oh the matchless charms of that precious name ! 
Lord, never, never suffer them to wear off our hearts. Thy 
name charms away the power of sin, the love of the world, and 
the pleasures of sense. It charms our souls in the presence of 
God, fellowship with God, and into the joys of heaven. Right 
welcome are we to God, fully reconciled to him, and perfectly 
accepted with him, in the precious name of the Lord Jesus. 
Oh my dear, dear Saviour, it is in thy precious name, my heart 
would now indite. Oh for the pen of a ready writer, to display 
the glories of thy precious name, my King and my Lord. May 
the readers of these meditations find the odour of thy name in 
them, ' as ointment poured forth, that they may love thee.' 
Song i. 3. To us sinners, ' The name of Jesus is above every 
name.' Phil. ii. 9. 

Thy words and deeds, thou matchless Lamb, This wicked world with all its charms, 
Proclaim thy love to me : 1'nt underneath my feet : 

Oh may 1 live and love thy name, Keep me encircled in thine arms, 
And ever honour thee. Where all mv comforts meet. M. 



APRIL 18.] 219 [morning 

God is faithful, by whom ye were called to the fellow- 
ship of Ids Son Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. i. 9. 

While we entertain a notion of a God out of Christ, it 
affords no comfort to the mind to hear of God's faithfulness. 
Nay, if we were not blind to our state, as sinners, the thought 
would fill us with dread and horror. For how awful, how 
terrifying is this declaration from a faithful God : ' I will by 
no means clear the guilty.' Exod. xxxiv. 7. But ' we know 
that the Lord our God, he is God, the faithful God, who keep- 
eth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his 
commandments, to a thousand generations/ Deut. vii. 9. This 
is the life of poor sinners, the joy of their hearts. For when- 
ever one reads of the ' covenant,' it reminds of Jesus the surety, 
the mediator, of God in Christ, the God of love, our reconciled 
God and Father. We have no immediate access to the Father 
but by his Son Jesus Christ. When called into fellowship, 
intercourse, familiarity, and sweet converse with Jesus by 
faith, then we have free access to the Father's throne of grace, 
and his heart of love. We glory in his great and precious 
promises, and triumph in his declarations of faithfulness and 
truth. 

The faithfulness of God is the foundation of all present 
grace, the security of future glory. Many weak disciples are 
perplexed with dark and disturbing thoughts in this matter. 
Their hearts are not carried up to rest in the love of the 
Father, where ail is serene and quiet ; but they rest below, 
in the regions of doubts and fears, storms and clouds. Their 
souls may be exercised, and often distressed ; but they are 
safe, because called to the knowledge of, faith in, and fellow- 
ship with their elder Brother Jesus. This is by the love of the 
Father, through the power of the Spirit. And God is faithful 
to his covenant, to his Son, to his people, to his own word to 
them, and his work in them. ' For whom he calls, them he 
also glorifies.' Faithful to support them under all present de- 
jections of mind and sinking of spirits; faithful to preserve 
them in all times of danger, and to give them living comforts 
in a dying hour. 

Now, oh believer, thou art called to honour the faithfulness 
of thy God, by trusting in his word of truth ; glorying in his 
promises of grace at ajl times. . Yea, at thy worst of times 
and frames, even when sense, reason,, feelings, and appear- 
ances are all against thee, then the Lord is for thee. '-The 
Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from all 
evil.' 2 Thess. iii. 3. Faithful ' to confirm you unto the end, 
that you may be blameless in the day of the Lord Jesus ' 
L Cor. i. 8. 



APRIL 18.] 230 [EVENING. 

Mi) meditation of him shall he sweet : I will be glad in 
the Lord. Psalm civ. 34. 



Sweet meditation of the Lord causes gladness in the Lord, 
inspires us with the love of the Lord, and inclines us to ascribe 
the glory of all we enjoy to the Lord. It is said of Constan- 
tine the Great, that after God had honoured him with many 
victories, as the effigies of other emperors were let up in a 
triumphant manner, with their victories engraven upon their 
loins, he desired that his might be set in a posture of prayer, 
kneeling, that he might manifest to the world, that he attri- 
buted all his victories, more to his prayers than to his sword. 
This was the result of sweet meditation. \¥hat great gain do 
souls reap by spiritual meditation. Strangers to this delight- 
ful exercise, know not others gain, nor their own losa. A day 
spent without some meditation of the sinner's Redeemer and 
Saviour, is a day lost ; for Jesus gets no glory from our hearts, 
and we get no comfort from his love. Paul the aged, exhorts 
his son Timothy, 6 meditate on these things.' 1 Tim. iv. 15. 
What things ? The scriptures, which testify of Christ, and 
the peace and salvation which are brought to poor sinners by 
him. Oh how sweet is this ! Saints in all ages have one and 
the same delightful object to meditate upon. The soul under 
the sweet exercise of grace, knows no end of it ; nor how to 
leave off meditating on Him, who hath loved us poor sinners 
with an everlasting love, and saved us with an everlasting 
salvation. His person is ( wonderful/ God and man in one 
Christ. The love of Christ passeth knowledge. The offices 
of Christ, as King, Priest, Prophet, Mediator, Surety, Re- 
deemer, Saviour, how glorious in their nature, how interesting 
to us sinners. The blood of Christ, how precious ; his righ- 
teousness, how perfect ; his death, how affecting ; his resur- 
rection, how joyful. The salvation of Christ, how comforting ; 
his intercession, how prevailing ; his grace in the heart, how 
sin-subdui og, and soul-purifying. His almighty power in keep- 
ing us through faith unto eternal salvation, how animating; 
and the perfect sight and full enjoyment of Jesus in glory, how 
transporting. Contemplations on these blessed subjects, will 
cause us to cry out with David, i My meditation of him shall 
be sweet, I will be glad in the Lord.' Do you complain for 
want of gladness in the Lord ? It is because your heart is 
carried away after other things. You meditate too much on 
them and too little on your God, who saith, ( 1 will not forget 
thee. Isai. xlix. 15. 

Mv soul is never well, but when Tho' in myself I'm nought but sin, 

I on my best Beloved dwell, Yet in my Lord I will be glad : 

He's fairer than the sons of men : His blood doth cleanse and keep me clean : 

ilis love and arrace unsearchable And in his righteousness I'm clad. m. 



APRIL 19.J 221 [morning. 

What shall we say then ? Shall ive continue in sin, 
that grace may abound? Rom. vi. 1. 

Believer in Jesus, what are thy thoughts ; what the answer 
of thine heart this day, in regard to thy walk and conduct in 
life, from the important doctrines of grace ? Canst thou say, 
the everlasting love of God the Father, reigning through the 
righteousness of Jesus unto eternal life, manifested in the 
gospel, and applied by the Holy Spirit through faith, have the 
least tendency to give reins to thy lust, to open a door of 
licentiousness, and to encourage thee to continue in sin ? Doth 
the belief of the guilt of sin, being atoned by the precious 
blood of Jesus, influence thee to the love of sin? Doth the 
knowledge of Christ's righteousness imputed unto justification 
of life, tend to make thee delight in unrighteousness and unho- 
liness of life ? By no means ; God forbid ! To bring such a 
heinous charge against divine truth, what daring impiety, what 
horrid blasphemy ! Beware of such a thought ; indulge it not 
one moment ; it comes from the adversary of all truth ; it 
impeaches the wisdom and holiness of the Spirit of truth ; for 
he reveals these soul-saving, Christ-glorifying, God-honouring 
truths ; and by his gracious gift of faith, sinners receive and 
embrace them. But to what end? Hereby they see the dis- 
play of justice ; mercy triumphing in righteousness ; their 
souls established in a sense of peace and pardon, and most 
powerfully influenced to the love of personal holiness and 
obedience. Sooner ascribe midnight darkness and winter's 
frost to the source of light and heat, than once imagine the 
grace of God leads to sin, or the aboundings of grace to con- 
tinuance in sin. No ; this is through the aboundings of lust. 
' When lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin.' James i. 15. 
But grace conceived in the heart, brings forth holiness. 

6 Do we then make void the law through faith ? God forbid : 
yea, we establish the law/ Rom. iii. 31. How ? As a cove- 
nant of works to us ? No ; that it was to our dear Surety. 
' Christ is the end (the fulfiller) of the law for righteousness -to 
every one who believeth/ We establish the law, as a rule of 
duty to us ; though not to obtain life, but according to which 
we ought to walk. So we follow our Lord, and are conformed 
to him. Oh may the cheering light of truth be ever accom- 
panied with the warm influences of the Sun of righteousness 
upon the heart ! < By the grace of God we have had our con- 
versation in the world.' 2 Cor. i. 12. 

Then shall we best proclaim abroad I cannot love, nor li*e in sin, 

The honours of our Saviour God, Tho' sin in me doth still abide ; 

When the salvation reigns within, Tho' sin's alive, I'm dead to sin, 

A nd grace subdues the pow'r of sin. My Saviour keeps from lust and pride, m. 



APRIL 19.] 222 [EVENING. 

My soul melteth for heaviness : strengthen thou me 
according to thy word. Psal. cxix. 28. 

While the wicked are gay, alert and merry, many of God s 
beloved children go bowed down from day to day, with heavi- 
ness of soul. When they compare themselves with the men of 
the world, under such seasons, they are tempted to write bitter 
things against themselves, and to pass a verdict in favour of 
others. Soul, in the heaviest season, and most dejected frame 
you ever experienced, say, Could you find it in your heart to 
wish to change lots with them? What, quit your faith in 
Jesus, and hope of eternal enjoyment of him — for what ? The 
momentary gratifications and short-lived pleasures of time and 
sense ? Alas, my soul is in such heaviness, that I doubt whe- 
ther I have either a spark of faith, or a ray of hope in Christ. 
My soul melteth ; it bears no image nor impression of any 
grace, or of the power of any truth. Faith fails, hope decays, 
my heart sinks. I am burdened with a sense of sin, oppressed 
with temptations : and what is heaviest of all, the Lord hides 
his face, and deserts my soul. David felt all this. Peter ex- 
perienced the same. Hence he says, ' For a season, if need 
be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.' 1 Pet. 
i. 6. 

Mind those two words, there is support and relief in them : 
i for a season/ Blessed be Jesus, heaviness lasts not always, 
he will deliver out of it. i If need be/ There is cause for it, 
and good shall issue from it. What is the remedy, when the 
soul is in heaviness ? Prayer ; pleading God's word of grace, 
and promises of love, for strength under burdens, and deliver- 
ance from soul heaviness. ' Strengthen thou me according to 
thy word.' Says wisdom, ' Heaviness in the heart of man 
maketh it stoop :' the poor soul sinks under its burden. ' But,' 
says he, f a good word maketh it glad.' Prov. xii. 25. Where 
shall we find that good word? In the gospel of the grace of 
God. Here is a good word, enough to make thy heavy heart 
leap for joy, and thy burdened soul sing for gladness. Oh 
meditate upon it, pray over it ; and may the Lord the Spirit 
give thee comfort from it. It is the work and office of thy 
blessed Saviour. In his own time, way and manner, he will 
most surely fulfil it. ' To appoint unto them who mourn in 
Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for 
mourning, and the garments of praise for the spirit of heavi- 
ness, that the Lord may be glorified.' Isai. Ixi. 3, 

In all my burden'd frames of heart, To thee alone for strength I'll cry, 

When sin and sorrow sink me down, For strength can come from none but thee ; 

1 still will cry, my God thou art, Oh Jesus, thou art ever nigh, 

Thv faithful promises to own. And full of tender sympathy. * T 



APRIL 20.] 223 [MORNING. 

God hath chosen us in Christ, before the foundation of 
the world. Ephes. i. 4. 

So the apostles wrote and preached, to comfort and establish 
their brethren in the faith of Chri *t, in the love of God, and in 
the sanctification of the Spirit unto all true holiness. The 
election of sinners, by God the Father, in Christ Jesus from 
all eternity, is the foundation from which all faith and hope 
spring. If this truth is rejected, the atonement of Jesus is 
made precarious, the work of the Spirit uncertain, salvation 
doubtful, faith void, the promise of none effect, and the hope of 
eternal life is made to depend on the will and power of weak 
and vile sinners, instead of the grace and truth of God. But 
in every age, men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth, have 
opposed God's sovereign grace, everlasting love, and eternal 
purposes. God hath suffered it, ' that those who are approved 
might be made manifest/ 1 Cor, xi. 19. Humble, self-emptied 
sinners, who are poor in spirit, and lowly in their own eyes, 
plainly discern that systems of human pride, schemes of self- 
confidence, are set up to establish vain hopes and self-righte- 
ous pleas, in opposition to the truths of God : ' If it were 
possible to deceive the very elect.' Matt. xxiv. 24. But his 
love towards his children is too great to suffer it ; and they do 
well to take heed to the true light of electing grace and love, 
which shines with such glory in the person of Jesus, to the 
comfort of their souls, through the faith of him. 

' Beware of men ; call no man Rabbi,' saith our divine 
Teacher. Yet saith Paul to his son Timothy, ' The things 
which thou hast heard of me, the same commit thou to faithful 
men, who shall be able to teach others also.' 2 Tim. ii. 2. So 
a standing ministry hath been established, whom God hath 
sent forth in every age boldly to preach the God-glorifying, 
soul-humbling, faith-establishing, sin-subduing truths of the 
gospel. Human compositions, agreeable to God's truth, are 
precious, as they are made establishing to the faithful. Thanks 
to God for those sweet and comfortable words of the 17th 
article of the established church. Our pious reformers say, 
' The godly consideration of predestination, and our election 
in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort 
to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working 
of the Spirit of Christy -mortifying the works of the flesh and 
their earthly members, and drawing up their minds to high and 
heavenly things. It doth greatly establish and confirm their 
faith of eternal salvation, to be enjoyed through Christ. It 
doth fervently kindle their love towards God.' Here are 
blessed scriptural marks of a true christian : If thou flndest 
them in thine own heart, give God the glory of electing love, 
and ' hold fast this form of sound words in faith and love.' 
2 Tim. i. 13. 



APRIL 20.] 224: [evening. 

1 have all and abound : I am full. Phil. iv. 18. 

Happy Paul ! Infinitely richer than the most opulent mon- 
arch under heaven. Ye poor, wretched, covetous worldlings, 
whose gold is your god, and who are labouring to add heap to 
heap — how long ? Till ye drop into eternity, die like fools, and 
for ever lose the idol of your hearts ? Behold here a man, who 
has more than ever you possessed. He has ' ail.' You only 
obtain a part of what you aim at, a»d are still in want of more. 
Kich, happy Paul, possesses all. ( And,' says he, ' I abound.' 
Not in want and wish, but in full enjoyment. t I am full.' I 
can contain no more. He had ' the unsearchable riches of 
Christ, for his portion. His wealth consisted in his mind, 
being contented with that, as his greatest treasure. 

Oh thou poor murmuring disciple of Christ, who art often 
fearing and distrusting, lest thou shouldst want the bread that 
perisheth, for thyself and family ; and thou, my soul, who hast 
often been exercised with this sore temptation, learn a lesson 
to-night from rich and happy Paul. Of all the men in the 
world, would you expect to hear Paul say, ( I have all things 
and abound : I am full ?' What he, who hath been in neces- 
sities, destitute, in want, in nakedness ; who like his Master, 
had not where to lay his head, and was treated as the filth and 
offscouring of all things ? Yet for him to say, ' I have all and 
abound : I am full.' Oh may the Lord contract our wants : 
they are most of them more imaginary than real. Lord enable 
us to be content with such things as we have. What are they 7 
Come, christian, count up your riches ; look over the deeds of 
your inheritance, see what vast possessions you are entitled to. 
Verily, no less than what Paul once had by faith, and now en- 
joys in full possession, even Jesus, the God of his salvation. 
Christ is all in all. If he dwells in your heart by faith, he 
filleth all. You have all, you abound in all, you are full of 
all. The flesh may lust for more, the spirit must be quite sa- 
tisfied with him. For all things are yours, and ye are Christ's, 
and Christ is God's. 1 Cor. iii. 23. Learn hence, the use and 
blessedness of your faith, it brings the unsearchable riches of 
Christ into your heart. When flesh and sense require to be 
gratified, here is the work of faith. ' Put ye on the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts 
thereof. ' Rom. xiii. 14. 

Jesus, thou art all my treasure : Come, come, my Lord, oh sweetly come, 
When filled with thee, I want no more : And take possession of my heart : 

This is still my greatest pleasure, Then other lovers find no room, 

To ^lory in my heavenly store. Thou, only thou, my portion art. bi. 



APRIL 21.] 225 [MORNING.. 

If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, 
Jtsus Christ the righteous. 1 John ii. I. 



In the glass of God's holy and righteous law we see what an 
unholy and unrighteous thing sin is ; it is hateful in the eyes 
of a pure God ; it has separated between God and the sinner, 
and tends to his eternal destruction. The gospel in no wise 
renders sin less odious to God, less heinous in his sight ; far 
from it. Yea rather, it paints sin in the blackest colours, and 
shews its deepest malignancy, by the gracious method of its 
atonement. View the holy Lamk suffering for sin on the cross, 
see the streaming blood, and hear the direful agonies of the 
Son of God on account of sin ; and say, oh believer, is sin a 
little matter, a trifling thing ? Learn daily sin's evil by its 
remedy, sin's poison by its antidote, the hell it deserved by the 
person who redeems ; and ever, oh my soul, hold fast this as a 
sacred truth, though God loves thy person in Christ Jesus, yet 
he hates thy sins ; though reconciled to thy soul through the 
Son of his love, yet he never can be reconciled to sin ; though 
at peace with thee through the blood of the cross, yet ever at 
enmity against thy sins. Hence the beloved disciple declares, 
( These things write I unto you, little children, that ye sin not.' 
Beware of sin as the worst evil, watch against sin as a deadly 
foe, strive against it, oppose, resist it in the power of the Spirit, 
as your worst enemy, as most hateful and displeasing to your 
best friends 

But ' if any man sin' (for none are perfectly free from sin in 
their nature, nor wholly exempt from it in their practice) what 
then ? Must he lie down and despair ? Xo : ' We have an 
advocate with the Father :' Jeans Christ pleads the cause of 
sinners, though he is not an advocate for sin ; for he is ' the 
righteous.' Therefore he doth not deny the charge that we are 
sinners, guilty in ourselves ; he extenuates none of our sins, 
but owns every accusation brought into court against us by a 
perfect law and strict justice, with every aggravating circum- 
stance which can be urged. Against all that law and justice 
can charge upon Us, he pleads his own undertaking, his work, 
his life and death, his blood and righteousness. His people 
have sinned ; his blood hath atoned. They have contracted 
guilt ; he hath suffered the punishment. They have deserved 
the curse of the law ; he' has borne it for them. They have 
deserved hell ; he has opened the kingdom of heaven. They 
are unrighteous in themselves ; Jesus hath fulfilled the law 
for them, and clothes them with his perfect righteousness. 
Therefore he pleads that sin may not be imputed to them ; but 
that pardon of sin and peace of conscience may be bestowed 
upon them by the Word and Spirit ; and that they may be 
sanctified in him, and glorified with him. Thus saith our dear 
Lord to us, ' I will not leave you comfortless.' John xiv. 18. 

2 G 



APRIL 21.J 226 [EVENING. 

He who is of God, heareth God's ivord. John viii. 47. 

The words from Mount Sinai, l gender to bondage. 1 Gal. iv. 
24. Some of God's children are kept under bondage by them. 
They are taught to look on themselves only as servants, not 
sons of God, because they dare not say, they know their sins 
are forgiven. This is a foolish, unscriptural distinction. Paul 
expressly declares, that every believer is a son of God. ' Ye 
are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.' Gal. iii. 
26 Can a man be a servant of God without faith ? No, with- 
out faith it is impossible to please God. Heb. xi. 6. Every 
one who hath faith in the Son of God, is a child of God. His 
sins are as surely forgiven, as that Christ died for sinners. 
He shall never come into eternal condemnation for them, no 
more than if he had never committed them. This is God's 
word. John v 24. As many as receive Christ, that is, believe 
on his name, have the privilege of becoming the sons of God. 
John i. 12. How came they by this faith ? ' By hearing the 
word of God.' Rom. x. 17. Without this, what is called faith 
is only fancy. The knowing one's sins to be forgiven, which 
some make so great a stir about, if not attained through the 
faith of God's word, is only a vain confident delusion. At 
best, with them it affords but sorry comfort ; for they say, a 
forgiven sinner, after all, may be damned for his sins. This 
is dishonourable to the precious blood which atoned for them. 
Cease ye from such, and hear God's word. That speaks God's 
truth, and displays his glory ; while it proclaims his love in 
the full, free, certain, and absolute salvation of sinners by 
Jesus Christ. He who heareth this as God's word, receiveth 
this as God's truth, and believeth this in his heart, is of God ; 
born of God, born to know, love, enjoy, and rejoice in God. 
Here is a plain mark, to know whether you belong to God or 
not. Try yourself by it to-night. Do you love God's word ? 
Is it the delight of your heart, and the glory of your soul ? Do 
you believe its truth, and love to walk after its precepts ? 
Then, so sure as you are a son of Adam, you are a son of God. 
You will assuredly enjoy the comfort of this, by studying your 
Father's will ; walking in the belief of your Father's unchan- 
geable love, and living to your Father's glory. l As obedient 
children, not fashioning yourselves, according to your former 
lusts in your ignorance : but as he who hath called you is 
holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.' Oh Father, 
speak this word with power to our souls, ' Be ye holy, for I 
am holy.' 1 Pet. i. 14—16. 

The hearing ear, the knowing heart, /ea, let us know and practise too, 
Come both from thee, oh Lord ! Our Lord's most holy will, 

Oh keep us that we ne'er depart And shew our faith, by what we do, 
From hearing of thy word. That love reigns in us still. m. 



APRIL 22.] 22? [morning. 

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing ; 
but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Prov. 
xiii. 4. 



In the busy scenes of life, in the awful moments of death, 
the formal professor, as well as the profligate and profane, 
will desire to escape misery and woe, and enjoy heaven and 
happiness. But alas, how vain and fruitless are such desires. 
If these may be called good desires, ' the way to hell is paved 
with them,' saith an ancient father of the church. But in this, 
the wisdom of the children of God is manifested. They are 
diligent in the use of such means, which, through the grace of 
the Holy Spirit, will be crowned with a blessed end. They 
can not rest in desiring, but in possessing ; not in wishing, but 
enjoying. They find and feel that their souls want continual 
supplies of food from Jesus, support from his promises, nourish- 
ment from his word and ordinances, and life from his Spirit. 
And as their desires are quickened, their diligence is drawn 
ut after these things. 

Truth and wisdom declare, they shall not barely be kept 
from starving; just preserved alive, like Pharaoh's lean kine, 
but shall be fed and nourished. Yea, like healthy sheep in 
rich pastures, they shall grow fat. ' The soul of the diligent 
shall be made fat.' Prov. xiii. 4. Here is encouragement for 
thy diligence, here is a spur to thy activity, oh disciple. Here 
is the promise of thy Lord : where is thy faith ? Dost thou 
perceive thy soul decline, instead of growing fat? Do lusts 
and corruptions gain ground ? Doth the love of the world get 
the ascendancy of the love of the Father in thy heart ? Is the 
edge of thy spiritual appetite palled ; and canst thou not feed 
nor feast on the rich repast of Jesus' redeeming love as hereto- 
fore ? Wherefore is this ? Hast thou not reason to charge 
thyself with sloth and indolence ? Hast thou not been sleeping 
on thy bed of ease, instead of seeking the food of thy soul ; 
indulging thy perishing body, when thou mightest have used 
means for feasting thy immortal spirit? If so, the word of 
grace, and the testimony of thy conscience, convict thee that 
this is not right. Thou oughtest to take shame to thyself; it 
is thy duty to humble thyself, and to call upon the Spirit to 
quicken thee. Though-saved- in the Lord Jesus with an ever- 
lasting salvation, yet thou art called ' to give all diligence to 
make- thy calling and election sure.' In this way the Lord 
will nourish souls in love, and make them fat in the consola- 
tions of his grace. Consider, all are busy and active around 
thee : Satan to tempt, the world to ensnare, and thy corrup- 
tions within to betray thee. Remember the eyes of thy dear 
Lord are ever upon thee to see how thou actest thy part. Yea 
more, ' according to his riches in glory, to strengthen thee with 
might bv his Spirit in the inner man.' Ephes. iii. 16. 



APRIL 22.J 228 [EVENING. 

Is it true ? Dan. iii. 14. 



A question this from a potent monarch, backed with a 
wrathful threatening. Enough to have put Shadrach, Meshach, 
and Abednego to the. stand. Their answer must provoke their 
God, or their king. Bat did they hesitate a moment ; were 
they at all in doubtful suspense ? No, they had faith in their 
Lord, and they boldly replied, ' Oh king, we are not careful to 
answer thee in this matter.' Our cause lies before our God, 
we are not left to ourselves. Our present life, our immortal 
soul, is in his hands. If you command us into the fiery fur- 
nace, our God will be with us. We shall be safe, he will 
deliver us ; either our bodies, that we shall not be burnt ; or if 
they are, the burning furnace shall be only as a fiery chariot, 
to convey our souls to heaven and glory. See the power of 
faith- According as they believed, so it was. The Son of 
God was with them, the fire could not hurt them. Hence 
consider, (I) That God may, and sometimes does suffer his 
dearest children to be brought into great straits, and threatened 
with the greatest dangers, so that an answer to a single ques- 
tion may perplex them. ' Is it true?' Are you one who follow 
this new way ; do you pretend to be justified by the Son of God 
only ; to be saved by the grace of God entirely, and to have 
received the Spirit of God freely ? On an answer to this per- 
haps depends a parent's regard, or a friend's kindness : the 
one threatens to disinherit, the other to withdraw his favours. 
Do worldly interest, honour or advantage depend upon the 
answer of the tongue, and the conduct of the life ? Do poverty 
and want seem to threaten, if we declare ourselves for the 
Lord? Here is the trial of faith. But (2) # Remember our 
Lord's declaration : ' Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and 
my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also 
shall the Son of man be ashamed when he cometh in the glory 
of his Father.' Mark viii. 38. Therefore, (3) Put this ques- 
tion to your heart. Is it true, that God is my Father, in Christ 
my Saviour ? Doth the Spirit bear witness to this in the word, 
and to my heart ? Shall I then so fear a worm of the earth 
as to deny the truth, and forsake that Lord who has promised 
he will never leave nor forsake me ; and that those who trust 
in him shall not want any good thing? Psal. xxxiv. 10. My 
soul starts, my heart recoils at the thought. Rather say, I will 
not fear what man can do unto me. Give up and forego all 
for Christ. Soon we shall see these dear children ; then they 
will tell us, they never were so happy in their lives as in the 
fiery furnace. God is most with his children, when they suffer 
most for him. 

Oli give tne courage, dearest Lord, To tell tliy sacred truth abroad, 

Against my greatest foes, Nor fear their threat'ning woes, 



APRIL 23.] 229 [morning. 

Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness ; 
God was manifest in the flesh. I Tim. iii. 16. 



The truths of the gospel are undoubtedly great mysteries to 
carnal reason. We have naturally no ideas of their existence ; 
but being plainly revealed by the Spirit of truth, they cease to 
be hid from our knowledge. They are no longer secret myste- 
ries, as to their matter, but plain and open truths to faith. 
True, the manner of their existence is incomprehensible to 
reason, and so they will ever remain mysteries to us. There- 
fore the sons of natural pride and human ignorance reject and 
disbelieve them: but the children of wisdom and humility 
esteem the whole mystery of godliness, every bible-truth, as 
precious objects of their faith. Blessed be God, our com- 
fort and salvation consist in believing, not in explaining. 
The christian, like the prophet, being born of the Spirit, is a 
' man of strife and contention to the whole earth/ Jer. xv. 
10. All in nature and carnal reason are in arms against the 
truths he believes. Because he earnestly contends for them, 
he will ever find controversy and perverse disputings from men 
of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth. His zeal here is al- 
ways commendable, only let it be in love. 

What the Lord hath taught in his word, we receive as the 
food of our souls. This is our simple answer to the god of this 
world, and to the wise disputer of this age. We cannot com- 
prehend how God dwelt in flesh, but we are fully assured he 
did. We have the fullest proof of it in his word, and his word 
is truth. And it is the very life of our souls, and the joy of our 
hearts, to believe our God. Why God dwelt in flesh, and the 
glorious ends he hath accomplished hereby, we know. Of this 
also, we are perfectly assured ; we believe it from the same 
infallible testimony. To the faith of this, we have the inward 
witness of the Spirit also. God, known in the flesh, beheld in 
human form, viewed in our nature, is the very essence of pur 
faith ; we now partake its blessings, and experience its com- 
forts. Hence springs the assured pardon of all our sins, the 
acceptance of our persons, the sanctification of our souls, and 
sure and certain hope of eternal life and glory. All this is by 
free promise, according to the purpose and decree of the ever- 
lasting covenant of grace, to the glory of the ever-blessed 
Trinity, and to the comfort and salvation of los sinners. Thus 
saints are called into ' one body, by one Spirit; have one hope, 
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one atonement, one righte- 
ousness, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and 
through all, and in them all.' Ephes. iv. 4. 

Sense feels 1 am a sinner here : By faith I \ iew love's mystery, 

Reason this truth could ne'er explore ; God lived and died in human flesh, 

That God in llesh should cleanse my soul My hope, my heaven, my joy is tliis ; 

By shedding his own purple gore, Vo stronger proofs oflove J wish. m. 



APRIL 23.] 230 [EVENING. 

God left him to try him, that he might know all that 
was in his heart. 2 Chiron, xxxii. 31 



Hezekiah was a great and good man of God, and had rich 
experience in divine grace. Still he discovers that he had a 
sinful nature and a deceitful heart. Though an eminent saint 
of God, yet pride and vain glory beset him. I have been led 
to think, there seems a little of the spirit of the pharisee, in his 
beseeching the Lord to remember how he had walked before 
him in truth, with a perfect heart, and done that which was 
good in his sight. 2 Kings xx. 3. At least some of a self- 
righteous spirit have been led to think from hence, that we 
have somewhat in ourselves whereof to glory. Oh if we have 
walked well, and done well, we need not remind our Lord of it. 
If the heart is simple with its Saviour, it will not ; for it was 
by his grace we did so. He who gives us grace, can never be 
unmindful of its effects. 

We hear of Hezekiah's sickness — of the Lord's giving him 
a sign of restoration — of his sudden recovery — of his sweet 
experience — of the Lord's dealing with him in his sickness* 
Isai. xxxviii. Should we not next expect to hear of his per- 
fect love, supreme affection to the Lord, and of his deepest 
humility before him ? But alas, we are told, ' he rendered not 
again, according to the benefits done unto him/ Why ? Aston- 
ishing ! ' For his heart was lifted up/ Oh what pride and 
vain-glory does he discover, in shewing to the princes of Baby- 
ion his vast treasure. Is this the man who so lately chattered 
like a crane or a swallow, and mourned like a dove, whose 
eyes failed, and whose tongue cried out : ' Oh Lord, I am 
oppressed, undertake for me?' This he, who said ' I shall go 
softly all my years, in the bitterness of my soul ? ' Yes. ' God 
left him.' And if God leaves, Satan tempts, and corruptions 
rage. What evils may not the best of men fall into? Saint, 
know yourself. Consider this. Why did God leave him ? Why 
does he leave any of his dear children ? ' To try them..' That 
they may have full proof of their weakness and vileness ; that 
they may know ale that is in their hearts. We know but 
little of the latent seeds of pride and wickedness in us. The 
Lord withdraws for a season, he suffers pride to rear its cursed 
head, that he may wound it by the power of his grace, and 
bring the poor sinner to his feet with Hezekiah, to humble 
himself, for the pride of his heart, verse 26. Happy those in 
whom such effects are produced ; for in them the grace of God, 
yea the God of grace is glorified. 

My Lord, how wond'rons is thy love, Search me, oh God, and try my heart, 

So long with me to bear : Its vileness shew to me : 

A wretch so proud, who oft hath strove, Cause alt self-glorying to depart, 

Glorv with ihee to shurc. That i may lmnible be. m 



APRIL 24.] 231 [MOEKING. 

/ keep under my body, and bring it into subjection. 
1 Cor. ix. 27. 



The neglect of this brings on leanness of soul. If this enemy 
gains ground, it is alarming ; if he prevails, it causes mourn- 
ing ; but when he is kept low, and supplies are cut off, his 
power is weakened, and victory over him is easily gained. 
Such are the sensitive powers, carnal affections, and sinful 
inclinations which compose part of our present frame, the 
body ; a body of sin and death. To gratify and fulfil them is 
very pleasing and delightful to nature and sense : but how 
awfully subversive of the comforts of faith, the peace of the 
mind, and the joy of the soul, thy own sad experience, oh dis- 
ciple, hath proved. Nor can it be otherwise ; let us not deceive 
ourselves ; we cannot indulge and pamper the life of the flesh, 
but to the hurt and injury of the life of the soul. There is an 
irreconcileable enmity between the flesh and the spirit, the old 
man and the new. The variance and strife will ever subsist 
while we are in the body. It is the Lord's sovereign will to 
leave the Canaanites still in the land, and to drive them out 
by little and little. For ' behold a King shall reign in righte- 
ousness/ Isai. xxxii. 1. This is our beloved Jesus. Here is 
the exercise of faith in him, the touch-stone of our love, and 
the proof of our allegiance to him, in striving daily for the 
mastery, to conflict with and fight against every inordinate 
affection and corrupt lust of our fallen sinful nature, and to 
keep them under, and bring them into subjection to him. It is 
hard work to fight with an enemy that is part of one's self; 
but Jesus' banner hath this motto, ' Deny thyself, take up thy 
cross daily, and follow me. 7 Though the work is ours, yet 
thine, oh Jesus, is the power. 

Faith in Jesus not only accepts his imputed righteousness 
for justification, but has also a lively dependence on Christ for 
every supply of his Spirit for further sanctification. It leaves 
not the soul in a lazy languid state, but causes it to aspire 
after greater delight in and conformity to God ; it eyes God as 
its centre, enjoyment of him as its happiness, and full confor- 
mity to him as its perfection. To indulge, pamper, and gratify 
the flesh, is contrary hereto ; therefore mortification and self- 
denial, and subjecting the flesh to the spirit, will be the exer- 
cise of living, believing, loving souls. But why ail this? Not 
from legal principles, not from slavish fear of hell and damna- 
tion, not through dread of being reprobated and cast away for 
ever. No : Paul had not so learned, nor did Christ teach so. 
Believers act from love to Jesus, being assured of perfect sal- 
vation by him. 



APRIL 24.] 232 [EVENING. 

Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. 
Gen. xlii. 8. 



How affecting is the history of Joseph : who can read it 
without emotion of soul ? What amazing- scenes of providence 
open to our view ? Spiritual minds may see many things in 
it, typical of our beloved Saviour. Here Joseph's brethren are 
introduced to him, as governor of Egypt. He knew them ; 
they knew not him. How does he deal with them ? Does he 
instantly make himself known to them? No : though he had 
the most tender affections of heart to them, and wept tears of 
joy at the sight of them ; yet he speaks roughly, and to prison 
sends them. Why this ? To bring their sin to their mind, 
and to affect them with a deep sense of their guilt, for their 
cruelty towards him. See we not somewhat typical of the 
conduct of Christ, our brother in the flesh in all this ? (1) 
Christ knew us before we knew him : he knew us from eter- 
nity, when we were chosen in him, and given to him. (2) We 
never seek after him, or come to him, unless we rind a famine 
in our hearts, and are ready to perish for want of the bread of 
life. (3) When we do come to him, does he instantly make 
himself known to us, and assure us that he is our Saviour? 
No : for a season he speaks with the authority of a c Gover- 
nor,' causes his law to treat us roughly, threatening us with 
the prison of hell. Why ? Deeply to affect our souls with a 
sense of our sins and deserts. (4) It was some time, and many 
trying and afflicting scenes Joseph's brethren passed through, 
before he said, ' I am your brother.' Did Joseph do them any 
real harm by all this ? So our Jesus, though he proves us and 
tries us, and shows us what is in us, before he gives us full 
assurance of his love and salvation, intends nothing but real 
good to us. By all this he teaches us humility. (5) Joseph's 
brethren did not at first come to him, as their brother, but as 
the governor of Egypt. So we come as perishing sinners to 
Christ ; not as knowing that he is our brother, but believing 
him to be a Saviour, and praying him to save us. We have 
faith in him, before we have the assurance of his love to us, 
and know that we are his brethren. Lastly. All the blessings 
and comforts of Joseph's brethren, flowed from his knowledge 
of them. So does all our safety and comfort in time and eter- 
nity, spring from Christ's first knowing and loving us, as his 
brethren. Though true faith may be without special assurance 
of interest in Christ, yet Christ assures us, ' I will manifest 
myself unto you.' John xiv. 21. 

Tis all my comfort here below, This world, with all its pompous show, 

To know my Saviour's love : I leave tor joys above. ai. 



APRIL 25.] 233 [MORNING. 

The Lord will not cast off' his people, neither will he 
forsake las inheritance. Psalm xciv. 14. 

Therefore, drooping soul, cast not off thy confidence in him. 
A meteor will expire when the earthly matter is spent that 
maintained the blaze for a time. Profession may carry to a 
high elevation. Persons may appear as fixed stars in the 
church of Christ, but time may discover them to be no other 
than shining meteors, or shooting and falling stars. Yea, 
angels kept not their first estate ; but the Lord's chosen people 
is his portion. The gates of hell shall not prevail against the 
church of Christ. ' All those that be planted in the house of 
the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God.' Psal. xcii. 
13. Here is the consolation of Christ, the comfort of love, the 
fellowship of the Spirit, ' He that believeth in Jesus shall be 
saved ;' not for days, months, years, but saved with an ever- 
lasting salvation. All such are the objects of the everlasting 
love of an unchangeable God : he never casts off nor forsakes 
them. Even when in the furnace of trials and afflictions, hear 
the declarations of Love concerning them : ' They shall call 
on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, It is my people/ 
Hear the claim of faith : ' Then shall they say, The Lord is 
ray God/ Zech. xiii. 9. 

David knew that friends had cast him off; yea, father and 
mother might forsake him, his frames and feelings had forsaken 
him, his joys had withered, and his comforts seemed all blast- 
ed in an hour. But says he, age and observation have fully 
confirmed me in this truth, '■ I never saw the righteous for- 
saken' of his God. ' Though he fall, he shall not be utterly 
cast down.' . Why so ? Truly saith he, ( The Lord upholdeth 
him with his hand/ Psal. xxxvii. 24 Falls may wound the 
soul, bruise the spirit, cause sinkings of heart, and dejections 
of mind. Satan may sadly dawb and bespatter the poor child 
of God, and endeavour to persuade him that he is in such a 
filthy condition, that his Father doth not know him, will not 
own him. The Lord help us to fear such a state, and to watch 
and pray that we may stand. Yet the Lord will not cast away 
his people whom he did foreknow, nor forsake his chosen in- 
heritance. There is balm in Gilead. Jesus is the skilful phy- 
sician ; he will heal and restore his beloved members ; he 
knows them, he loves them, they are his property. Oh how 
should this endear Jesus to our souls, cause us to cleave unto 
him with full purpose of heart, embitter sin, and cause us to 
cry continually, ' Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my 
footsteps slip not.' Psal. xvii. 5. 

Praise to the goodness of the Lord, Whence then should doubts and fears arise ? 

Who rules his people by his word, Why trickling sorrows drown our eyes ? 

And there, as strong- as his decrees, Slowly, alas, our mind receives 

Ho sets his kindest promises. The comforts that our Saviour gives. 

2 H 



234 [evening 

Awake to righteousness, and sin not. 1 Cor. xv. 34, 

What Paul says of natural death, ' Some are fallen asleep/ 
ver. 6, may be applied in a spiritual sense to professors. There 
are many such in this day. It is a very bad frame to live in 
and indulge ; such bring no honour to God, no credit to the 
gospel, or profit to their brethren. " One would think, such sit 
all the year under that word, and heartily obey it, ' Sleep on 
and take your rest/ Can such be said to be running the hea- 
venly race, fighting the good fight of faith, wrestling with spiri- 
tual enemies, and pressing towards the mark, for the prize of 
their high calling of God in Christ Jesus? No, no more than 
a man in a midnight sleep, can be said to be active in worldly 
affairs. But what is worst of all, such sleepers dream that all 
is safe and well with them. 

Paul, like a faithful watchman, cries out to such awake. 
* How long wilt thou sleep, oh sluggard ; when wilt thou arise 
out of thy sleep ? ' What do they answer ? ' Yet a little sleep, 
a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep/ Pro v. vi. 
9, 10. If you jog them, and strive to arouse them to the exer- 
cise of grace, and the discharge of duty, they will answer in a 
sleepy fit, ( We know the doctrines of grace, do not disturb us 
with your legal notions, about sin and righteousness.' Good 
Lord, keep our souls from such a dreadful frame. Take heed, 
oh christian, of such. Beware you get no harm from them, so as 
to catch the infection from them, and lie down to sleep by 
them. From whence do such sleepy frames proceed? (1) Says 
Wisdom, * Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep/ Prov. xix. 
15. Slothfulness in the ways of the Lord will bring on deep 
sleep of soul. (2) Sitting under drowsy, lethargic preachers, 
who aim more to fill the head with notions of light, than to 
warm the heart by the fire of love. (3) Love of this world, 
and eager pursuits after the riches, honours and pleasures of 
it, are sleeping opiates to the soul. Oh christian, consider 
the unintermitting zeal and activity of the Lord, for thy salva- 
tion ! Wrestle hard with him, to quicken and keep thy soul 
alive to righteousness, that thou mayest not sin to dishonour 
him ; but live and walk, love and obey, so as to glorify him. 
Lord let us never lose our feeling convictions of the exceeding 
sinfulness of sin, and the dreadful effects of it upon our souls. 
Oh let conscience rather smart with pain, than sleep in stupid 
security. 

My God, awake my drowsy soul, The heavy chains of carnal sloth, 
Important truths to see : Lord, from my mind remove ; 

WitJi spirit and life my powers controul, Make me to feel thy heav'nly truth, 

To walk inlovo w>t1» * In all its power and love. jw. 



April 26.] 235 [morning. 

Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing 
instant in prayer. Rom. xii. 12. 

The gospel brings us from a hopeless into a hopeful state, 
but not into an independent one. We are never to expect 
freedom from trials and tribulations in this vale of tears ; they 
lie in our way to the end of our hope, the enjoyment of God in 
glory. Faith takes hold of something that is material, and 
makes the soul triumph in hope. Hope makes the soul joyful, 
and excites to patience. Tribulations cause a throne of grace 
to be prized, a covenant God in Christ to be sought unto and 
delighted in. In the rough waves of difficulties, .in the storm 
of affliction, in the boisterous sea of temptation, hope is an 
anchor to the soul. When that is cast within the veil, the 
vessel shall safely ride out every storm ; though tossed, it 
shall not be driven from its moorings ; it keeps the soul safe 
and steady. 

The grace of patience is ranged between the joy of hope and 
the constant exercise of prayer, as though it could not exist 
without either, but is supported and strengthened by both. 
Jonah sleeps sound in the ship, but prays hard in the whale's 
belly. Distress and hope raise an importunate cry. A hope- 
ful soul will be much in prayer ; and the more in converse and 
communion with God, the soul will more thrive in every grace 
of the Spirit. ' Ask, and ye shall receive,' is the grand charter 
of heaven. Yea more, lest his children grow remiss, be spar- 
ins: in their addresses, and content themselves with any por- 
tion, when an exuberance is necessary, saith our munificent 
Lord, ' Ask and receive, that your joy may be full.' John xv. 
11. Sip not at the streams ; but drink large draughts at the 
fountain-head. 

Ever remember, christian, the life of sense is contrary to the 
life of faith. Walking after the flesh, gratifying its lusts, con- 
forming to a sinful world, deadens the life of the soul, indis- 
poses it to prayer, makes hope decline, impatience prevail, 
and all the graces wither. And canst thou delight to live at a 
distance from thy Saviour? What, without a sense of his 
peace and love? Wouldst thou not fear to die in such a 
frame ? ' Keep yourselves in the love of God,' is an evange- 
lical exhortation. Jude 21. Look unto Jesus under every cir- 
cumstance, avoid every thing contrary to love, study to be 
diligent in those means which tend to excite and strengthen 
the liveliness of faith, the comforts of love, the joy of hope, 
and the patience of the soul : for ' if ye do these things, ye 
shall never fall.' 2 Pet. i. 10. 

Saints, at your Father's heav'nly word, Just in the last distressing- hour, 

Give up youi comfort's to the Lord ; The Lord displays delivering power , 

He shaii restore what you resign, The mount of danger is the place 

Or grant vou blessings more divine Where we shall see surprising grace. 



april 26.] 236 [evening. 

/ will put a division between my people, and thy peo- 
ple : to-morrow shall this sign be- .Exod. viii. 2*3. 

Thus speaks the sovereign Jehovah, to the haughty stub- 
born monarch Pharaoh. Loving children delight to treasure 
up in their memories, the words of an affectionate father. 
They love to reflect on them, and draw comfort from them. 
Oh that we may do so to night, by this speech of our heavenly 
Father. Consider, (I) Here is a people, distinguished from a 
people. The Lord has a people, among a people, chosen out 
of a people. These he peculiarly calls his own, ' my people/ 
They are so by everlasting love, eternal choice, and covenant 
grace. (2) Near and dear as they are to the Lord, they may 
for a season continue under the power of, and suffer oppression 
from their enemies. Though the love of the Lord's heart is 
ever set upon you, and the eye of his providence is ever over 
you, yet he may seem to leave you. Oh tarry the Lord's lei- 
sure, and be strong. Though deliverance stay, yet wait for it: 
the Lord will surely appear. For (3) The Lord puts a division 
between his people and others. He separates them by his 
power, calls them by his grace, and according to his rich 
mercy, divides them from the wicked. Or as it is in the mar- 
gin, puts ' a redemption' between them. Oh believer, there is 
not a plague whieh you deserve and others suffer, but the re- 
demption of Jesus stands between to avert it from you, and 
therefore it can never fall upon you. Precious indeed, beyond 
conception or expression, is this redemption. It shall be 
manifest so to be. For, (4) There is a set time for it : ( to- 
morrow shall this sign be/ Ah, soul, to-day thou seest the 
wicked in great prosperity ; not burdened with sin, harrassed 
with temptation, and bowed down with sorrow as thou art. 
Do not envy, but pity them. Remember thy Lord's words, to- 
morrow, and his sign. Paul gives it you, ' In nothing be terri- 
fied by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of 
perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God/ Phil. i. 
28. Study this precious text, there is much sweetness in it. 
Have you adversaries for Christ's sake ? It is now evident, 
they are in a state of perdition : but you of salvation. The 
Lord is at hand : oh love, look, and long for his appearing. 
Rejoice in his cross, which is the sign of your salvation : by 
that you shall overcome. ' God forbid that I should glory, 
save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Gal. vi. 14. And 
see that while you glory in the cross, you strive to adorn the 
doctrine of God your Saviour in all things. Tit. ii. 10. 

To-day the wicked great and strong, Cliear up my soul, be not. dismaj'ed, 

Hector the saints of God : Christ thy redemption is : 

To-morrow God will change their song, His sovereign power, his saving -lid 

In hell their dark abode. Shall snatch thy soul to bliss M 



April 27.] 237 [m° rning - 

Then had the churches rest, and were edified; and 
walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of 
the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Acts ix. 31. 

The form of godliness without the power, is sufficient to 
make men saints, good churchmen, honest souls in the eyes of 
the carnal world. But when, by the power of the Spirit, our 
hearts possess the faith of Jesus, it cannot be hid, but the life 
of Jesus also will be manifested in our walk and conversation. 
Then persecution awaits us, the world hates us, their former 
esteem for and good opinion of us, is changed into hatred and 
opposition. The word of the Lord must be fulfilled, ' All 
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.' 
2 Tim. iii. 12. This is the lot of every disciple, it is a touch- 
stone of faith ; but this is overruled by our Master's wisdom, 
for his glory and our spiritual advantage. These have proved 
the most thriving seasons to the church of God, most prosper- 
ous to the souls of disciples ; then the love of this world has 
been most purged from the heart, and the closest fellowship 
with Jesus enjoyed : without adversity our graces wither. 

But is the rage and fury of opposers abated ? Have w r e a 
little more rest and quiet from those, who, at our first conver- 
sion to Jesus, vexed and oppressed us ? Here a godly jealousy 
and close examination are necessary. Is Jesus still dear to 
us ; do we keep close to him as the beloved of our souls ? Are 
the promises of God still precious ; and do we stand steady 
against the smiles of the world, prefering Jesus to all ? See, 
mark the blessed connection between edification in the truth, 
walking in the fear of the Lord, and enjoying the comforts of 
the Holy Ghost. So the church of old prospered when rest 
was given them. These things are inseparable. True saving 
knowledge of Jesus in the heart ever discovers itself by a holy, 
loving, filial fear of the Lord in the life. The more we are 
edified in the faith, this fear increaseth : -faith and fear are 
founded in love, and will be accompanied with the comfort of 
the Holy Ghost. . 

But though the churches had rest from persecution, still the 
members were in the body. Satan w T as active, afflictions and 
temptations ceased not. From these neither they nor we shall 
ever be exempt in this vale of tears. To endure them, we are 
taught, is part of our blessedness. Jam. J. 12. By them we 
learn many useful lessons of faith, patience, humility, and 
resignation to the will of God, and are made the more to par- 
take of his holiness ; so the Holy Ghost sanctifies them to our 
profit, and enables us to glorify tbe Lord our God, being cheer- 
ful and confident in Jesus' promise : ' Because thou hast kept 
the word of my patience, I also will keep thee in the hour of 
temptation.' Rev. iii. 10. 



april 27.] 238 [evening. 

That your love may abound yet more and more, in 
knowledge and in all judgment. Phil. i. 9. 

The soul that is not concerned that it may be so with him, 
is not alive to God. We see many professors who have lost a 
varm sense and comfortable feeling of divine truth. But are 
they deeply concerned for it ? Do they earnestly wrestle with 
God, fervently crying out, oh that it were with me as in months 
past ? Alas, no. They say, we are not called to live upon our 
frames and feelings. Very true : neither, blessed be God, are 
we called to live without warm frames, and comfortable feel- 
ings. Let us beware lest we despise the comforts of the Holy 
Ghost. Some professors by their spirit and conduct, remind 
one of the fox in the fable, who lost his tail in a trap, and told 
his brethren he run so much the lighter without it. So some 
having lost their warm and lively feelings, think little about 
them, and seem to say, they can run well without them. Truly 
so they do, but not in the ways of the Lord, but in the ways 
of the world, of sin and folly. They awfully take up with other 
frames and feelings ; not of a spiritual, but of a carnal and 
sensual nature. 

Oh christian, pity such. Bless the Lord, if he has kept you 
from thus falling, and make this text the prayer of your soul. 
(1) ( That your love may abound more and more.' To whom? 
To the God of love, to the Son of his love, to the Spirit, the 
shedder forth of his love, and to all the children of his love ; 
yea, with a love of pity to all men. This is a most precious 
frame to live and die in. But (2) How is love to ' abound?' 
' In knowledge ' The more we know and believe the everlast- 
ing love of God the Father, the everlasting salvation of God 
the Son, and the everlasting consolation of God the Spirit, 
real love is encreased to Jehovah, and to our brethren in 
Christ. Do not set love before knowledge, do not think know- 
ledge contrary to love, or that love abounds by ignorance. Let 
it also be l in all judgment,' or sense and feeling, as in the 
margin of some bibles. Insensible love, unfelt love, is a 
strange kind of passion. My dear brethren, you, who like me 
have warm passions, let us pray God that our love may as 
sensibly be felt as our anger, and may daily abound o^ r er it ; 
yea, over all our sins, over the love of the world, over every 
enemy to the love of our Christ, and to the glory of our God. 
' Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in 
peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.' 
2 Cor. xiii. 11. 

'Tis sweet by faith to know Christ's love, Lord make me daily know and feel, 

As taught us by his sacred word : Religion's more than empty name : 

'Tis srweeter still, when from above, 'Tis love and joy unspeakable, 

We feel its comforts shed abroad. To live by faith upon the Lamb. m. 



APRIL 28. J 230 [morning. 

But thou hast not called upon me, oh Jacob : thou hast 
been weary of me, oh Israel. Isai. xliii. 22. 

' God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew/ 
Rom. xi. 2. Zealous professors may become shameful apos- 
tates. God's own children may awfully backslide from him, 
and sadly decline in their love to him and service of him. Such 
conduct is most base to the best of Beings, most ungrateful to 
the most loving Lord and Saviour, most wounding to sensible 
gracious hearts : but such wandering sheep shall hear the 
faithful Shepherd s voice, and shall return with weeping and 
supplications. Slighted mercies, forfeited privileges, neglected 
means of grace, indifference to the cause of Jesus, and grow- 
ing weary of the Saviour's ways and service, bear sad witness 
against the soul. 

A little self-examination will discover that such a one hath 
found other lovers ; with them he is delighted, and after them 
he hath gone. If the life of sense prevails against the life of 
faith, the lusts of the flesh are preferred to spiritual delights ; 
carnal worldly company is more relished than the communion 
of the saints ; fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness 
is more attended to than fellowship with Jesus — If the private 
duties of the closet, the public ordinances of God's house are 
forsaken ; if to all this there is an i difference and unconcern 
of soul, can the solemn charge of our Lord be heard, ( Thou 
hast been weary of me/ without pleading guilty? Be aston- 
ished, oh heavens, at this ! Weary in serving the Lord may 
be the christian's experience through infirmity ; but to be 
weary of the Lord himself, the Lord of every perfection, the 
God of all mercies, the Father of all consolation, the only 
Saviour of our souls, our only hope in time, our all in eternity ; 
to be weary of, to grow shy to such a Being, oh what shall one 
say ! Truly, love is patient, and prayer powerful ; but for the 
love of the Father, and the intercession of Jesus, such a soul 
might, ere this, have reaped his deserts in torments, and been 
weary of his punishment in hell. But oh, after such base con- 
duct, hear the declaration of Love : ( I, even I am he who 
blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will 
not remember thy sins.' ver. 25. Therefore there is hope, 
grace reigns, grace abounds, mercy is free, proclamation is 
made. ' Return (such a temper must be changed, or death 
cannot be hopeful, nor eternity desirable) return to the Lord 
thy God, for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity/ Hos. xiv. 1. 

Why snould my foolish passions rove ? Let me be fastened to thy cross, 
Where ran such sweetness be, Rather than lose the sight. 

As I have tasted in thy love, Make haste my days to reach the goa t> 
As I ha\ e found in thee ? And bring my hoart to rest 

Wretch (hat I am, to wander thus On the dear centre of my soul, 

In chase of false delight! My God, my Saviour's breast. 



April 28.] 240 [evening. 

David said in his heart > I shall perish one day by the 
hand of Saul. 1 Sam. xxvii. ! . 

W ho will say, that from the nature and reason of things, 
David had not cause to think so ? The king's wrath was 
incensed against him, and the wrath of a king is as messen- 
gers of death ; yea, ' as the roaring of a lion/ Prov. xvi. 14. 
xix. 12. Saul wanted neither policy nor power to execute his 
cruel designs upon David ; but only he must have permission 
from David's Lord, before he could hurt a single hair of his 
head. Poor David's heart seems to forget this, when in a fit 
of fear and unbelief he says, ( I shall one day perish by the 
hand of Saul.' Now, only think, ' the Lord had appointed, 
and anointed David to be king, and the Spirit of the Lord 
came upon him from that day forward.' chap. xvi. 12, 13. Yet 
we here find him doubting the truth of what had passed, giving 
way to unbelief, and suspecting that the Lord's purpose might 
be prevented by Saul's malice in destroying him ; as though 
Saul's arm was stronger to destroy than the Lord's to save, 
or Sauls hatred against him greater than the Lord's love for 
him. What an enemy is unbelief to God's glory, and the com- 
fort of his beloved children ! The holiest of God's saints are 
not totally freed from its malign influence. See it in David, 
see it in thyself, and be ashamed. For, art thou a David, a 
beloved of the Lord ; art thou also anointed by the Spirit of 
the Lord, to be a king unto God ? Rev. i. 6. Yet didst thou 
never say in thine heart, I shall one day perish by the hand of 
mine enemies. I shall never arrive at the kingdom of God. 
Yea, art thou thinking or saying so now? Then be ashamed 
of thyself, for thus dishonouring thy Lord's love, calling in 
question his grace, suspecting his power, and slighting his 
Spirit. As though the power of sin, Satan, and the world, 
were greater than thy Lord's, and could frustrate his gracious 
purposes towards thee. Oh think, it is the blood of the Son 
of God which hath redeemed thee from all thy sins ; it was 
the Spirit of God that quickened thy soul when dead in sin ; 
it was his grace that brought thee to Jesus for salvation ; and 
all this because the Father loved thee with an everlasting love. 
Now set all this against all the powers of sin and darkness, 
and say which is greatest. Who shall prevail ? Look not to . 
thine own strength, depend not on thine own graces, be not 
over elated by thy fine frames, be not dejected under dark 
ones. Trust in the Lord for ever, for in the Lord Jehovah is 
everlasting strength. Isai. xxvi. 4. 

How many fears our souls distress, Oli Lord, give faith, and faith's encrease, 

Through cursed unbelief: To trust thee even hour, 

Save us, oh Lord our righteousness, That we may feel our hearts at ease, * 

From this malignant thief. Through thine almighty power 



APRIL 29.] 241 [MORNING. 

Then I saw and considered it tvell : 1 looked upon it, 
and received instruction. Pro v. xxiv. 32. 



Observation is the life of understanding, experience is the 
joy of faith, learning good from others harms is true wisdom. 
Can we look around us, among the circle of our professing 
acquaintance, and not see the awful effects of slothfulness in 
the ways of God. What supine indolence in the cause of 
Jesus, and careless indifference as to the health and prosperity 
of the soul, do we behold ! A very affecting description of 
this the Spirit of wisdom here presents to our view : ' I went 
by the field of the slothful,' the once seemingly growing and 
shining professor, ' and lo, it was all grown over with thorns ;' 
the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches have 
choked the word, Matt. xiii. 22 ; i and nettles have covered 
the face thereof;' the rank weeds of corrupt lusts, sensual 
gratifications, carnal pleasures and delights overspread the 
life and conduct ; e the stone wall of the vineyard is broken 
down ;' the soul lying open and unfenced against the incur- 
sion of the beasts of prey, Satan, the men of this world, carnal 
company ; senseless of its danger, and slothful to all means of 
deliverance, the poor soul composes itself with * yet a little 
sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep.' 
Is not this a striking, though awful likeness ? Do we not al- 
most daily behold its original ? How T melancholy the sight, 
how alarming the conduct, how dreadful the sentence ! ' So 
shall thy poverty come as one that travaileth, and thy want as 
an armed man ;' being without power thou canst not withstand 
it. See this, oh soul ; remember thy calling is ^o diligence. 
1 Consider it well,' what sad effects spiritual sloth produce. 
' Look upon it' as a frame and temper of soul to be constantly 
dreaded, and earnestly prayed against, ' and receive instruc- 
tion:' ' For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were 
written for our learning.' To what end ? To show what has 
happened to others. They are ' ensamples to us, and for our 
admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 
Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest 
he fall.' 1 Cor. x. 11, 12. The apostle speaks of ' things that 
accompany salvation.' Heb. vi. 9. Diligence in the ways of 
God is one of these things ; without this we cannot enjoy the 
full assurance of hope, that we are ' followers of them who, 
through faith and patience, do now inherit the promises.' 

I love the volumes of thj word ; Thy threat'nings wake my slnmb'ring eyes, 

What light and joy those leaves afford And warn me where my clanger lies : 

To souls benighted and distrest ! But 'tis thy blessed gospel, Lord, 

Thy precepts guide ray doubtful way. That makes my guilty conscience clean, 

Thy fear forbids my feet to stray, Converts my soul, subdues my sin, 

Thy promise leads my heart to rest. And gives a free hut large reward. 



april 29.] 242 [evening. 

Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be establish- 
ed. Believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 2 Chron. 
xx. 20. 



Such was the advice of good Jehoshaphat, in a time of in- 
vasion by a powerful army. Precious words, at all times sea- 
sonable. What can a child of God desire on this side glory 
so much as establishment of mind, and prosperity of soul ? 
Both are obtained by faith. As the mind is established, so 
the soul prospers. (1) What is implied in being l established?' 
It is to be fixed and settled in the confidence of one's mind, 
and not to halt between two opinions, as those of old did be- 
tween God and an idol. 1 Kings xviii. 21. To halt is to be 
lame on both sides, thus their minds were in suspense, agitated 
between two objects, and not steadily fixed upon either. So 
many sincere souls are tossed to and fro, by every wind ot 
doctrine. They are like children, not steadily fixed in their 
judgment, nor settled in their confidence in the Lord. Yet 
they delight to hear the truths of God. In hearing, their souls 
are refreshed : but when hearing is over, their minds are 
shaken, their doubts and fears again return. Oh see and re- 
joice, for, (2) The Lord himself is set forth as the object of our 
faith. f Believe,' or trust in the Lord your God : nothing can 
establish the soul but faith. Lord enGrease our faith. To 
prayer we should add earnest diligence, in searching the scrip- 
tures, considering the freeness, fulness and suitableness of the 
promises of the Lord to us. To believe ( in the Lord ' is to 
trust in, and repose our minds upon his covenant grace, and 
love in Christ Jesus ; to take him as he has revealed himself, 
as our God and Father ; to trust our souls and all our con- 
cerns in his hands, just as little children do by their fathers. 
Their minds have no doubt of their father's love to them. 
When they want any thing, they ask tor it ; when in sorrow, 
they tell him of it ; and yet what parent on earth has such a 
heart of love to his children, as our heavenly Father has to us? 
Did any one ever so freely, fully, and affectionately manifest 
it? Be ashamed of your unbelief, which keeps your souls 
from being established in his grace and truth. It is a good 
thing that the heart be established with grace. Heb. xiii. 9. 
Do we desire it, that our souls may prosper? Then ' believe 
his prophets.' They testify of God the Fathers love, of God 
the Son's salvation, and of peace and joy in God the Holy 
Ghost. Hear them, and your soul shall be established in 
grace. Believe them, and your soul shall prosper in comfort. 

How oft do fears beset my heart, Establish, Lord, my heart in faith, 

That I shall sorely fall, " Firm in thy truth to stand ; 

A prey to Satan'sdeadly ,irt, Daily to live on what thou saith, 

And lose my Christ, my all. While in this harren land 



april 30.] 243 [morning. 

Behold, I see the heavens opened, und the Son of man 
standing on the right hand oj God. Acts vii.56. 

' Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof.' As the trial and 
exercise of our day is, so shall our strength be. Saints shall 
have suffering grace for suffering times. Hours of great out- 
ward calamities often prove seasons of the greatest abound- 
ings of inward consolation. It is said, ' Stephen fell asleep.' 
What ! fall asleep under a shower of stones ? Yes : the sweet- 
est sleep he ever experienced. It was preceded by a super- 
natural sight of glory; he awoke in the full enjoyment of 
glory; he suffered first for Jesus, he is the first who is favoured 
with a view of the glorified Jesus in his kingdom. How faith- 
ful is the Lord we serve, how great are his compassions, how 
reviving to the soul is the spiritual sight of him ! Whether 
patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, or confessors, as be- 
lievers in all ages, the same Lord was the object of their faith ; 
they were comforted by the same Spirit, whose blessed office 
it is to glorify Jesus in the view of believing souls. True, ' no 
man shall see me and live, saith the Lord.' Exod. xxxiii. 20. 
Even highly favoured Stephen saw not the essential glory of 
Jehovah, but through the medium of the man Jesus. Whether 
with his bodily sight, or in the full vision of faith, and the 
Holy Ghost, he saw the glory of God in the person of the 
glorified and exalted Son, the discovery fired his soul with 
heavenly joy, and inflamed his heart with holy transport. 

Faith's views of Jesus have a transforming influence upon 
the soul. While he is beheld, love is communicated. Ascend- 
ing hearts to Jesus are favoured with descending love from 
him. Love, received in the heart, cheerfully diffuseth its sweet 
savour around us ; it enlarges the bowels of compassion, and 
opens the mouth in prayer, even for its worst enemies. Thus 
Stephen prays for his very murderers. When for himself he 
stands ; when for them he kneeled down, as though more im- 
portunate for them than for himself. What hath Jesus done 
for sinners ! What doth he in them ; how precious is he to 
those who believe ; how should our hearts long for clearer 
views of him by the Spirit ! As in his love, so in his person, he 
is l wonderful ; ' he is ever the same, a Man; he appears in 
his human form before/the throne, interceding for sinners. The 
same suffering crucified Man who loved our persons and bore 
our sins, still lives and pleads our cause as our triumphant 
conqueror in our nature over all our enemies. Thus daily 
conceive of, look to, and embrace in the arms of faith, thy 
Lord and thy God, as Man and Mediator, as having once 
atoned and is now interceding for thee ; so mayest thou ever 
comfortably say, ' Into thine hand I commit my spirit; for 
thou hast redeemed me ob Lord God of truth ' Psal. xxxi. 5. 



april 30.] 244 L EVENI ^ G - 

Strong meat bdongeth to them thai are of full age, 
ivho by reason of use, have their senses exercised to dis- 
cern both good and evil. Heb. v. 14. 



It is hard for any who are called to minister in, or write 
about the truths of God, to please every one. Babes, who are 
unskilful in the word of righteousness, can only take milk. 
They cry out against strong meat, it offends their stomach. 
But such should consider, (1) That they are not always to 
continue babes, to feed upon pap and milk. The tender 
mother tries her infant, again and again, with meat, though 
its stomach heaves against it, and it has not the art to swallow 
it. So they must learn to eat strong meat, that they may grow 
thereby. (2) God's children are not all of equal age, therefore 
strong meat is as necessary for adults as milk is for babes, or 
those who are of full age, who are said to be ' perfect.' Not 
so, compared with the perfect law of God, for there is no one 
upon earth perfect in this sense, though many, through per- 
fect ignorance of the law and themselves, pretend to it. But 
' perfect' in comparison of babes, respecting the knowledge of 
the everlasting, electing, immutable love of God in Christ to 
sinners ; of his freely and fully justifying, and eternally glori- 
fying them, through the blood and righteousness of his Son ; 
and of his effectually calling and sanctifying them by his 
Spirit. Therefore, (3) The most deep and strong truths of 
God are held forth in scripture as strong meat, to nourish, 
comfort and build up such as are of full age. Hence it be- 
comes those who labour in the word to give each their por- 
tion, that neither babes on one hand, nor strong men on the 
other, should have reason to find fault. Babes should not 
expect the strong to come back to their food, but should press 
forward to maturity. (4) How is this to be attained ? ' By 
reason of use.' Constantly searching the scriptures, and hear- 
ing them opened and explained. Just as a learner uses his 
grammar, which contains the rudiments of the language he 
wants to attain. He cannot get forward without it, he must 
be perfect in it, he is never to forget its rules. Also ' by the 
exercise of the senses,' the internal ones of the understanding 
and judgment. ' Seeing' Jesus, Heb. ii. 9. ' Hearing' his 
voice, John x. 3. ' Smelling' the sweet odour of his love : 
* his name is as ointment poured forth.' Song i. 3. ' Tasting' 
that the Lord is gracious. 1 Pet. ii. 3. ' Handling' the word 
of life and salvation as held forth in the gospel. 1 John i. 1. 
Thus exercising our senses on Christ, we grow strong to trust 
in him. We discern that all good is in him, and all is evil 
without him. 

From blest experience may we prove, Who feeds with meat that's from above, 

The wisdom of God's righteous ways, According to our strength and days. 



MAY 1.] ?A5 [MORNING. 

Doth the plowman plow all day to soiv ; doth he open 
and break the clods oj the ground ? Isai. xxviii. 24. 

* The Lord of hosts hath decreed to stain the pride of ail 
glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the 
earth.' Isai. xxiii. 9. Therefore his word sends us to the 
common transactions of life, that we may gather instruction in 
humility, and be taught to bow to his sovereignty. Every dis- 
pute against the latter is a strong evidence of the want of the 
former. When the mouth is not stopped, but daringly opened 
against sovereign purposes and eternal decrees, it is an awful 
sign that the plough of God's law hath not cut deep into such 
sinners' hearts ; for instead of pleading guilty and being 
speechless, the pride of nature urges vain pleas against free 
grace truth, everlasting love, the finished salvation of Jesus, 
and the certain glory of all his chosen members. 

But verily, as the plowman plows at a proper season, and 
sows his seed at the appointed time, and as harvest shall not 
fail, so the church of Christ is ' God's husbandry.' 1 Cor. iii. 
9. By the ministry of the word, the Lord plows up the uncul- 
tivated ground of unfruitful hearts, he opens and breaks the 
clods of pride and lust, he casts in the seed of eternal life in 
the knowledge of Jesus ; then the graces of faith, hope, love 
and holiness, take root downward, and spring forth upward. 

But alas, the seed is exposed to many dangers ; weeds may 
grow up and choke it ; if" refreshing showers, the warm sun, or 
the purifying air is withheld, it will rot, and bring forth no 
fruit to perfection. The poor heart is not without its fears, 
yea, is at its wit's end at times, lest it should be so. And 
what can he do? He cannot command the clouds, or call 
forth the sun, or cause the wind to blow. Boasting in self is 
at an end; trusting to inherent grace is cutoff; hence the soul 
is led in humility to see that all things are of God ; that if ever 
he reaps the harvest of eternal life, it is wholly and solely 
owing to God's free gift by Jesus ; that all present fruitfulness 
is by the Spirit's energy and influence, in consequence of the 
Father's love and faithfulness, and the Son's perfect work 
and salvation ; therefore look not so much within, nor around 
thee, as above to Jesus. Doubting disciple, from this inex- 
haustible fountain, hope and encouragement flow. Though 
all within seems gloomy and distressing, all without opposing 
and discouraging, yet our God is over all and above all. Ever 
remember there is as great a necessity for the heart to be 
deeply rooted in humility downward, as for the pleasing fruits 
of peace and joy to spring upward. Our heavenly husbandman 
knows which is best for us. As the plowman minds his work 
and does his duty ; so do thou. Be diligent in thy work, be 
humble in thy heart, knowing that God giveth the increase. 
1 Cor. iii. 7. 



MAY 1.] 24G [EVENING. 

They shall take to them every man a lamb. Exod. xii. 3. 

This was God's appointed means of salvation, in a night of 
sore destruction. Here is a display of the sovereignty of God, 
and the obedience of faith. Lord enable us to bow to the one, 
and to learn more and more of the other. Consider, (1) The 
sovereignty of God, in his severity upon his enemies, and in 
his goodness to his people : in destroying all the firstborn of 
the former, and in preserving every one of the latter. This 
was in a way appointed by his sovereign mercy, for there is no 
mercy from God to any sinner, but in the way he appoints. 
This was a lamb. ' They shall take to them every one a 
lamb/ His flesh was to be their food, his blood their salvation. 
Would not taking the flesh and blood of any other creature 
have answered the same end 1 No : to attempt it would have 
been a direct act of unbelief of God's word, and disobedience 
to his will. Such a soul would have brought upon himself 
swift destruction. Oh beware lest you turn your eyes from the 
Lamb of God : there is salvation in no other. See, (2) The 
obedience of faith. We do not find one Israelite destroyed : 
they believed Gods word, and obeyed it. They did not dare 
to reply against God and say, what doest thou ; or why wilt 
thou destroy so many souls in one night ? Why take a lamb, 
and sprinkle his blood as our protection ? Why institute this 
sign to us only> and not to the Egyptians also ? Why not give 
them at least a chance of salvation ? Is this just ? Oh the 
power of faith ! It kills such arrogant speeches. The grace of 
faith in the heart subdues the enmity of the carnal mind, bows 
the rebellious will, stills the turbulency of nature, brings peace 
to the conscience, and love to the heart : for it takes and feeds 
upon the flesh, and trusts alone in the blood of e the Lamb of 
God,' who taketh away the sin of the world. This is God's 
appointed way of salvation. How simple, how happy is the 
believing soul. God and he are perfectly agreed. God says, 
Take the Lamb, my beloved Son, as my free gift for your 
whole salvation. The Lamb says, ' My flesh is meat indeed, 
and my blood is drink indeed.' John vi 55. And the obe- 
dient sinner says, Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief. Dost 
thou believe ; hast thou experienced this ? Oh bless the lov- 
ing Spirit for the gift of precious faith, for faith is the gift of 
God. Feed by faith on the Lamb of God. Thus take, thus 
receive, thus live upon Christ and his fulness every day on 
earth, till you see his face in glory. Yet a little while, and 
he shall come. Heb. x. 37. 

There is salration in the Lamb, Christ is my food, my robe, my joy, 

For sinners vile as me : I take him thus by faith ; 

I glory in his precious name, My foes can ne'er my soul destroy, 

\nd lon^ his face to see. Christ is my life, my health. m. 



MAY 2.] 247 [MORNING. 

That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world 
become guilty before God. Rom. iii. 19. 



In our natural state we are ever most backward to take 
guilt to ourselves, most skilful at self-excuses, most averse to 
self-examination, because we dread self-condemnation ; hence 
we are ever prone to pass judgment at the bar of pride and 
carnal reason upon the truths of God, because we think they 
are against us. Oh what is there in such stout-hearted rebels, 
who are far from righteousness, to invite down the blessed 
Spirit to enlighten our minds ! It is by his special mercy we 
see the spirituality and extent of God's holy law : though in 
it we see nothing out justice with a drawn sword, and mercy 
with a veiled face, yet it cuts off all glorying in the flesh, stops 
the mouth of pride and arrogance, and leaves the poor sinner 
under a sense of guilt, and subjects him to the judgment of 
God. To such, the sound of mercy how welcome ; the procla- 
mation of grace, how joyful ; the name of Jesus, how precious ; 
the way of salvation by him, how acceptable. How willingly 
do such desire to be eternally indebted to free grace ; how dead 
do such become to former legal hopes ! Expectation from their 
fulfilling terms and conditions is cut off; grace freely given, 
mercy richly bestowed through Jesus, becomes the subject of 
all their hope, the matter of all their glorying. Now it is not, 
What have I done, or how have 1 behaved ? But, What hath 
Jesus done; what a glorious salvation hath he wrought ! I am 
a poor sinner, stript of all. I now bow to the sovereignty of 
God, adore his electing love, admire his salvation, sit humbly 
at the feet of Jesus, dwell on the wonders of his love and suf- 
ferings on Calvary's mount, thankfully receive the testimony 
of Jesus from the Spirit, and give the ever-gracious Three all 
the glory of what I am in time, and of what I hope to be in 
eternity. When the soul is become guilty in its own sight, the 
mouth is thus stopped ; every self-righteous plea is silenced. 
When the sinner thus sees himself, he is quite out of conceit 
with himself. 

Thus the law is good, if a man use it lawfully ; but if the 
Lamb's wife seek to the law, as a woman to her husband, to 
get comfort from it, and life by obedience to it, verily this is 
not continuing a chaste virgin to Jesus. We shall then cease 
to bring forth fruit unto God ; but we shall be, as God com- 
plains of Israel of old, ' an empty vine, who bringeth forth 
fruit unto himself/ Hos. x. 1. We shall grow delighted with 
ourselves, and imagine we have that within us to talk of and 
glory in, instead of the work of Jesus for us. But thus saith 
the Lord, 'Thou shalt remember and be confounded, and never 
open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when 1 am 
pacified towards thee, for all that thou hast done.' Ezek. 
xvi. 63. 



MAY 2.] 248 [evening. 

If any man suffer as a christian, let him not be asham- 
ed, hut let him glorify God on this behalf, 1 Pet. iv. 1 6. 

' The disciples were first called christians at Antioch.' Acts 
xi. 26. It is a blessed name ; we ought ever to glory in it, and 
never to be ashamed of it. But the bare name will no more 
avail us in life, death and judgment, than to be called rich, 
while we are in pinching want. ' Christ' signifies Anointed, 
and he was anointed to be our Saviour. Acts x. 38. All who 
are saved by him, and come to him, are his anointed ones. 
So St. John speaks of all Christ's living members : ' Ye have 
an unction from the Holy One.' 1 John ii. 20. To anoint is 
to consecrate and set apart, for holy and spiritual purposes. 
Christians are consecrated and set apart from the rest of the 
world, to be a people peculiarly devoted to the glory of Jesus. 
They are the jewels which compose his mediatorial crown. 
Are you thus highly honoured by the Lord of life and glory ; 
is your soul anointed by the Spirit of Christ? Then verily the 
world will also anoint you with their spirit. The more the 
unction of the Holy One is manifest in your walk and conver- 
sation, so much the more will the wicked one and his children 
bespatter and besmear your character with reproach and in- 
famy. Thus you will be sure to suffer as a christian : at least 
in your good name. This must be cast out as evil : only take 
heed that you suffer as a christian. That it be for confessing 
Christ, and adorning his gospel. As you love Christ, and have 
a tender concern for his glorjr, let him not be wounded, and 
his cause dishonoured, by any unholy, unjust, imnforal actions. 
Remember, the men of the world are vulture-eyed to your 
faults, glad to spy, and eager to proclaim them, with an air of 
triumph, saying, See here, these are your christians. But if 
you really suffer as a Christian, who have given up yourself to 
be a disciple of Christ, art following him in the regeneration, 
and therefore art the butt of contempt, and a mark to be shot 
at, by the profane wit of ungodly men, be not ashamed, be not 
confounded. Do not hang down your head wi h fear, but look 
up to God with joy. Glorify him for thus honouring you. 
Remember on whose behalf you suffer, and put all your suffer- 
ings for Christ to his account. You have Christ's note of hand: 
he will surely pay it. But if you are ashamed, it is a sign you 
cannot credit him. What, is the credit of Jesus, the God of 
truth, bad in your eyes? Be ashamed, for want of faith to 
trust him. Meditate often on that day, when Christ shall 
come in the glory of his Father, to confess them who now 
confess him. Luke xii. 8. 

Dear Lord, wlio suffered once for me So fill my mind with lo\e to thee, * 

Upon the shameful cross, To count no shame my loss. m. 



MAY 3.] 249 [morning. 

Jesus said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the 
glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified 
thereby. John xi. 4. 

It frequently happens, that intervening occurrences seem to 
contradict the truths of God. Therefore if we judge from sight 
and appearance, we shall often be deceived. God's word alone 
is the rule of faith ; what he has declared shall certainly come 
to pass, however repugnant it may seem to carnal reason. 
Thus our Saviour declares of Lazarus, ' This sickness is not 
unto death.' Yet he afterwards told his disciples plainly, 
' Lazarus is dead :' and Jesus found him in the grave, where 
he had lain four days. But Jesus, who had power over death 
and the grave, knew his own intention of raising him, both for 
the glory of the Father, as well as the glorifying of himself. 
This was the great end of his coming into the world ; therefore 
in the life, and by the death of Jesus, glory redounds ' to God 
in the highest, peace on earth, and good-will to men/ 

Did Jesus love Lazarus ? Did his compassionate eye drop 
a tear of affection over his friend's grave? Oh what an innu- 
merable company of poor sinners did his loving eyes behold, 
who, like Lazarus, were not only to all appearances past hope, 
but actually ' dead in trespasses and sins.' But he says of 
them also, ' This sickness is not unto death.' Eternal death 
shall not have the dominion over them ; but he would get 
glory to God, and glorify himself in quickening and raising all 
God's chosen ones, all his dearly beloved members. 

On the death of Lazarus ' Jesus wept : he groaned within 
himself,' and cried to his Father. How must the heart of 
Lazarus be inflamed with love to his dear Lord for giving him 
a second life ! Oh believer, the raising thy soul from a death 
of sin to a life of righteousness, cost thy Saviour not only a 
sigh, a tear, a groan, a prayer ; but agonies, sweats of blood, 
tortures beyond thought, sufferings beyond expression. His 
immaculate heart's blood he freely poured forth for our sins, 
to procure the life, and to obtain the salvation of our souls. 
Canst thou think of this love without reflecting on thy misery ? 
Oh hard heart, oh cruel unbelief. How little affected with 
such love as none but God could shew. Is this thy pain and 
sickness ? Come theft, that the Son of God may be yet more 
glorified in thee ; bring thy hard heart to the feet of Jesus, and 
confess thy unbelief to him with this humble cry, ' Lord, I 
believe, help thou mine unbelief.' Mark ix. 24. 

Come, happy souls, approach your God So strange, so boundless was the love 

With new melodious songs ; That pity'd dying men, 

Come, tender to almighty grace The Father sent his equal Sou 

The tribute of vonr tongues. To give them life again. 

2 K 



MAY 3.] 250 [evening. 

With his stripes we are healed. Isaiah liii. 5. 

A great professor once said to me, ' I can never conceive 
how one man can be made righteous, by the righteousness of 
another.' Thus his carnal reason led him to object against 
Christ's righteousness being imputed to us. I replied, why 
then do you profess to believe that your sins can be washed 
away by the blood of another? He was silent. 'Without 
controversy, great is the mystery of godliness.' Too great a 
mystery for human reason to comprehend ; but not too great 
for divine faith to receive, to the joy of the soul. Sin is a 
malignant and mortal disease The soul must die eternally of 
it, unless healed. This healing of the soul is the pardoning 
of sin, and this is obtained by the stripes of Christ. You feel 
the evil of sin, you mourn over the guilt of sin, you groan under 
the burden of indwelling sin, from day to day. The Spirit of 
truth, the Comforter, here holds forth a blessed remedy for you 
to look to, for pardon of sin, peace of conscience, and the 
healing of the soul : The stripes of Jesus. Just as though 
the Lord proclaimed to a world of diseased sinners, This is 
your only remedy ; so sure as you are sinners, and feel sin in 
your nature, so truly did the Son of God take upon him the 
same nature. All your sins were laid upon and imputed to 
him, and in that nature he was cursed by the law as a male- 
factor, wounded, bruised and put to death by divine justice, 
as the greatest sinner by imputation, that ever lived. Hereby 
your sins, all your sins, are fully pardoned, and your souls as 
perfectly healed of the disease of sin, as though it had never 
infected you. Look to any thing but the stripes of Christ, and 
you will be miserable. Look to these only and alone, and you 
shall find health, joy and salva ion. Sin-sick soul, what say- 
est thou to this? ( Lord encrease my faith.' That is a pre- 
cious prayer. That dear Lord who suffered stripes for thy sin, 
that thou mightest be healed of thy sins ; that dear Spirit who 
convinced thee of sin, and made thee sick of sin, will surely 
answer the prayer of faith, and give thee the joy of faith, and 
thou shalt say, ' Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not 
all his benefits, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, and healeth 
all thy diseases/ Psal. ciii. 2, 3. Oh what a marvellous way 
is this of healing our souls ! It is God's way. Unconvinced 
sinners care not about it; proud, self-righteous souls reject it, 
and licentious spirits abuse it. Relieving humble hearts re- 
joice in it, give Christ the glory of it, and walk worthy of the 
Lord to all pleasing. Col. i. 10. 

Strict justice, Christ hath satisfied, This 13 the faith which works hy love 

By pains, and stripes, and death • 01' our dear suffring Lord : 

By these our souls are justified, It lifts our souls to joys above," 

And comforted in faith. Obeys his holv word. m. 



MAY 4.] 251 [morning. 

Seekest. thou great things for thyself : Seek them not 
Jer. x\v. 5. 



The glorious company of the apostles, the goodly fellowship 
of the prophets, the noble army of martyrs, every member of 
the church of Christ in every age, were called to deny and 
mortify self. In this there is no difference : all are equally 
clothed with the same corrupt nature, are men of like pas- 
sions, and are therefore in danger of self-seeking, and of hav- 
ing their affections attracted from Jesus, to the alluring objects 
of this present evil world. The scripture has recorded a very 
short chapter of the prophet Baruch's conduct. On reading 
this we may truly look within, around us, and then look up 
and cry, ' Lord, what is man ;' and with astonishment may 
add, ' that thou art mindful of him.' 

Yea, what is every Baruch, or every blessed man, who bends 
the knee to Jesus, and is renewed in the spirit of his mind ? 
Alas, he is still of the earth, earthly, prone to cleave to the 
dust, ready to seek great things for himself, from the objects of 
time and sense. One would have thought, just at a time when 
the prophet had been reading the dreadful roll, full of mourn- 
ing, lamentation and woe, which were shortly to come upon 
the kingdom, this would have entirely curbed every carnal 
desire after selfish views and earthly glory. But no, the lusts 
of the flesh can only be mortified by the power -of the Spirit. 
Jeremiah is sent with a loving warning and tender prohibition 
to Baruch : ' Is this a time for self-seeking, instead of thy 
Master's glory ? What, aspire after worldly honour and dig- 
nity in a time of threatened ruin ? Be wise, know thy station, 
act in character.' 

Here^ oh christian, see the picture of thy own corrupt na- 
ture. Know thyself; consider, thou also art in the body. Re- 
member, ' in thy flesh dwelleth no good thing.' Though under 
threatened ruin and destruction, yet it will lust after such 
things as are agreeable to its carnal state. Never say with 
Hazael, Am la dog that I should act thus and thus? Beware 
of the deceitful reasonings of the flesh. It ever has plausible 
pleas to urge for its gratifications. Self-seeking is one of the 
lusts of the flesh. All views that arise from self, centre in self, 
and tend to please self, are contrary to fellowship with Jesus. 
If se\ T f is indulged, it will prove like a pampered steed, to run 
away with thy spirit from thy Beloved. Therefore he asketh, 
c Seekest thou great things for thyself?' He forbids; ' Seek 
them not.' What will it profit thee, if thou couldst gain the 
whole world, and lose sweet peace with God, comfortable com- 
munion with Jesus, and the joyful fellowship of the Holy 
Ghost? Yc cannot serve God and Mammon. Matt. vi. 24. 



MAY 4.] 252 [evening. 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, 
that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having 
done all, to stand. Ephes. vi. 13. 

Paul was an experienced veteran in the camp of Christ. 
He had been in many campaigns, and fought many battles 
under the Captian of his salvation, against his combined ene- 
mies, the world, the flesh, and the devil. He warns his fellow 
soldiers of their foes and dangers, by exhorting them to take, 
and put on, nothing less than the whole armour of God. The 
very same armour which he himself fought in, is provided for 
us also : blessed be God for that. As sure as Paul fought his 
way through, and is got safe to glory, so shall we also, in this 
armour of God. Oh christian, consider, this is not an armour 
of flesh and blood — not what is natural to man, or is in the 
power of man to provide for himself; but the Lord of hosts, 
the God of the armies of the whole earth, hath provided it for 
all Christ's good soldiers. What is this armour of God ? It 
is the Son of his love, the Lord Jesus himself. He is the 
christian's whole and complete armour. In Christ alone he 
stands his ground, fights and conquers every enemy, Without 
Christ we can do nothing but faint and fly. Take this whole 
armour : put it on, saith Paul. Christ is your-s ; he is the gift 
of God to you. ' Put ye on the Lord Jesus.' . Rom. xiii. 14. 
Just as one puts on armour for defence, so take, put on, arm 
your minds with the whole person of Christ, his love, righte- 
ousness and atonement, all his offices, yea, the whole salvation 
of Christ. This, and nothing but this, what Christ is to us, 
and hath done for us, is proof against every enemy, in the evil 
day of battle. * That ye may be able to stand.' Oh soldier, 
Christ is your strength ; your standing is by his power. 
' Against all the wiles of the devil.' Is Satan very cunning 
and very powerful, full of force and fraud ? Is he too much 
for you, to resist and conquer? Remember Christ is your 
whole armour ; all wisdom lies in the head. Christ is your 
head ; he is to you made wisdom. All courage comes from the 
heart ; Christ dwells there by faith. Ephes. iii. 17. Thus 
armed you are a match, an overmatch for the devil, and proof 
against all his devices. You never can fall, fail or be wound- 
ed, while fighting in this armour. For you shall be strength- 
ened by the Spirit's might, in the inner man. Satan must first 
wound Christ, before he can reach you; first conquer Christ, 
before he can conquer you. Oh then, christian, look at your 
armour, not at your weak defenceless self. Be strong, be of 
good courage. Shout your victory, ' more than conquerors, 
through Christ who loved us.' Rom. viii. 37 

Without the armour of my God, () may I daily put it on, 

I cannot stand against one foe : And thereby vanquish ev'ry woe, m. 



MAY 5.] 253 [morning. 

Let not your hearts be troubled ; ye believe in God, 
believe also in me. John xiv. 1. 



Jesus comforted the heart of a sorrowful widow by restoring 
her dead son to life again. Could he not also, by the power 
of his Spirit, consolate the hearts of his dear disciples, with- 
out preaching outward rules and directions to them ? Plainly 
he will be heard as our prophet. Those disciples only who 
obey the word of his doctrine, shall enjoy the consolations of 
his love. So it seemeth good to our Lord to teach ; so it is 
necessary for us to believe. Troubles are the common lot of 
God's dearest children : i Many are the afflictions of the righ- 
teous.' Psal. xxxiv. 19. They feel and groan under heart 
troubles, which strangers know not of; inward disquietudes, 
which carnal men are utterly free from, are oft amazed to hear 
of, and are ready to hug themselves, and thank God they are 
not troubled about. 

Ah, this inward insensibility is a bad sign! But disciples' 
troubles are Jesus' concerns. He has a remedy against them, 
he will give comfort under them. Believing in an absolute 
God will not do this. Nay, the glory of his majesty, the 
greatness of his power, the perfection of his justice appear in 
dread array against us. We dare not think of God out of 
Christ, knowing ourselves to be poor sinners. Therefore, says 
Jesus, ' Believe also in me.' Believe my humanity; that I 
became man for your sakes, died for your salvation, and am 
risen again in your nature to pray for you. Remember the 
covenant that is established between the Father and me on 
your account. When thoughts arise in your minds, and your 
poor hearts are troubled with finding you are still but ' unpro- 
fitable servants,' you see much cause for sorrow, mourn and 
complain that there are many things amiss in you ; that you 
do not believe so perfectly, love so comfortably, obey so cheer- 
fully as you wish. Yet ever remember, I am your Mediator 
before the throne ; you stand not in the Father's love for your 
works' sake, but the Father is ever well pleased with me. He 
loves you, and is well pleased with you for my sake. You 
have no sin but my blood dearly atoned for, you want no per- 
fection but what my righteousness supplies, you stand in need 
of no holiness and conformity to me but what the blessed 
Spirit bestows. Thus believe on me as your living head, thus 
daily look on yourselves as my dear members, thus live on me 
and honour me as your Lord, and glorify me as your only Sa- 
viour. This is to obey Christ's command, and this is our 
sweetest privilege, Shortly all our troubles and sorrows shall 
end, for ' we shall meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we 
be ever with the Lord : wherefore comfort one another with 
these words.' 1 Thess. iv. 17, 18. 



MAY 5.] 254 [evening. 

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with 
truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. 
Ephes. vi. 14. 

. Soldiers of Christ, hear and obey the word of command : 
e Stand/ Against every enemy, stand to your arms. Against 
all opposition from within and without maintain your ground ; 
face all, fight all, conquer all. Does sin attack, Satan assault, 
the world threaten ? Do corruptions rage, temptations beset, 
and carnal nature rebel? Are thine enemies many and potent ; 
is their fury great; is the battle strong? 'Stand therefore/ 
Why ? Because you have put on the whole armour of God. 
Jesus is with you, upon you, over you, and engaged for you. 
Therefore, ' Stand fast in the Lord,' 1 Thess. iii. 8, and in the 
power of his might. s Having your loins girt/ Long standing 
makes the loins faint and weak. Is there much pain in the loins ? 
Mere is thy Lord's command. Gird up the loins of thy mind, 
make thy loins strong, i fortify thy power mightily.' Nahum 
ii. 3. How? Here is a girdle for thee. l Girt about with 
truth/ What is truth ? Christ answers, I am the truth, John 
xiv. 6. Christ, and the truth as it is in him, is like a girdle to 
the loins, to brace up and strengthen the mind. Hast thou not 
often found it so, oh soldier of Christ ? When weary and faint 
in thy mind, under long and sharp conflicts with the enemy, 
hath not thy soul been revived, and thy mind animated with 
fresh strength and vigour, by again girding thy loins with the 
love, the grace, the truth, and the salvation of Jesus ? This 
was David's experience. ' Thou hast girded me with glad- 
ness/ Psal. xxx. 11. ' Thou hast girded me with strength to 
battle/ 2 Sam. xxii. 40. Oh think not of standing, without 
the girdle of truth. Let Christ and his truths be the strength 
of thy loins, and the glory of thy soul. i Having on the breast- 
plate of righteousness : ' not our own, that is defective. As 
well have on a spider's web, it will not defend the heart, 
the enemy will wound the breast through it. No other righ- 
teousness than that in which we stand perfectly justified in the 
sight of God, can effectually defend our breast against the 
enemy. This is the one perfect everlasting righteousness of 
him, who is ' The Lord our righteousness.' Jer. xxiii. 6. Christ 
by his obedience unto death wrought it out, the Spirit con- 
vinces us of our want of it, God the Father imputes it. The 
sinner accepts it by faith, glories of it, and rejoices in it. ISTo 
enemy can stand against it. It is a guard against, and repels 
the accusations of Satan, and is security against all condem- 
nation. 

If I could keep God's holy law, But since I sin in all I do, 

And every jot fulfil, And yet would ne\er sin, * 

My righteousness ! wculd not know, I'll daily to my Saviour <ro. 

My Lord's my glorv still. For peace and joy within. w. 



MAY 6.] 255 [morning. 

Thai by two immutable things, in which it was im- 
possible for God to lie, we might have sti*ong consolation, 
who have fled for refuge, to lay hold upon the hope set 
before us. Heb. vi. 18. 

It is the glory of the gospel that it reveals glad tidings to 
hopeless sinners. It finds nothing in us to entitle us to the 
favour of God : but it brings all hope and consolation to the 
soul, founded upon the most absolute promises, and the strong- 
est assurance of an immutable God, as verily as it is impos- 
sible for any of the heirs of promise to perish. Such is the 
blessed hope set before us. Happy souls, who have fled to 
Jesus for refuge, and have laid hold of this hope. Hencefor- 
ward nothing but consolation, strong consolation, ariseth to 
such poor sinners from the word of truth This hope can never 
fail them; whatever within or without fluctuates or changes, 
this never can. 

This hope is ever to be held fast, even though appearances 
wear a gloomy aspect, sense of comfort declines, feelings of 
joy seem dead, and all hope from ourselves forsakes us. But, 
Father, thy mercies never die ; thy counsel shall stand, thy 
oath cannot fail. Hope in these is an anchor to the soul. 
Whatever storms or tempests are without, or when the swell- 
ing waves of corruption lift up their voice within, yet the God 
of hope is mightier than all, and the christian hope riseth 
above all ; therefore is it sure and steady. It is cast out of 
sight within the veil. By this blessed hope of the gospel, poor 
sin-condemned, soul-distressed sinners, are kept steady to 
Jesus, and find a comfortable and secure refuge. And that 
preeious Spirit who shews them their danger, and guides them 
to safety, causeth the joy of hope to spring up in their souls. 
They enjoy a good hope through grace, and are made to 
abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost. This is a 
comforting operative grace ; it leads the soul to expect all that 
God has promised, even all the blessings of the everlasting 
covenant of grace, which flow to us from the life and death of 
Jesus. All are secured by the immutable counsel and solemn 
oath of an unchangeable God, both for time and eternity. And 
as a fruit and evidence that it is a holy, godly hope, it influen- 
ces the soul in obedience to all the Lord's commands. ' Every 
man that has this hope in him, purifies himself even as God 
is pure.' Thus Jesus is the only and alone object, through 
whom God reveals the hope of salvation. His work is finish- 
ed : it is our happiness to believe this, and to rejoice in the 
hope it affords us. Christ is therefore ever to be looked to, 
and daily trusted in. And the more thou art exercised in this 
way, so much the more inward hope and joyful consolation 
will be experienced in the soul. ' My hope is in thee.' 



MAY 6.] 256 [evening 

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel 
of peace. Ephes. vi. 15. 

Soldiers of Christ, you are not only commanded to e stand ' 
against every enemy, but to march on ; to follow the Captain 
of your salvation in the way to eternal glory. Here you must 
expect the enemy will strive, to retard your march. He \ ill 
strew the road with difficulties and entanglements, with briers 
and thorns ; will make it rugged, and almost impassible, as 
though every step was upon sharp stones and goading spikes. 
Your feet must be shod, or you will halt when you should 
march, and turn back when you should go forward. c No one 
can make a shoe to the creature's foot, so as he shall go on 
easy in a hard way, but Christ, and he can do it to the soldier's 
full content. How doth he it? Truly, no other way than 
underlaying it ; or if you will, lining it with the peace of the 
gospel. What though the way be set with sharp stones ? If 
this shoe go between the christian's foot and them, they cannot 
be much felt.' (Gurnal's Christian Armour.) ' Shod with the 
preparation/ Dr. Gill observes, this word signifies a base or 
foundation. Says Paul, ' other foundation can no man lay 
than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.' 1 Cor. iii. 11. Christ 
was laid as the only foundation of a sinner's peace, in the 
everlasting council and covenant of Jehovah. Peace is preach- 
ed by him in the gospel of peace. When the heart has a solid, 
scriptural, experimental knowledge of this by faith, it cries 
out with joy, ' Christ is our peace/ Ephes. ii. 14. ' We have 
peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ/ Rom. v. 1. 
This peace in the heart, becomes as it were shoes to the feet, 
to enable the christian soldier to trample upon every difficulty 
and danger, and to run the way of God's commands with love 
and delight. For saith the Lord, ' Thy shoes shall be iron and 
brass;' proof against every obstacle, and preservation from 
every hindrance in the way. ' And as thy days, so shall thy 
strength be/ Deut. xxxiii. 25. Thy days are all in Christ ; 
thy strength to walk on, is from him. Thy Captain, oh soldier, 
sees thy every conflict, eyes thee in every difficulty and danger ; 
and according to his rich love and marvellous grace, has given 
thee exceeding great and precious promises, that by these you 
might be partaker of the divine nature. 2 Pet. i. 4. Therefore, 

March on, nor fear to win the day, 
T ho' death and hell obstruct the way 

As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so 
walk ye in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in 
the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with 
thanksgiving. 

The gospel I, rings the joyful news, When peace of God prevails within, 
Of peace with Cod thro' Christ : We march on steadily, 

This as it were supplies wilh shoes Defying satan, world and sin, 

To stand, and foes resists Complete in victory. m. 



MAY 7.] 257 [MORNING. 

And they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn 
tuithin us, while he talked ivith us by the way, and while 
he opened to us the scriptures ? Luke xxiv. 32. 

When the fire of divine love burns in the heart, disciples 
cannot refrain speaking of it to each other. But how transient 
are the frames of God's dearest children ? Too apt are the 
strongest believers to live upon sense and feeling, instead of 
faith and promises. The former may, and often doth fail in 
enjoyment, but the latter is founded upon the firm immutable 
foundation of the God of truth, and therefore it is sure and 
infallible. 

These disciples were just before in dejection and despond- 
ency. The time was come for resurrection comfort, but their 
Lord not appearing as they expected, they were sad. Jesus 
was with them, but they knew him not. He upbraids : ' Oh 
fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have 
spoken?' Then he expounds the scriptures concerning him- 
self. Presently the fire kindles in their hearts. But it seems 
that it was soon past : yea, gone before they spoke of it. 
( Did not our hearts burn ?' How sweet was it ; what ravish- 
ing moments were those. Doubtless they could have wished 
them to continue always. So they should, if the Master saw 
good. If Jesus knew it was best, every disciple should enjoy 
hearts ever warm, ever glowing with the heavenly flame of 
divine love. Those who have been ' baptized with the Holy 
Ghost, and fire' of divine love, will speak of it to the glory of 
Jesus, and long for more lasting enjoyment of it. The best 
wine is reserved for the last. Disciple, soon shalt thou drink 
thy fill, without danger of being intoxicated. But thou must 
wait the promise, as these disciples did. Thou must go to the 
same place where they now are, before thy thirsty soul is per- 
fectly satisfied. May it be our present concern, that we give 
Jesus no cause to upbraid us for folly and unbelief, in not 
abiding by the prophets, the promises, and his testimony ! We 
are to live upon the truth of the word, and not upon fire and 
feeling within. Yet, disciples should ever be on their guard 
against such who deny the experienced comforts and joys of 
the Holy Ghost. Be not put off with dry notions, which are 
like the pale light of the waning moon, but administer not the 
animating warmth of the meridian sun. For, saith Jesus, 
' The words that I spake unto you, they are spirit and they 
are life.' John vi. 63. 

If sweet lie our frame, Or if it remain, 

We thank his dear name : And we are in pain, 

If bitter we pray, We cheerfully bear, [then?. 

And Jesus so loves us, he lakes it away. And bless our kind Saviour who suffers it 



X L 



may 7.] 258 [evening. 

Above all, taking the shield of faith. Ephes. vi. 16. 

When Christ has the heart, it will say, If I can see nothing 
of Christ in the text, that text is nothing to me. Here is a 
shield of defence. What is it ? A mere assent of the mind ? 
A cold consent of the tongue, to some certain propositions ? 
Is this the shield of faith, which will cover my head, and de- 
fend my heart in the day of battle ? Is it believing a system 
of doctrines, without having the heart warmed with love, or the 
life influenced by the power of them, that the apostle exhorts 
me above all to take ? Oh no : nothing less is this shield of 
faith than Christ, precious Christ. Never, never have any 
idea of faith, without including its author and object. Other- 
wise it is a mere non-entity ; a notion which has no real exist- 
ence but in fancy. When one hears people insist, that faith is 
our righteousness, and that faith is imputed to us for righte- 
ousness; one is led to think they take up, and are in love 
with some fancied excellence in themselves, instead of the ex- 
cellence and glory of ' the Lord our righteousness." It is him 
the grace of faith ever exalts. Have you faith ; is Christ the 
glory and excellence of your faith, and of your heart ? Then 
above all, or o,ver all things else, take this shield of faith. 
Fiery darts shot from the burning malice of hell are flying 
thick around us ; such as strong temptations, exciting burning 
lusts, blasphemous injections, horrid thoughts of God, debas- 
sing thoughts of Christ, distressing and despairing ones of the 
hope of salvation by him. Oh how do these fiery darts of the 
enemy tend to burn up the peace, hope, consolation, and joy of 
the soul. Ah, says Satan, you a child of God — you a believer 
in Christ— you an heir of glory — your faith is fancy, your hope 
delusion. You are a cursed sinner in all you do. You had 
better give over your profession, give up your hope, and enjoy 
yourself in the world, for all your expectations are only vain. 
What can the poor sinner say ? How repel, how quench such 
fiery darts ? Only by taking the shield of faith, and holding 
up the work of Jesus for him, against them all. My Saviour's 
blood atoned for all my sins ; his blood cleanseth from all 
sin. All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven : in 
his righteousness I am justified from all things. There is 
now no condemnation to me, for I am in Christ Jesus. All 
this I believe. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's 
elect? 

Not faith, but Christ he is my shield, Father, I bles^ thee for thy Son, 
By faith 1 him confess : And thou O Spirit, for faith, 

I stand unconquer'd in the field. And Christ, for all which thou hast done, 
Christ is my righteousness. For vict'ry over death. 



MAY S.] 259 [morning. 

I find then a law, thai when I would do good, evil is 
present with me. Rom. vii. 21. 

The heathens in their sacrifices were wont to cry out, ' Keep 
at a distance, oh ye profane/ But they withheld not their of- 
ferings, lest the unhallowed should be the more polluted, or 
their sacrifices be denied by them. For the godly consolation, 
edification and establishment of sanctified souls, it seemed 
meet for the Spirit of wisdom, that the apostle Paul should 
leave his experience in this epistle to the Komans. Here he 
confesses himself a poor sinner, yet a holy and happy believer 
in Jesus. Hereby to many precious souls, Jesus hath been 
made infinitely precious, while sin has been viewed as more 
exceeding sinful, and themselves made to sink lower in humi- 
lity at the feet of sovereign grace. Let those who dare advert 
to this blessed testimony for contrary purposes, remember the 
Judge is at the door. Shortly they must give an account, if 
they turn the food of God's word to the poison of their own 
souls. 

Fools make a mock of sin, while godly souls groan under 
its burden. The former's conduct is an awful proof of their 
state ; the sorrows of the latter is a certain evidence of the 
spiritual life and sanctification of their souls, being born again 
of the Spirit. Being living members of Jesus by faith, they 
love conformity to their head ; being sons of God by adoption, 
it is their joy to love, obey, and please their heavenly Father 
in all things. Perfection in holiness they aspire after, entire 
freedom from sin they comfortably hope for. But the God of 
truth will not suffer his own elect to be deceived, and to think 
themselves what they are not, nor ever will be in the flesh, 
perfectly freed from sin ; for the old man, with his affections 
and lusts, is ever near, ever present with them. ' In their 
flesh dwells no good thing/ nor ever will ; they are not to ex- 
pect any good from it, it lusts only to evil continually, their 
best thoughts are often interrupted and diverted, their most 
holy desires are often damped and discouraged, their best actions 
are seldom if ever free from the bold intrusion of unwelcome 
guests from the world, the flesh, and the devil. I would be 
wholly devoted to the JLord, saith the gracious soul ; all my 
powers and faculties, time and talents, all that I possess and 
enjoy, would I wholly freely and willingly dedicate in love to 
Jesus. Scarce the pleasing thought is conceived, but the evil 
of pride injects, What a rare name will this acquire me ! How 
shall I be admired, and shine as somebody in the christian 
world ? Oh this sinks the christian with shame, and causes 
him to hide his head with holy blushing. But let not this dis- 
courage thee. Paul abated nothing of his zeal for God's glory 
because of this. Follow his steps : ' Trust in the Lord and 
do good/ 



MAY 8.] 260 [EVENING. 

And take the helmet of salvation. Ephes. vi. 17. 

It is excellently said, ' Resolve for hardships, or lay down 
thine arms. Few come at the beat of Christ's drum to his 
standard. Many that list by external profession under him, 
after a while drop away, and leave his colours. It is suffering 
work they are sick of. Many men are more tender of their 
skin, than of their conscience. They had rather the gospel 
had provided armour to defend their bodies from death and 
danger, than their souls from sin and Satan/ All this is, be- 
cause they have not on the helmet of salvation. What is this ? 
For a helmet, ' The hope of salvation/ 1 Thess. v. 8. Do not 
all naturally hope to be saved ? Yes, some in one way, and 
some in another. But all natural hopes are false hopes : 
therefore they die and perish. But this helmet is a superna- 
tural and divine hope. All men have not faith : therefore 
they have not Christ, who is the helmet of hope. ' The Lord 
Jesus is our hope/ 1 Tim. i. 1. We have received him into 
our hearts by faith. He is the only hope of our souls. Now 
soldier, you are daily, and every day, to take and put on this 
precious helmet of salvation, that you may lift up your head in 
every day of battle. Ever lay this down as a fixed maxim in 
your heart, whatever grace the Spirit works in yon, as faith, 
hope, love, &c. it is, that you should exalt Christ the Lord of 
all grace, out of whose fulness you receive grace for grace. 
Mind this : you are not to live upon hope as a grace within 
you, but to take Christ, all that he is to you, and has done for 
you, as the object of your hope, and the helmet of your salva- 
tion. Many are apt to look more to and tnist more in graces 
themselves, than in Christ giving himself for them. The Spirit 
does nothing in us to glorify us, but to glorify Jesus, to endear 
him to us, and that we should glory more and more of him, and 
in him. ' Take' this helmet, for this keeps hope alive in the 
heart. It is of continual use to us : we are in perpetual dan- 
ger. It defends the head, makes the heart happy, and inspires 
with courage: it fortifies the mind, and purifies the life. No 
wonder then the enemy strives to rob us of the comfort of 
hope. No marvel, the Spirit, the Comforter, commands us to 
take, put on and keep on, this blessed helmet of salvation, the 
work of Christ, which is our finished salvation. In that we 
stand perfect and complete, in all the will of God. This will 
guard our heads against corrupt doctrines, and give courage to 
our hearts in the heat of battle, against affliction and distress. 
' Hope thou in God.' Psal. xlii. 5. 

Ju thy salvation, oh my Lord, This lielmet doth my head defend, 

"May I e\er stand complete : From all deceit and error ; 

Tia tiiis doth peace and joy a fiord, Gives courage to my heart and haud, * 

This is my only helmet. 'Gainst Satan's rage and terror. M. 



MAY 9.J 261 [MORNING. 

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and 
cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and 
night shall not cease* Gen. viii. 22. 



Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise 
of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. By faith 
we view the declarations of Jehovah as the blessings of a 
father's love. The returning seasons, the revolving periods of 
time declare the glory of our heavenly Father ; while the chris- 
tian meditates upon and gratitude inspires his heart for the 
innumerable blessings of time, yet far nobler subjects demand 
the contemplation of his soul. Happy for us, when temporal 
blessings are enjoyed as covenant mercies, and are sanctified 
to us in Christ Jesus. We see and adore the sovereignty of 
God in appointing times and seasons. The immutability of 
his will is the law by which they are governed. When the 
fixed period shall come, all nature shall be reduced to its pri- 
mitive nothing. Time shall be swallowed up in a never-end- 
ing eternity. Happy soul, who art taught the displays of 
grace from the images of nature, who bows to the sovereignty 
of love, rejoices in the covenant of grace, and rests upon the 
immutability of God's purposes and promises in Christ Jesus 
to poor sinners. Such are assured that as in nature, so in the 
kingdom of grace, seedtime and harvest shall not fail to God's 
church and people, because of his everlasting covenant which 
is ordered in all things, and sure. 

There is a time for the immortal seed of the word to be 
sown in every elect soul. This is experienced by the seed 
striking root in conviction of sin ; by its springing up in faith, 
desire, and love to Jesus. And because the Sun of righte- 
ousness ever lives and shines upon his people, they shall most 
assuredly reap a harvest of eternal glory. Chilling cold and 
winter's blasts may succeed the summer of love and warm 
affections. Nights of darkness, from desertion, temptation 
and affliction, may follow days of peace, joy and consolation. 
These various seasons and changes will pass upon and be 
experienced by believing souls ' while the earth remaineth;' 
that is, so long as our earthly sensual nature continues ; but 
it is sentenced to dissolution. We must leave it on this side 
Jordan, then we shall see it no more as an enemy for ever. 
But in the presence of Jesus the soul shall have fulness of 
joy, and the body shall be raised a glorious body, to enjoy the 
pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore. There 
shall be no night of darkness, no chill of affections, no winter 
of distress. Of every one of his beloved members, Christ 
saith, ' Because I live, ye shall live also.' In the experience 
of faith we know ' Christ is our life; 1 with joy we declare, 
' when he shall appear then ^hall we also appear with him in 
glory.' 



MAY 9.] 262 [evening. 

And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word 
of God. Ephes. vi. 17. 

Soldiers of Christ, all hail ! Happy ye. Christ is your whole 
armour. He who is ' the truth,' is the strength of your loins : 
his righteousness is your breast-plate of defence. He is the 
sum and substance of the gospel of peace, whereby our feet 
are shod to march against the enemy. The author and object 
of faith : our shield, to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked 
one. Our helmet of hope : by the grace of the Spirit, put 
him on as your armour. Then, what dangers may you not 
face ? What enemies have you to fear ? But forget not your 
* sword.' Though but just entered the field, you must know 
the use of it, and necessity for it. It is offensive to your 
enemy, defensive of yourself. What a poor figure would a 
soldier cut in the field of battle without his sword ? Just so 
would you, without ' the sword of the Spirit/ called ' the word 
of God.' For, (1) By it he conquers the pride of our hearts, 
the self-righteousness of our spirits, and the rebellion of our 
nature, against Christ and his salvation. (2) He furnishes us 
with it, and enables us to get victory by it, over our corrupt 
reason, the injections of Satan, and the objections of carnal 
men against the mystery of Christ, hope in him, and salva- 
tion by him. ' Take' this sword. Hold fast the faithful word, 
abide by it, stand to it, as a sentinel; with this sword in thine 
hand, guard thy heart against every intruding insulting foe : 
all the lying accusations, soul dejecting, Christ dishonouring 
suggestions of Satan. Not only so, but like Esau, ' By thy 
sword thou shalt live.' Live upon what thy sword brings in 
from day to day, out of the precious word of God : out of the 
fulness of the grace of Jesus, and the precious promises in him. 
Having such an armour, the Lord forbid that we should be 
like ' the children of Ephraim, who turned back in the day of 
battle !' Psal. Ixxv. 9. Lord strengthen us, that we may never 
be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, but man- 
fully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world and the 
devil, and so continue Christ's faithful soldiers and servants 
unto our lives' end. is this the one desire of your soul? Oh 
bless the Spirit for it. Hold fast the sword which he hath put 
into your hand. Hold up, thus saith the Lord— thus it is 
written, against every foe. Neither men nor devils can stand 
against the word of the Lord : * it is sharper than any two- 
edged sword.' Heb. iv. 12. 

Ob may thy wonl, thy precious word, Spirit divine, teach me the art 

My Saviour and my God, Thy blessed sword to wield, 

Against my foes, me help afford, Thai I (hereby mav guard uiv heart, 

All through this dangerous road. And ever keep the field. M. 



MAY 10.1 263 [morning. 

Holding faith and a good conscience, which some hav- 
ing put away, concerning faith, have made shipwreck, 
I Tim. i. 19. 



' He that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved/ 
So the Master taught, so disciples believe. By perseverance 
in the faith, the crown shall be enjoyed : glory perfects what 
grace begins, God's power is faith's confidence ; God's truth 
is faith's assurance ; faith's author and faiths finisher is Jesus. 
Therefore, ' the righteous shall hold on his way, and he that 
hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.' .Job xvii. 9. 
* The topstone of finished salvation shall be brought forth with 
shoutings, grace, grace ! ' Zech. iv. 7. 

Such are the immutable truths of the covenant of grace, the 
gospel of grace, and the God of grace. Whatever legal spirits 
do, gracious souls will ever draw gracious influences from the 
safety and security of grace. ' Let him who thinketh he stand- 
eth, take heed lest he fall ; take heed that he be not high- 
minded, and trust in uncertain riches that he fancies he hath 
obtained by his own faithfulness, creature-ability, and natural 
free-will, and so be led away from trusting in the living God, 
who giveth all things. Many such self-sanctified saints have 
and do daily fall away, and have made terrrble shipwreck of 
their fancied faith, imaginary good conscience, self-applauding 
inherent righteousness, and have perished in the gulph of vain- 
glory and presumption. Therefore see to it, that you hold fast, 
and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the 
saints ; such as the doctrines of eternal election to salvation, 
according to the everlasting covenant love of the ever glorious 
Trinity, a finished salvation by the atonement, full justifica- 
tion by the perfect righteousness of Jesus, and final persever- 
ance in holiness by the Spirit of truth. Hold them fast, not 
in word only, but in power, as the essential truths of Jehovah, 
as the very life and joy of thy soul. So shalt thou have and 
keep a good conscience, sprinkled from guilt by the blood of 
Jesus; and a good testimony of it by the Spirit of grace, 
through faith. Ever remember, the answer of a good con- 
science towards God is by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 
1 Pet. iii. 21. ' Thou couldst obtain it in no other way. Thou 
canst only enjoy it by the faith of this : beware of putting 
this away, and hold it fast. Be ' confident of this very thing, 
that he who hath begun a good work in you, will perform it 
unto the day of Christ.' Phil. i. 6. 

Amidst a thousand snares I stand, Grace will complete what grace begins, 

Upheld and guarded by thy hand, To save from sorrows or from sins : 

Thy words my fainting soul revive, The work that wisdom undertakes, 

And keep my dying faith alive Eternal mercy ne'er forsakes. 



MAY 10.] 264 [EVENING. 

Praying always icith all prayer, Ephes. vi. 18. 

One, by way of banter, said to rne, ( I will treat you with a 
play, if you will go with me to-night.' I thanked him, and 
told him I would accompany him, if I could be sure it would 
bring more of the love of Christ into my heart. This, this is 
worth living for, using any means to promote, and going any 
where to procure. But here is a weapon which defends us 
against all temptations to go to such places, or do such things, 
which are contrary to the peace of our souls, and damp the 
love of Christ in our hearts. That soul who keeps up sweet 
fellowship with God at a throne of grace, is dead to sensual 
gratifications. The more prayer, the more spiritual life from 
Christ. The more spiritual life, the more prayer to Christ. 
The more we enjoy Christ, the less we desire from the world. 
6 Praying/ This is the last weapon of our warfare. It will 
be used by soldiers to the last moment of life. God be mer- 
ciful to me a sinner : Jesus save or I perish, are suitable peti- 
tions for a dying soldier of Christ. We are sure such prayer 
of faith, God will answer. * Praying always.' We are prone 
to think, we are not always in a fit frame to pray. Who but 
Christ can put our soul in a better frame ? Therefore pray him 
to do it. ' I am oppressed,' said Hezekiah. What then ? Did 
he cease to pray ? No. * Oh Lord, undertake for me.' Isai. 
xxxviii. 14. The undertaking of Jesus we want always, 
therefore should pray for it always. ' With all prayer,' every 
kind of prayer. Though armed with the whole armour of 
God, yet no victory without the power of God. The most 
secret sigh of the soul is heard by God, as well as the loudest 
cry of the tongue. If your lot is cast into the worst of com- 
pany, there your heart may pray. God can hear. You then 
ought to pray, that God may keep you. Are you low in your 
frame, and uncomfortable in your soul? Why is this? That 
you should call upon the Lord. Do you fear your enemies 
will prevail ? Improve fears into prayers ? call on the Sa- 
viour. The more prayer the more victory ; the more victory, 
the more love. Love is heaven below. Thus we go on con- 
quering and to conquer. The last enemy that shall be de- 
stroyed is death. Praying souls may joyfully shout victory 
over death and all things : ' More than conquerors through 
him who loved us.' Rom. viii. 37. Is this the state, this the 
faith of praying christians? Who brought them into this 
happy state, this joyful faith ? The question excites grati- 
tude, and calls forth praise to Jesus, the author and finisher 
of our faith. 

Oar Captain loves to hear Courage he gives, forbids our fear, 

His soldiers praying voire : Commands us to rejoice. 



MAY 11.1 265 [MORNING* 

And for their sakes I sanctify myself thai they also 
may be sanctified through the truth. John. xvii. ]9. 

Believers have the strongest assurance of attaining the 
highest degree of holiness their souls are capable of enjoying, 
from a reconciled God, from an interceding Mediator, and 
from the influences of the Holy Spirit. How precious is every 
work of Jesus ! Hath he shed his blood to procure our par- 
don ; hath he wrought out a righteousness to justify us? 
What then? Doth he commit a stock of inherent grace to us, 
to improve and be faithful to, in order to sanctify and conse- 
crate ourselves to God? Oh no ! ever beware of this notion. 
It leads to pride, nourishes a spirit of independence, makes 
faith void, vacates the office of the Spirit, and is therefore to 
be rejected as a dangerous heresy. 

But saith Jesus, / for their sakes I sanctify myself/ Not to 
the office of priest: this was by the call of the Father. Heb. 
v. 4, 5. Not to make holy his human nature : he was sancti- 
fied by the Spirit. Luke i. 3*. But our Lord here speaks of 
his willingly becoming the Lamb for a sacrifice, to take away 
the sin of the world. To this he most cheerfully set himself 
apart, consecrated himself to God for the sake of all his belov- 
ed members, according to the covenant of truth, the law of 
truth, and the grace of truth. And to this blessed end, ' that 
they also may be sanctified through the truth.' 

Through this same truth, all the members of Jesus, being 
yet unborn, and having neither done good or evil, were to be 
sanctified, set apart, or consecrated unto God. Thus ' Jesus 
suffered without the gate, that he might sanctify the people 
with his own blood.' Heb. xiii. 12. God chose them from the 
beginning, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of 
the trutK 2 Thess. ii. 13. Through belief of what truth doth 
the Spirit sanctify? Through the faith of Jesus, who is the 
truth, they are sanctified to God, and are made vessels for his 
use and to his glory. Poor drooping believer, thou feelest thy 
sins and corruptions, thou groanest under a body of sin and 
death, and therefore sayest, ' I am not sanctified, I have no 
part nor lot in this matter.' What ! believe the truth, believe 
in Jesus, and yet destitute of the sanctification of the Spirit? 
Impossible. As verily ^as Jesus hath consecrated thee to God 
by his blood, his Spirit hath sanctified thee through faith. 
' Abide in me,' saith the Lamb ; so wilt thou enjoy more 
fellowship with him., and be more conformed to his image. 

Did Jesus sanctify himself, We're sanctified thro' the truth : 

Because his members were unclean ? From hence no lie did ever springs. 

Then all who now believe in him, But all will sure be liars found 

Are freed from all the curse of sin. Who dare to say, we have no sin. M. 



2 M 



MAY 11.] 266 [EVENING. 

There is one body and one Spirit. Ephes. iv. 4. 

Paul exhorts saints to a holy, loving, peaceful walk. He 
knew nothing could effect this like the consideration, that they 
all composed one body, of which the holy, loving, peaceful 
Jesus is the head. While the power of this truth lives in the 
heart, love prevails in holiness before God, and peace with our 
brethren. Then, in sweet fellowship, we say, with Abraham 
to Lot, ( Let there be no strife I pray thee, between me and 
thee — for we are brethren/ ' There is one body.' Saith our 
Lord, ' A body hast thou prepared me.' Heb. x. 5. As Christ 
had a natural body, formed by the power of the Holy Ghost, 
which he was to inhabit, in which he was to atone for sin, 
fulfil all righteousness, and make intercession for transgres- 
sors ; so he has also a mystical body, chosen and given to him 
by God the Father. In and over all these he is head. This 
is a sweet word : ' God gave Christ to be head over all things 
to the church, which is his body/ Ephes. i. 22. Believing 
sinner, art thou a member of this blessed body, united to this 
ever precious, ever glorious Head ? Envy not monarchs, 
covet not more, study thy dignity, live like thyself, glory in 
thy head, look down with contempt on all things below Christ 
and heaven. ' There is one Spirit.' He flows from the head, 
and hath united us to the head. Makes us like the head, and 
causes us to rejoice in the head ; for Christ is all, and in all 
his members. By this one Spirit he animates, guides and. 
comforts them. Learn hence, (1) To love and praise God for 
the gift of Jesus, to be all things to us. (2) To glory of and 
rejoice in Christ our head, who has done all for us, and is all 
to us. ( For in him we are complete/ Col. ii. 10. (3) Give 
glory to the loving Spirit who convinced us of sin, showed us 
Christ, knit our hearts to him by faith, and causes us to look 
to, live upon, and be comforted by Jesus, our covenant head. 
(4) Endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
peace, between Christ and his members. Saints' strifes are 
Satan's sport : they grieve the Spirit, and distress our minds. 
As we expect to live together with our Head above, let us 
follow the things which make for peace, and wherewith one 
may edify another below. Rom. xiv. 19. The power of this 
faith, of being one with Christ, is most amazing. It works by 
the love of Christ, produces love to him, and to all his mem 
bers, as being one in him. Lord increase our faith. 

United unto Christ our head, 'Twill not be long before Christ come, 
By the dear Spirit's pow'r, We hear our Bridegroom's voice : 

We feed on him our living bread, He made us one, he'll take us home ; 
And wait his coming hour. My soul in this rejoice. m. 



MAY 12.] 267 [MORNING. 

But to do good and communicate forget not, for with 
such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii. 16. 

Through the artful wiles of Satan, the corrupt reasonings of 
deceitful nature, and the doctrines of false teachers, disciples 
are in danger of errors on the right hand and on the left. Be- 
cause good works do not merit God's favour, and entitle us to 
his acceptance, therefore, say some, We cannot do any thing 
that is good and well-pleasing in the sight of God. So if 
Satan cannot blind us by false hopes and legal confidences, he 
strives to poison our minds with detestable licentious notions, 
dishonourable to Jesus, contrary to faith, subversive of love, 
and destructive of the holiness and peace of the gospel. But 
it cannot be so when Jesus is beheld and rejoiced in as our 
sacrifice and atonement for sin, as our beloved, in whom our 
persons are accepted. By him we are made priests unto God. 
He is our altar, on which our sacrifices are offered, and which 
consecrates our gifts. Are we exhorted to do good, and to 
please our gracious God and loving Father? Faith excites 
most powerfully, love binds with strongest cords, and hope 
animates with the most prevailing pleas to this. ' Christ our 
passover is sacrificed for us.' Such was his love. In grati- 
titude for such love, to sacrifice our all to him is ever our 
bounden duty. 

Shame to us that we should be prone to forget this. Exhor- 
tations remind us that we are apt to this ; and also of what 
our Lord expects from us. God hath not forgotten to be gra- 
cious to us. Jesus never intermits in his suit for us. Shall 
we forget our duty, and neglect at any time to do good on 
earth ? Not study daily to please him who is our portion, our 
all in time and eternity ? Doth the glorious Jehovah conde- 
scend to assure us, I am well pleased with your beneficence, 
your communicative goodness to my creatures, and your bre- 
thren for my sake? And shall we ever be unmindful of and 
indifferent about this matter? Forbid it, Lord! Animate us 
with more of the fire of love. To live without prayer and 
praise, argues insensibility and ingratitude ; not to study to 
glorify God in our actions, shows the want of love ; and where 
the Spirit of prayer, praise, love and obedience is wanting ; 
where, alas, is our evidence that we are the children of the 
gracious God, members of a compassionate Saviour, and in- 
fluenced by the Spirit of love ! 



Throned on a cloud our Judge shall come, By the Redeemer's sacrifice, 
Bdght flames prepare his way, "Who sealed it with his blood. 

Thunder and darkness, fire and storm, Their faith and works brought forth to light, 
Lead on the dreadful day. Shall make the world confess 

Now gather all my saints (he cries) My sentence of reward is right, 
Tbat are at peace with God, And heaven adores my grace. 



MAY 12.] 268 [evening. 

Ye are called in one hope of your calling. Ephes. iv. 4. 

What a glorious day was that to Saul, when the Lord called 
to him from heaven, and said, I am Jesus, your Saviour. Says 
one, Oh that I was so sure that Christ hath called me, as he 
did Paul. Then how happy should I be. Verily, thou mayest 
be happy : thou mayest be as sure that thou art as effectually 
called as Paul was. Thy concern of mind about it is a clear 
evidence and full proof of it. While in a state of natural ig- 
norance and unbelief, had Paul a single wish or desire to be 
called by Christ? Nor wouldst thou, if Christ had not first 
called thee by the grace of his word, and the power of his 
Spirit. Therefore doubt not of, but rejoice in the hope of thy 
calling. Love Christ for calling thee, and give him the glory 
of it. l Ye are called:' the effects prove it. Ye who were 
dead in sin, without hope in Christ, have ears to hear the 
word of Christ, eyes to see the glory of Christ, a heart to desire 
Christ as your only hope and salvation. His day of call was 
his day of power, when you were made willing to have but 
one hope. As there is but one atonement for sin, but one 
righteousness to justify from sin, but one Mediator between 
God and sinners, but one Advocate to plead for sinners, but 
one Jesus to save, and but one Spirit to sanctify sinners ; so 
there is but one and the same hope, in every called sinner. 
They all hope for heaven, because God has declared it to be 
by his free gift to sinners, through his one beloved and only 
Son. Are we called in this one hope? Then let us not be 
looking to any thing in us, nor done by us : neither to graces 
wrought in us, nor works done by us, as our hope. This 
would exalt pride against our dear Saviour, Who is our one 
and only hope, 1 Tim. i. 1. Let us not be dejected or discou- 
raged, though we find ourselves imperfect creatures, unprofita- 
ble servants, yea miserable sinners. For that were to depre- 
ciate the atonement and righteousness of Christ ; as though 
the one was not fully available to take away our sins, and the 
other not perfectly sufficient to justify our persons, and make 
us acceptable to God. Blessed be God, at all times, under 
all circumstances, our hope is one and invariably the same ; 
therefore ' we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And hope 
makcth not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad 
in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given to us.' Rom. 
v. 5. Well, christian, if thou hast got this one hope, thou 
hast constant reason for joy in God, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord . 

And am I called to hope in Christ, But thine's the power, oh God of might, 

The face of God to see ? With strength my soul endue : 

Then my base lusts I will resist, Let faith and love sweetly unite, 

And from all evil flee. Holiness to pursue. w 



MAY 13.] 269 [MORNING. 

My soul cleaveth unto the dust : quicken thou me ac- 
cording to thy word. Psalm cxix. 25. 

One would dread that state most of all others, which St. Paul 
describes, ' being past feeling.' Ephes. iv. 19. True there is 
this alleviation ; such are insensible of their deplorable condi- 
tion. But if the great trumpet of the gospel awakes not the 
soul in this life to spiritual sense and feeling, verily the loud 
archangel's trumpet will awaken it to hear its awful sentence, 
and feel its dreadful doom in the last. Oh what a miracle of 
grace to be quickened, to know one's misery, to feel one's 
wants, to believe the remedy, cry for relief ! This blessed work 
is not of the will of the flesh. No man can quicken his own 
soul ; it is the sovereign work of almighty power. It is equally 
ascribed to the loving Father, the redeeming Son, and the 
sanctifying Spirit. John v. 21. vi. 63. Therefore gracious souls 
give all the glory to the ever-blessed Trinity. Free will is the 
child of pride, it dwells in the heads of almost christians, and 
is only boasted of by the enemies of truth. 

I am come, that my children might have life, saith Jesus. 
He quickeneth the dead in trespasses and sins, and then they 
cry to him to have life more abundantly. Here is the wisdom 
of heaven-born souls ; they deny themselves of the vain plea- 
sures, carnal delights, and sensual gratifications of this world. 
They know these things oppose the life, interrupt the peace, 
and damp the joy of their souls. Their only happiness cen- 
ters in Jesus, in life and love communicated from him ; there- 
fore they study to avoid such things as are contrary to his 
mind and will: and as they too often find a cleaving to the 
dust, to the sensible, earthly, vain enjoyments of this world, 
this alarms them— it is a burden and grief to them. They 
pour out their complaints to their beloved Jesus, with, Mas- 
ter, let it not be thus ; quicken my drooping spirit, enliven my 
declining heart, cheer my languishing soul, according to the 
word of thy grace, the truth of thy promises. Here is the 
blessed confidence of faith. His word is our plea ; by that 
we have assurance of being heard and answered. The pre- 
cepts of his word teach us his will ; and we cannot feel a 
want, but God's word promises to supply. That therefore is 
the warrant of faith, a light to direct our feet ; and so also it 
is our best directory for prayer. So Christ prays for all his, 
' Sanctify them through thy truth ; thy word is truth.' John 
xvii. 17. 

' My soul at times cleaves to the dust ; Oh keep them ever fixed on thee, 
Lord, give me life divine ; My Lord, my life, my love : 

From vain desires and every lust Low vanities may I despise, 

Turn oft' these eyes of mine.' And seek those things above. M, 



MAY 13. J 270 [EVENING. 

One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Ephes. iv. 5. 



Jesus saith of his church, ' My dove, my undefiled is but 
one.' One body, composed of various members, espoused to 
him by the Spirit, as to ' one husband.' Hence called his own 
body. Ephes. i. 23. And such are most dear to the Lord ; 
he nourisheth and cherisheth them, for they are members of 
his body, of his flesh, and of his bones, v. 30. He is their one 
Lord, and his name is one, Zech. xiv. 9. This is most true 
in doctrine : but this is not all, for it is found most sweet in 
experience also. This is by ' one faith.' By this we enjoy, 
and walk in sweet and holy fellowship with our Lord and 
Head. What if 1 was told, there is one sun, what comfort is 
that to me, if I never was to see its light, feel its warmth, and 
enjoy its influence ? Whatever is written of our one Lord, is 
enjoyed in experience by this one faith. But some talk of 
various sorts of faith, as faith of adherence, faith of reliance, 
faith of assurance, &c. This only puzzles the head, and per- 
plexes the heart of many sincere disciples of Christ, to define 
such notions. This one faith is very simple : by it the heart 
fixes upon the one atonement, the one righteousness, the one 
mediation, and the one salvation of the Son of God. As it 
looks to nothing else for hope ; so by it, Christ is most pre- 
cious to the soul ; and by faith Christ keeps the soul unto sal- 
vation. Happy partakers of this one faith ! How are we 
made thus happy in one Lord, through one faith ? By one 
baptism of the Spirit, into the saving knowledge of, and joyful 
hope in Jesus our Saviour. ' For by one Spirit, we are all 
baptized into one body.' 1 Cor. xii. 13. Water baptism is 
only the outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual 
grace of the Holy Ghost, in this one baptism. Oh that the 
dear members of this one Lord, studied more to provoke each 
other to love and good works, instead of disputing about the 
outward sign of baptism. The cold water of strife and con- 
tention can never warm the heart with love to Christ and one 
another. As being all one in Christ, let our own contention 
be, to live in the Spirit, and walk in love. The Lord baptize 
us with the fire of love ! This will burn up the unhallowed 
strife of nature. Though we cannot think alike about bap- 
tism, yet if we have one Lord and one faith, we can, we ought 
to unite in this, * to love as brethren.' 1 Pet. iii. 8. Love is a 
genuine fruit of the Spirit ; a grace which neither carnal men 
nor apostate devils ever can possess ; it is therefore a sure 
evidence that we are born of God, and dwell in God : for Love 
is of God. 1 John iv. 7. 

Haptize us by tliy Spirit, Lord. Oh may it be our greatest strife, 

With holy faith and lieavenly love, Who most shall honour thee our Lord, 

So shall we hest proclaim abroad, With love of heart and holy life, 

That we resemble saints ahove. Agreeable unto thv word. m. 



MAY 14.J 271 [MORNING. 

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people 
with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Heb. xiii. 12. 

Sin viewed in the glass of God's holy law, fills the soul with 
terror, works wrath in the conscience, and leaves the sinner 
under the curse without hope. But while the infinitely pre- 
cious sacrifice of Jesus is beheld, sin appears exceeding sin- 
ful; the sinner is truly humbled, sin is loathed, Christ is 
cleaved to/and hope springs up in a sin-distressed conscience. 

In the tabernacle of old, as there were no windows in it, a 
lamp was to burn always, that the house of God might not at 
any time be in darkness ; this the Lord ordained unto the 
children of Israel. Exod. xxvii. 20. As the darkness is past, 
and the true light now shineth, we see Jesus, who is the altar, 
the sacrifice, and the priest, by and through whom we are 
sanctified. This truth is to be kept daily burning bright in the 
lamp of faith, in the temple of the heart. The Man Jesus, 
upon whom all the sins of the elect were laid, was made a 
curse for them ; he cheerfully devoted himself, his holy body, 
his precious blood, his innocent soul, as a sin-offering for them 
in the great day of atonement. ( By his one offering he hath 
for ever perfected all them that are sanctified ;' that is, sepa- 
rated by the choice of the Father as the objects of his love. 
They are all consecrated to God by the blood of Jesus. 

As the bodies of the beasts, under the law, were burnt with- 
out the camp, and their blood brought into the holy of holies, 
and sprinkled on the mercy-seat, so our dear and ever precious 
Jesus suffered all the inexpressible agonies of soul and body, 
from the fire of God's wrath, due to our sin ; bore all the 
scandal, curse, and reproach of it ' without the gate of the 
city,' as an alien and outcast of the people. His own most 
precious blood having once purged, expiated, and taken 
away the guilt of sin, and made perfect reconciliation for his 
people, it ever speaks in their behalf, and pleads their cause 
before the throne ; averts all wrath from them, and obtains all 
blessing for them. Thus we are purged from the guilt of sin, 
thus Ave are consecrated unto God. In the faith of this, * we 
have boldness to enter into the holiest, even by the blood of 
Jesus.' Thus purged, thus consecrated, every believer is en- 
couraged to draw nigh to God with confidence of access ; and it 
is his high and peculiar honour * to offer spiritual sacrifices 
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.' 1 Pet. ii. 5. 

' We see the blood of Jesus shed, By this we're sanctified to God, 
Whence all our comforts rise ; A people for his praise : 

The sinner views th' atonement made, Faith takes the blessing- from Christ's word. 
And loves the sacrifice ' And glories in his grace. m. 



MAY ]4.j 272 [EVENING 

Now the just shall live by faith. Heb. x. 38. 

Then they will highly prize the word of God, for by that 
faith cometh. Rom. x. 17. Prophets and apostles, old testa- 
ment saints and new, speak by one and the same Spirit, one 
and the same language, of one and the same life. ' The just 
shall live by his faith/ says Habak. ii. 4. Mind : it is not 
said, the just, or justified sinner, shall live for his faith. This 
would be to substitute faith in the room of its blessed object 
Jesus, who saith, ' Because I live, ye shall live also/ Nor 
is it said, he shall live upon his faith. We are too apt to look 
more to, and live more upon, what we think faith, wnich is 
rather the feelings of sense, than upon Christ, the object of 
faith. It is said of Esau, f By thy sword shalt thou live.' To 
have lived upon his sword, would have been hard food indeed ; 
but he lived upon the precious morsels his sword brought in. 
So the believing sinner, justified in the righteousness of Christ, 
is to live, as we say, from hand to mouth ; upon what faith 
brings into his mind from the word of Christ, day by day. 
Eternal praise to the Holy Spirit, who quickened our once 
dead souls, to this holy spiritual life. And he says, ' We 
shall live by faith.' This demands fresh praises every mo- 
ment, while we thus live in Christ, and upon Christ, by faith. 
' Shall live/ Oh what is implied in this ! Even that this faith 
shall never be lost, nor the soul of any justified sinner perish : 
for he is in Christ, who is the way to the kingdom, ' the truth' 
of the kingdom, and ' the life' of all the chosen to inherit the 
kingdom. Hast thou faith, though but as a grain of mustard 
seed ? Consider not thy faith, though weak, but the author 
and object of it, Jesus, who is almighty to save. Though 
under the sentence of death for sin in thyself, yet in him thou 
hast righteousness and justification unto eternal life. Lord 
increase our faith, that we may live more above with thee in 
heart and affection, in conquest over sin, victory over the 
world, triumph over the accusations of Satan, the condemna- 
tion of the law, and the terrors of death. Thus the life of 
faith is a life of present peace, precious love, joyful hope, and 
holy obedience : for Christ is our life. Let us take heed lest 
we draw back from this our most holy humble faith, either to 
self-righteousness on one hand, or ungodliness on the other. 
Both these oppose the life of faith, the joy of hope, and the 
comforts of love, which are in Christ Jesus. 

Some trust on works, and some on faith, Faith makes Christ precious to the heart, 
And some don't trust at all : Embracing Him within : 

Oh may 1 live on what Christ saith, That soul has learnt the heavenly art, 
That's the best life of all. Who lives on nought but Him. 



MAY 15.] 273 [MORNING. 

The liberal deviseth liberal things, and by liberal 
things he shall stand [or be established.] Isai. xxxii. 8. 

We all naturally act from selfish principles, and with mer- 
cenary views, because we are under the legal covenant: * Do 
this and live/ Hence saith one, ' If doing righteousness and 
performing good works will not justify and save me, as good 
sit still and do nothing, no matter how wicked 1 am.' Saith 
another, ' To be sure, we are justified by faith only, but then 
I must fulfil the terms and conditions of the gospel, for my 
holiness and obedience secures my salvation/ Such poor crea- 
tures reason carnally ; their principles are only selfish, their 
views are mercenary. God is not served at all, but pride and 
self are at the bottom of all they do ; to establish a righteous- 
ness of their own is their chief aim. The glory of God is not 
sought ; his grace is overlooked ; Jesus is depreciated in his 
work and office, as though all his toils and sufferings, holy life 
and bitter death, had only procured salvation upon a better 
bargain and easier terms for us. Such principles are servile, 
base, and dishonourable to a God of grace and love. Vain 
the talk of such about working for God ; they do nothing for 
God, but want to earn something from God for themselves. 
Take away the idol self from them, and then all working is 
at an end with them. 

But the liberal soul acts from gracious principles, and de- 
viseth liberal things. He sees salvation is all of free grace, 
and is a free gift by Jesus. He is our all : he hath done all, 
suffered all, obeyed in all things, prevails for all things, and 
makes all effectual to the soul's perfect, complete, and final 
salvation. The Saviour is in mine eye, he is in mine heart, 
he is my Alpha and Omega, my first hope and last stay. My 
views are to his glory. When I deserved nothing but hell, 
love, electing, everlasting love looked on me with pity, and 
Vas manifested to me through Jesus by the word and Spirit ; 
therefore it is I long, I love, I delight daily to glorify the ever- 
gracious and ever-loving triune God. I cheerfully devote my 
all to him who hath done all for me, who hath loved me and 
given himself for me. My life of faith, of hope, of love, of 
holiness, centres in Jesus, and is from him. If I have but a 
cup of cold water to give, [ give it in my dear Lord's name, 
in love and gratitude to him. — Such are the generous senti- 
ments of the liberal soul ; and * by liberal things he shall 
stand.' Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made 
him free. He shall be established on the firm foundation ot 
eternal truth, against the power and subtlety of Satan, and all 
the human systems and precarious schemes of man's devising. 
' The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The 
Lord knoweth them that are his, and let every one that nameth 
the name of Christ, depart from iniquity.' 2 Tim. ii. 1J>. 

'2 N 



MAY 15.] 274 [EVENING 

But some are fallen asleep. 1 Cor. xv, 6. 

It is the united testimony of faithful witnesses^ that Jesus is 
risen indeed. But what is this truth of a risen Saviour, to a 
dead sinner ? He hears it, but without any affection or joy of 
heart, or desires to rise with Christ, or hopes of enjoying him. 
But when by the grace of Christ the soul is quickened to know 
him, it rejoices in his resurrection, as the best news that ever 
saluted his ears, or reached his heart. Then he delights to 
?ead the testimony of the witnesses to this glorious event. 
Yea, he also becomes a living witness of it himself, for he has 
an inward testimony of it by faith. My heart has catched joy 
on seeing Charity-children at Easter, with this label upon their 
breast, i He is risen.' It is this blessed truth which changes 
the king of terrors into an angel of comfort ; turns that fright- 
ful monster death into the image of sweet sleep. For Christ 
died for our sin, and rose again for our justification. • So sure 
as by faith we now live in Jesus, so at death we shall fall 
asleep in Jesus, and awake in his presence, in his perfect like- 
ness, to behold his eternal glory. Oh what a sweet, w r hat a 
refreshing sleep is this to souls wearied and fatigued with the 
burden of sin, the temptations of Satan, the exercises of the 
flesh, the trials of the world, and cruelty of enemies. But me- 
lancholy truth ! the apostle's words are verified of some of 
Christ's witnesses in another sense. ' Some are fallen asleep' 
spiritually. They are fallen from living actings of faith, lively 
exercises of grace, lively discharge of duty, living, loving, and 
walking with heaven in their eye, and Christ in their hearts, 
into dull, heavy, sleepy frames of soul. Oh this is very dis- 
honourable to Christ, uncomfortable to themselves, and a great 
concern to lively warm-hearted disciples. This is brought on 
souls by sitting under a sleepy ministry. This scripture adage 
is fulfilled, ' Like priest, like people.' Worldly company, car- 
nal pleasures and profits are sleepy opiates to the soul. Let* 
us be concerned that we sleep not as do others ; let us attend 
lively, warm-hearted, soul-searching ministers. Keep com- 
pany with such sorts of christians : avoid light, trifling, drow- 
sy, speculative professors. Let us cry to our Beloved. He 
has said, ' I will cause the lips of those who are asleep to 
speak.' They shall speak to God in earnest prayer, to be kept 
from sleeping frames ; to their brethren in Christ, to animate 
and quicken them to run the heavenly race, looking unto 
Jesus. Heb. xii. 2. 

Is sleep becoming saints oPGod, Thou risen Saviour, let us hear 

In the meridian day ? Thy sweet, thy quick'ning voice : 

What sleep! when yon should look abroad, Command us sleepy frames to fear, 

Arise, ami watch and pray:' And in thy love rejoice. ra. * 



MAY 1G.] 275 [MORNING. 

God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, 
not imputing their trespasses unto them. 2 Cor. v. 1.0. 

The only living and true God, the great and essentially glo- 
rious Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit, is manifested to sin- 
ners, as dwelling in the man Christ Jesus. This is the pecu- 
liar and precious truth of the gospel, a glorious mystery known 
only to believing souls. All other pretended knowledge of 
God is but vain speculation and pompous ignorance, which 
dwell in men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth. But the 
new-born soul draws all his comfort, peace, joy, and holiness 
from this inexhaustible fountain of truth and consolation. 
From hence ariseth his love to God and delight in him. He 
beholds God, in Christ, loving and embracing poor sinners ot 
the human race. God is well pleased with them, and delight- 
eth over them to do them good. Thus saith Luther : * Mark 
this well in the matter of justification : when any of us shall 
have to wrestle with the law, sin, death, and all other evils, 
we must look upGn no other God, but only this God incarnate, 
and clothed with man's nature.' Ephes. ii. 18. Col. i. 15— 20. 

Thus God and man unite in the one man Christ Jesus ; in 
this faith only is the mind of a christian easy and happy ; for 
the cause of all distress and sorrow is taken away. Amazing 
grace, wonderful love ! Canst thou read it ; canst thou believe 
it without transports of joy ? God is perfectly reconciled ; he 
doth not impute trespasses. Unto whom ? Verily, the world, 
the elect world of Gentiles as well as Jews ; all sinners of the 
fallen race whom the Father hath given to his Son Christ 
Jesus. God is reconciled to them. In faith and love they 
shall be reconciled to him ; to his covenant transactions, 
electing love, justifying grace, scheme of salvation, and hope 
of eternal life by Jesus only. As the Father gave their persons, 
so he imputed their sins to Jesus, he bore them away, God 
chargeth not trespasses to them, they are free from sin, as 
viewed by God in Christ. To this truth the Spirit bears 
witness, through the faith of Jesus. So, believer, thou art to 
reckon of thyself. Though black as hell, polluted with guilt, 
defiled with sin, yet in Christ f thou art all fair without spot ;' 
fully reconciled to God, and standest without trespasses be- 
fore him. What a free access hast thou ever open to God ; 
what cause for triumph in him, and love to him ; what assured 
hope of eternal enjoyment of him ! Oh my soul, what shall 
I render to the Lord for all his mercies ! 

Till God in human flesh I see, His name forbids mv slavish fear, 
My thoughts no comfort fina ; His grace removes my sins. 

The holy, just, and sacred Three While many on their works rely, 
Are terrors to my mind Others of wisdom boast, 

Put if Immanuel's face appear, I love th' incarnate mystery, 
My hope, my joy begins ; And there I fix mv trust. 



MAY 16.] 276 [evening. 

Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, 
and make a wall that she shall not jind her paths. Hosea 
ii. 6. 

Here is a contest between the free will of the sinner,, and 
the free grace of the Saviour. Why ' therefore?' This alludes 
to what was spoken before. Oh how strong it savours of 
cursed, freewill pride ! I ' will' go after my lovers, &c. What 
says the Lord to this? Go, and destroy yourself; 1 will leave 
you to your own will? Oh ye patrons of the notion of free- 
will, a greater curse cannot befal you on this side hell, than to 
be thus left. Though you have such pride, yet the Lord has 
more grace. Therefore he says, * behold.' Take special no- 
tice of this : your will is to leave me, and destroy your poor 
souls : but I will not suffer this. Grace reigns, free will shall 
be conquered, my glory shall be exalted. I * will hedge up 
thy way with thorns.' Mind : it is thy way, not mine. 1 will 
set the briers of troubles, and the sharp thorns of afflictions, 
to goad and pierce thee, to stop and prevent thee. Say now, 
is there love in this or not ? Oh that in every affliction we 
may see the Lord's hand of grace, and his heart of love. Many 
a soul had been ruined by prosperity, if they had not been 
undone by adversity. They would have gone into the broad 
voad of destruction, had not God hedged up the way by cala- 
mities. Better to have a sick stomach, than a guilty con- 
science. The Lord send me any plague, rather than - the 
plague of a heart departing from him, saith St. Austin. If a 
hedge restrain not, a wall shall not be wanting. ' I will make 
a wall, that she shall not find her paths.' Oh what straying 
hearts have Christ's sheep, and what love of heart has Christ 
towards us. What pains doth he take, to keep us near him- 
self. ' Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks/ 
Isai. xxvi. 1. Jesus shows his lovely face. Then says the 
soul, what, thou my Lord ! Thou best, thou dearest lover and 
friend ; is it thou my first husband I would forsake for other 
lovers? Oh that there should be such a vile heart in me ! 
Pardon, Lord, my folly. I find no path to turn to. ' I will 
return to thee, my first husband ; for then it was better with 
me than now.' Soul, entertain the most exalted sentiments of 
the grace of God, and the most self-abasing views of thy own 
nature. Heaven rings with acclamations of praise from back- 
sliding souls. This is the glory of faith below, I will heal their 
backsliding, and love them freely. Hos. xiv. 4. If God has 
such love to us, let this quicken our love to him ; for we love 
him, because he first loved us. 1 John iv. 19. 

Our Father's love, our Saviour's grace, Because sucli love and grace abound, 

Ne'er changes to the souls they love : Shall we therefore abound in sin ? 

But sin will make God hide his face, That soul who does, hath never found 

And leave in darkness sonls to rove. The sweet constraints of love within. M. 



MAY 17.] 277 [MORNING 

So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the zvest, 
and his glory from the rising of the sun: When the ene- 
my shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall 
lift up a standard against him [or chace him away.'] 
Isai. iix. 19. 



When a poor sinnei knows what human nature is, and sees 
his brethren and companions after the flesh, ' living without 
Christ and without God in the world ;' making a mock at sin, 
and ridiculing- the truths and ways of Jesus ; and finds his 
own heart touched with a loving fear of the Lord, then he is 
ready to cry out, Whence is this? He can only say, Grace 
reigneth ; the Sun of righteousness hath risen upon me. So 
Lord, it seemeth good in thy sight. 1 have not deserved this ; 
thou hast spoken in truth, and fulfilled in faithfulness. So 
thy word runs, so thy gospel is glorified, free as the sun, power- 
ful as the wind. Jehovah's i shalis' are his people's triumphs. 
Here are two most absolute declarations lor faith to fix upon 
and plead, in any hour of Satan's attack. 

For as sure as the fear of the Lord shall be in our hearts, so 
also shall the enemy oppose us ; for if he dare plead with the 
Saviour, ' Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the law- 
ful captive be delivered?' Verily he will follow after his once 
seized prey, and strive to regain his ransomed captive ; yea, 
he will challenge the poor sinner as being his property. One 
would be ready to ask, Is it not strange that the loving al- 
mighty Saviour suffers the enemy, like a surly dog, to snap and 
snarl at his dear children, and be ready to tear their victuals 
out of their hands, and his peace and love out of their hearts? 
No : it cannot be otherwise in our present state; for we are 
clothed with an earthly, sensual, devilish nature, to which 
Satan has easy access. 

Humble souls have little reason to complain that they have 
not known so great a degree of wrath, nor have been terrified 
with such dreadful apprehensions of hell and damnation as 
some others. Oh rather love and praise Jesus, if thy soul is 
brought to cleave to him in faith, and choose him as thy Sa- 
viour and thy all, than wish to have the enemy let loose upon 
thy soul. But if this is the case, he shall not go beyond the 
length of his chain ; his power is thy Father's permission ; he 
may terrify with wrath, but it shall issue in love, Yea, 
though he should, like a powerful deluge, come in and distress 
with blasphemous injections, horrible thoughts, perplexing fears, 
and pronounce hell and destruction to be thy doom, even then 
thou art safe. The Saviour's power is thy shield. * The Spirit 
of the Lord shall lift up a standard,' the Lamb on the cross. 
In the stedfast faith of this, l resist the devil, and he will flee 
from you.' James iv. 7. 



MAY 17.] 278 [even.ing 

What shall ive then say to these things? Rom. viii. 31. 

This is a most disagreeable chapter to free-will pride, and 
self-righteous spirits. It cuts the very sinews of boasting, and 
lays all sinners upon a level, while it proclaims salvation by 
sovereign grace. A great arminian professor was lately honest 
enough to own, that St. Paul does contend for the doctrines of 
election, and the final perseverance of the saints ; but was 
weak enough to add, ' I verily believe he does it in his own 
spirit.' Such was his answer to these things. But when it 
pleases the enlightening Spirit to display the glorious disco- 
veries of the divine mind, in his eternal purposes of grace and 
salvation, to lost and wretched sinners, the sin-convinced soul 
is struck with wonder and amazement, and cries out, * Oh the 
depths of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of 
God : how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways are 
past finding out !' All exceeds my comprehension. I bow to 
sovereign grace. I rejoice in everlasting love. I glory in the 
finished salvation of the Son of God. Just so, an officer in 
the navy whom I visited, when near death, when I laid before 
him the love of God to sinners, and the salvation of Christ for 
them, clapping his hand to his breast, in an ecstasy cried out, 
* Where have I lived, that I never heard these things before ! 
Good God ! have I got a soul ! 

Come christians, what have you to say to-night to God's 
loving us from eternity-- choosing us in Christ, and blessing 
us with all spiritual blessings in him, before the foundation of 
the world— redeeming us by Christ, in the fulness of time — 
calling us to Christ, in the "day of his power — pardoning our 
sins, and justifying us by Christ in the tiroe of love — enabling 
our hearts to choose Christ, and walk with him in holiness ? 
What shall we say to these things? Say! with our Lord 
in sweet submission to his sovereign will, even so Father, for 
so it seemed good in thy sight. We give thee the glory of all, 
and welcome these things as the joy of our souls! Glory to 
thee, oh Spirit, for opening our blind eyes to see the glory of 
them, and humbling our proud hearts to submit to them. But 
what shall we say to those who oppose these things? Satan 
will : resist him stedfastly in the faith of them. Your carnal 
reason will : beg Christ to bring it into captivity to them. 
Self-righteous men will : pity them. Treat them with love, 
consistent with zeal for the truth. Ever remember who mad 3 
you to differ. 

Rase pride and wicked unbelief My God, instead of bold replies 

Reject thy truths, oh Lord ! Against thy sovereign grace ; 

Hence conscience gets no sweet relief, Teach me that here true wisdom lies, 

Nor romfort from Ihy won}. To how before thy face. M . 



MAY 18.] 279 [MORNING. 

If thy presence go not icilh me, carry us not up hence. 
Exod. xxxiii. 15. 

Happy for us, if this was our address to the Lord under 
every enterprise ; how many distresses and difficulties should 
we avoid; how much more peaceful and comfortable should 
we be in our journey through life. It is a blessed thing to 
have an especial eye to God's presence, as well as to his pro- 
vidence. The Lord may permit his children to succeed in 
their schemes and undertakings, in the course of his provi- 
dence, when he doth not accompany their souls with his fa- 
vour and presence. Yea, believer, canst thou not see in many 
of thy ways wherein thou hast been permitted to go, that they 
have proved the very means of losing the sweet sense of thy 
Lord's presence ? Whatever outward profit or pleasure thou 
hast gained, verily thou must confess to have suffered an in- 
ward loss How doth it behove every disciple of Jesus to 
4 consider his ways.' It is thy wisdom daily to reflect, what is 
the tendency of my present pursuit ; what is my chief aim ; 
what can I expect from the end of it? Am I going to gratify 
the flesh, in pleasing diversions and carnal delights'? Stop one 
moment : consider. Canst thou expect the presence of thy 
God ? Canst thou lift up thy believing heart in prayer to Jesus 
to accompany thee ? Certainly, if it is not right to ask nor 
expect his spiritual presence to go with thy soul, surely there 
it is unlawful for thee to go. If thou canst not pray in faith, 
canst thou go in faith ? Oh remember the love of thy Saviour, 
who died to redeem thee from this present evil world. Call 
to mind those joys and pleasures which are experienced from 
a sweet sense of his love and presence. Think how cutting 
to thy heart, how grieving to thy spirit, if under any vain in- 
dulgence, Jesus should put this question, Disciple, lovest thou 
me more than these vanities ? Better for Peter to have been 
in his Lord's presence with a cold body, than to have been 
warming himself with the high priest's officers-and servants; 
for there he was blown down by the breath of a damsel. 

It is related of a christian, of whom Satan had taken pos- 
session, and greatly terrified and distressed her soul, that on 
his being asked, how he dared to enter into a child of God? 
He replied, ' I found he-r on my own ground, at the playhouse; 
therefore 1 challenge her as my servant.' Whether the story 
be true or not, themoral is good. Christians have no business 
on the devil's ground. 

Not earth, nor all the skv Thou art the sea of love 

Can one delight afford, Where all ray pleasures roll, 

No, not a drop of real joy, The circle where my passions move, 

. Without thy presence, Lord, And centre of mv soul. 



MAY 1.8.J 280 [EVENING. 

And be found in him. Phil. iii. 9. 

What ! the heavenly, inspired, holy, self-denied Paul, who 
had the richest experience of grace, manifold gifts of the 
Spirit, been caught up to the third heaven, and laboured more 
abundantly than all the apostles; has he got no farther yet, 
than to have no other hope and desire, than such a worthless 
sinner as I ? What ! Had not he arrived at perfection ? Had 
he no inherent righteousness, no graces of- the Spirit, no 
holiness, no fruits of good works, no sincere obedience, no terms 
and conditions he had performed, to look to, rely upon, and 
desire to be found in at the bar of God ? No, but he had got 
precious faith, in a precious Saviour. Therefore he looks out 
of himself, out of all that was wrought in, and done by him. 
He passes it all by, he looks through it all to Jesus, he re- 
nounces it all in point of justification before God, and puts the 
issue of his eternal life and salvation, upon being found in 
Christ,and having on his infinitely perfect and everlastingly 
glorious righteousness. Beza, upon this place, brings in the 
justice of God pursuing Paul as a malefactor, and Christ as a 
city of refuge, which he desires to flee to and be found in. Mr. 
Burkit, though not the most consistent expositor, yet this is 
one of the many exellent things which he says : ' Christ's perfect 
obedience entitles us to heaven.' From Paul's desire we learn, 
(1) What is the sole object of a convinced sinner's faith. Not 
what he is in himself, not any thing wrought in him, or done by 
him, but wholly, and exclusively of every other matter or thing, 
the person and righteousness of the Son of God. If you have 
the faith of God's elect, you will rest your soul's hope only upon 
Christ, and desire to be found in him, in life, in death, and at 
judgment. (2) Let us beware hence, that we do not slight, de- 
spise, and decry, the graces and fruits of the Holy Spirit in us. 
Though these are not to be looked at for our justification, yet 
they are comfortable evidences of our being one with Christ, 
and interested in the Father's everlasting love, and the salvation 
of Christ. They are not bestowed on us to rival Christ in our 
hope; but that we should glory in him, and exalt him in our 
hearts, lips and lives. (3) Though we desire to be found only in 
Christ, though our holy walk and good works cannot justify 
our persons, yet they justify our faith, our profession, yea, and 
the doctrines of grace from the unjust charge of licentiousness. 
May we be more and more concerned to obey Christ, to let our 
light of truth shine before men, that seeing our good works, 
they may glorify our Father who is in heaven. Matt. v. 16. 
Lastly, Paul here wishes for the experienced comfort, and 
sensible blessing, of being found in Christ. This precious 
enjoyment, we also should covet earnestly. 



MAY 19.} 281 [morning. 

Behold, the Lord God will come with a strong hand, 
and his arm shall rule for him. Behold, his reward is 
with him, and his ivork before him. Isai. xl. 10. 

What was foretold in prophecy, is fulfilled in the faith and 
experience of saints. Here are two notes of attention. * Be- 
hold ;' it highly concerns thee; take special notice. When 
the Lord God, oar Immanuel Jesus, came to his temple, he 
found the beautiful building in sad disorder ; his spiritual 
worship lost, and * his house of prayer turned into a den of 
thieves/ Behold, with a strong hand and stretched-out arm, 
with no weapon, but an insignificant scourge of small cords, 
he drove the multitude from the temple. Amazing miracle ! 
The meek Lamb is also ' the Lion of the tribe of Judah.' So 
he came not only with a strong hand, but against the strong, 
as some render it. So, behold, he comes to take possession of 
the temple of his people's hearts. This temple he finds in 
woful plight. All the powers of earth and hell are engaged 
against him- ' The strong man armed keeps possession.' But 
precious, powerful Jesus, casts out Satan, enters by his love, 
and rules by his Spirit, where Satan reigned. But he comes 
not by power only, but by grace also ; behold, he brings his 
reward with him. The distressed soul he pardons. He clothes 
the naked soul with the robe of his righteousness ; he feeds 
the hungry soul with good things ; he giveth his flesh to eat, 
and his blood to drink. Then how do their souls pant after 
Jesus ; how do they hunger and thirst after righteousness, and 
cry and pray, * Lord, increase our faith, that we may eat as 
thy friends, and drink larger draughts, as thy beloved, and be 
more abundantly satisfied with thy love.' 

Thus our Lord Jesus rewards his people with the fruits of 
his own toil, and the blessings of his own finished work and 
salvation; even with righteousness, peace, and joy in the 
Holy Ghost. But, oh Jesus, cries the poor sinner, What a 
vile, sinful, carnal, earthly-minded wretch am I still by na- 
ture? -Fear not, saith Jesus, thou art called to look unto me. 
Behold, l my work is before me.' Have I vanquished the 
powers of death and hell for thee, and can I not conquer sin 
in thee, and subdue thy flesh under thee ? Was his blood the 
price of thy soul, and the atonement of thy sins ? Then must 
thou wait in faith for the total destruction of the last enemy, 
sin and dea h, at his second coming ; when in the triumph of 
thy soul thou shalt proclaim the perfect victory of Jesus, and 
say, ' Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.' Rev. v. 12. 

Jesus, my Lord, is come ; How precious is thy work. 

My heart now feels his pow'r . How glorious thy reward : 

He rules by his almighty arm, Faiih reaps thy spoils, my cotiqu'ring Love, 

B'ess'd be the joyful hom And glories in tby word, m. 

2 o 



MAY 19.1 282 [EVENING 

Building up yourselves on your most holy faith. Jude 20. 

Instead of going on comfortably in this work, many are 
questioning, I do not know whether I have got a most' holy 
faith or not. Bring thij to a point to-night. Has the ruinous 
fabric of nature's self-confidence, self-righteousness, self-com- 
placency, and self-pleasing, ever been pulled down? Has the 
Spirit convinced you of sin? Do you see yourself a lost 
ruined sinner ; so lost and so ruined by sin, that no one but 
the Son of God can restore and save you ? Do you believe 
that he came to save sinners ? Is it the desire of your heart 
to be saved from all sin by him ? If so, you as surely pos- 
sess a holy faith as you enjoy natural life. And you will get 
stronger evidence, and greater assurance of it, by using every 
blessed means to prove that you have this most holy faith, 
while you build up yourself on it. (1) This will appear to be 
a holy faith, by leading out your soul after a holy Saviour, to be 
rooted and built up in him, established in the faith of his perfect 
love to you, and finished salvation for you, abounding therein 
with thanksgiving. Col. ii. 7. You will not live a day, but 
praise will rise in your heart to the Father, for his unspeakable 
gift of Christ : to the Son, for giving himself for you : and to 
the Soirit, for the gift of this most holy faith to you. (2) As yon 
believe sin has made you miserable: clouds your views of the 
Sun of righteousness : grieves the Holy Spirit, and damps the 
ioys of faith : you dare not seek happiness in the pleasures of 
sin. You will hate it, strive against it, that you may grow in 
grace, and be built up in your most holy faith. (3) As you 
believe that the earth, and all things that are therein, are doom- 
ed to be burnt up, you cannot love the world, so as to set your 
affections on it, and seek your happiness in it. You hear the 
voice of the Lord, i My son, give me thy heart.' When tempt- 
ed by the honours, riches, and pleasures of a bewitching world, 
you will say of all, you bid too little to purchase me. I have 
a holy faith : I oeiieve that my holy God can make me infi- 
nitely more honourable, rich and happy, than all your toys and 
baubles. For, ( the Lord is my portion, saith my soul/ I can 
say so, in the confidence of my most holy faith. Oh christian, 
bless the day, and bless the Lord, when this holy faith was 
given you. Be assured a holy heaven is prepared for you, 
and that you shall enjoy it, so surely as if you were now in 
possession of it. ' Receiving the end of your faith, even the 
salvation of your soul.' 1 Pet. i. 9. 

rhe Lord directs what means to use Christ is the sure foundation laid, 
To build us up in holy faith, Be careful that on him yon build, 

Then let us daily seek and choose, Your work shall prosper and be made 
To follow after what he saith. Hlach joy and comfort for to yield. 






may 20. J 283 [morning. 

My son, give me ihine heart. Pro v. xxiii. 26. 

Many are the competitors for the heart of man. Though 
our dear Father and best friend lovingly calls for the free-will 
offering of this precious jewel, yet we are foolishly inclined to 
give it to our worst enemies. This pleasing world, with all 
its gay scenes of happiness and joy, attracts our affections, 
inchants our minds, and bewitches our senses ; so that we 
love it dear.ly, devote our hearts to it cheerfully, and dread 
the very thoughts of leaving it greatly. 

' Thou shalt have no other gods but me,' saith Jehovah. ^Ye 
own the duty, and decry the wickedness of worshipping an 
idol ; though all the while we are serving the god of this world : 
he blinds our eyes, and we see it not- The grace of God, 
though sovereign in its operations, yet acts not by force and 
compulsion as upon mere machines, destroying the will, and 
dragging men to heaven by the hair of the head, as some in 
contempt please to assert. No ; the service of our Lord is 
perfect freedom. He loves a cheerful giver. Glory to his 
grace, he opens the eyes of our understanding, to know what 
i's the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of his glory, 
Ephes. i. 18. Then we see Jesus as our portion and treasure, 
then we willingly and cheerfully devote our hearts to him. Is 
the miser's gold his god ; does it captivate his heart and affec- 
tions ? Why so ? Because he sees that in it which suits his 
disposition, and excites his pleasure. So it is of every other 
idol suited to nature and sense. i Where the. treasure is, 
there will the heart be also.' Spiritual affection can only be 
happy from spiritual objects. The heart can only be happy 
in God, cheerfully given up to him in faith and love. This is 
the very essence of'vital goodness. 

Our Father invites us to spiritual joys. ' I know, my chil- 
dren, in your present state, clothed wi h flesh, you have many 
lovers which would rival me in your affections, but cheerfully 
devote your heart to me. Let your eyes be upon my ways. 
Consider my love to you. I gave my beloved Son to die for 
you. My Spirit hath called you to enjoy my love. It is my 
good pleasure to give you a kingdom : therefore, in love to my 
glory, and for your comfort, I demand your heart as a free-will 
offering.' Oh where is the faithful, grateful soul, but in ec- 
stacy of love will cry out, Give, Lord, the power to do what 
thou commandest, and command what thou wilt? 

My heart didst thou demand, my Lord, When Satan tempts and sins allure. 

A willing sacrifice to thee ? From tliee to draw away my heart ; 

Oh take and keep it every hour, Strong in thy grace, make me endure, 

From every hold usurper free And ne\ er from thyself depart. m. 



MAY 20.] 284 [EVENING. 

I go to prepare a place for you. John xiv. 2. 

If a person destitute of the provisions of life, had a promise 
from some noble lord, I will amply provide for you — I will go 
this day to court, and get a place for you : if he believed his 
word, and depended on his power, it would fill his heart with 
joy. Suppose he actually succeeded to the most desirable 
place, and that it was in no one's power to displace him : 
what then ? Why this would add to his comfort. But though 
no one would take his place from him, yet, alas, there is one 
who will very soon summon him to another, the place appoint- 
ed for all living. Ah, this gives a damp to every earthly enjoy- 
ment. OIF hands from all : quit your hold of all : for you hold 
all earthly possessions by a very uncertain tenure. But hear 
your Lord, and rejoice at his w r ords. (1) i I go,' willingly and 
cheerfully, through the most dreadful scenes of horror, agony 
and death. ' I go,' to face, fight with, and conquer all the 
powers of earth and hell for you. Such is my love to you, 
that rather than you shall perish in hell for your sins, ' 1 go' 
to suffer all the torments of pain which you have deserved. 
Love to you, willingly carries me through all ; makes me 
cheerful in all, and causes me to triumph over all, that I may 
enter into heaven for you. Dear Lord, let us have a feeling 
of this thy precious love in our hearts to-night. (2) ' To pre- 
pare a place.' I will not reign alone in my Father's kingdom ; 
to think no more of you, nor care no more for you. But as it 
is his good pleasure to give you the kingdom, I will enter and 
take possession of it as your forerunner. There I will plead 
my blood shed for you, my righteousness to justify you, and 
my salvation to glorify you. (3) ' For you.' Who? What is 
the character of those for whom Christ prepares this place ? 
Had they never displeased their Lord ? Did they never offend 
him? Alas, which of them shall we fix on as a perfect character? 
Peter denied him with oaths and curses. All shamefully for- 
sook him. Might they not then forfeit their place in glory? 
Yes, if love did not reign, and grace abound in the heart of 
Christ, over all the aboundings of sin. Oh foolish thought of 
base unbelief, that Christ should prepare a place in heaven for 
those who might perish in hell ! But see them described, verse 
1. They had troubled hearts about Christ, and yet believed in 
him. Judge yourself to-night. Do you believe in Christ? Is 
your heart troubled lest you should lose him ? Do you long 
for the eternal enjoyment of him ? Rejoice : he has prepared 
a place for you. ' Where he is, there shall you be also/ 
John xiv. 3. 

OIi thou w.ho (lost prepare a place, Prepare my soul, and make me meet 

A mansion in the sky To see thy fare above, 

For sinners, thy redeemed race ; That I in heaven may take my scat, 

Lord to iny soul draw nigh. And praise thee for thy love. m. 



MAY 2J.J 285 [morning. 

But he giveth more grace. James iv. G. 

It is a sure mark that the true grace of God, by Jesus 
Christ, is conceived in the heart, when the cry of the soul is 
for more grace. Thus there is an harmony between the Fa- 
ther's promises and the children's wants. God giveth more 
grace: I daily need more, saith the sensible soul. ' He that 
drinketh of the water of life, saith Jesus, shall never thirst 
again : ' He shall never thirst after any other fountain ; he 
shall seek to no other spring but me. There is no grace, 
favour, or good will from God to sinners, but what is by Jesus, 
through him, in him, and communicated from him. Here is the 
believer's mercy ; he has not a stock of grace stored up in his 
own heart to live upon, which may be expended, and he is at 
last lost for want of more. No. But all the kindness and 
love of God towards him is treasured up in Jesus. Here is 
the humility of believers ; they come, like Joseph's brethren, 
to Jesus, who is their elder brother, for every supply ; out of 
his fulness they receive grace upon grace. Jesus is an inex- 
haustible storehouse, therefore his members cannot want. God 
the Father gave them grace at first in Christ Jesus -he called 
them by his sovereign grace — he justified them fully by grace 
—he saves them daily by grace — he sanctifies them freely by 
grace — he comforts them continually by his grace — and he 
will glorify them according to the exceeding riches of his 
grace. Thus all is of grace, freely given to and richly be- 
stowed upon poor, vile, undeserving sinners. 

I know there are these reasonings in every humbled sin- 
ner's heart, ' What suitable return do I make ; or what re- 
ward shall I give unto the Lord for all his blessings of grace ? 
Oh what a poor, unloving, ungrateful wretch am I ! how do I 
requite the Lord my God V Such is the genuine language of 
gracious hearts. The aboun dings of grace make sinners hum- 
ble, self hateful, and sin abominable : ■ Not rather as we be 
slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say, Let us 
do evil that good may come, whose damnation is just.' Rom. 
iii. 8. If God giveth ' more grace,' then not one of his chil- 
dren that ever had a single spark of the grace of Jesus, shall 
ever go to hell for want of grace. It is equally as impossible, 
that a gracious soul should fall from God's love and grace, 
turn hater of him, and so be a prey to the devil, as it was 
for Lazarus to quit Abraham's bosom, for the flames of hell. 
The holy fire of grace being once kindled in the soul, never 
goes out. The fire of the altar was an emblem of this. It 
is as true in this respect of gracious souls, as it is of the 
wicked in another, ' their fire never goes out.' Why not? 
Because ' grace reigns througli righteousness unto eternal 
life.' Rom. v. 21. 



MAY 21.] 286 [EVENING. 

1 will come again and receive you unto myself, that 
where I am, there ye may be also. John xiv. 3. 

Our Lord spoke these words to disciples who had faith in 
him, and yet had troubled hearts. Is this your case ? They 
are suited to all such. They are to strengthen the faith, "and 
comfort the hearts of disciples. Oh this coming again of 
Christ will be the crowning work of all. To whom ? Awful 
to think of: the greatest part of the world believe nothing of 
Christ's first coming, and care nothing about his second com- 
ing. It will be a dreadful coming to them. l I will come 
again/ A second coming implies a first. If Christ has come 
in the power of his Spirit to our hearts, so that we have seen 
his glory, and believed on him, we shall look with pleasure, 
and long with joy, for his coming again. This is a sure mark, 
that we shall c receive a crown of righteousness, if we love the 
appearing of Christ.' 2 Tim. iv. 8. Now, to your hearts by 
faith : hereafter by sight. ' I will receive you unto myself. ' 
Glory to thee, my dear Lord : oh make my heart to love and 
thank thee more and more, that vile,- filthy, polluted and abo- 
minable as I am, thou hast received me, washed me in thy 
blood, justified me in thy righteousness, caused me to see thee, 
and hast given me the privilege of becoming a son of God. 
Oh what a day of joy and glory will that be, when our dear 
Lord shall receive us unto himself! That is a sweet word, 
full of precious mystery ; ' That Christ might present it to 
himself, a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any 
such thing.' f For he hath sanctified and cleansed us in his 
own blood.' Ephes. v. 27. Oh what love has Christ to us : 
what pains does he take with us. With what joy will he re 
ceive us. Never, never did the most affectionate bridegroom 
receive his bride, or the most tender parent, his beloved child 
from the jaws of death, with that joy, as Christ will receive 
and welcome us. ' That where I am, there ye may be also.' 
Oh my soul, what words are these ! Enough to make my 
drooping spirit exult with joy, under all its burdens, sorrows 
and difficulties. Is a sense of Christ's absence thy present 
pain ? Is the sense of his presence now thy greatest joy ? Then 
soon, very soon, thou shalt be for ever with thy Lord. For so 
sure as Jesus spoke these words on earth, all his believing 
members shall be with him in glory. Oh then, welcome pains, 
sickness, temptations, losses, crosses, afflictions of every kind; 
yea, death itself, whenever and by whatever way it comes ; for 
ye are all. but only as so many love tokens from my Lord, 
crying 

Arise my fair one, come away, 

No mortal joys are worth thy stay 



m ay 22.] * 287 

Fearjklness and trembling are come upon me> and 
horror hath overwhelmed me. Psal. Iv. 5. 



Such was the mournful complaint of David ; yea, of Jesus 
too, the root and offspring of David. ' Lo, an horror of great 
darkness fell upon Abraham, the father of the faithful.' Gen. 
xv. 12. So the Lord suffers his dearest children to be dis- 
tressed ; yet it is their privilege, and they are again and again 
exhorted, to ' rejoice in the Lord alway.' Phil. iv. 4. Under 
such frames, let not disciples entertain hard thoughts of the 
God of love ; but ever remember, they are heightened by our 
adversary. Least of all should humble followers of the Lamb 
judge themselves not to be true converts, because they have 
not experienced such dreadful terrors of hell and damnation 
in their conscience, as some talk of. 

It is an unscriptural notion ; the word of God lays down no 
such rule, that the soul must be under such deep convictions 
of horror, must be as it were 'shook over " the very mouth of 
hell, as a mark of true conversion to Jesus. Innumerable are 
the instances of persons crying out under dreadful terrors of 
wrath and damnation, as though hell itself was let loose upon 
them for a season ; but yet after all, being still unclean and 
filthy, ' like the dog to his vomit, and the sow to her wallowing 
in the mire,' they have turned back to their old courses. 

Thanks to the loving Spirit, he doth convince of sin, not as 
a tormentor, merely to terrify with wrath and hell, but as a 
Comforter, to testify of Jesus and his salvation. He opens 
the eyes of our understanding, to see our lost state and wretch- 
ed condition, and he gives us to see the hope of our calling. 
Ephes. i. 18. *■ And the fruits of the Spirit are love, peace, 
joy, &c < Gal. v. 22. He works effectually. He teaches us 
by the law to despair in nature and self, and revives and com- 
forts with hope and assurance of full and perfect salvation in 
Jesus. But while the Spirit of truth sows the good seed o 
the kingdom in the heart, Satan sows tares to spring up and 
choke it. He works upon our unbelief, practises his devilish 
art upon our carnal reason, and suggests that God is an im- 
placable enemy ; the meek Lamb is a devouring lion, the gos- 
pei is a cunningly devised fable, or requires such hard terms 
which we can never fulfil ; therefore misery, wrath and hell 
must be our doom. He is ever an implacable adversary to 
salvation by Jesus, through sovereign love and distinguishing* 
grace. Such terrors are to be prayed against, rather than co 
veted. David knew whence they came ; says he, ( Because 
of the voice of the enemy, and the oppression of the wicked 
one,' verse B. Praised be our dear Lord for that precious 
promise, ' When the enemy cometh in like a flood, the Spirit 
of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him,' and put him 
to flight. Isai. lix. 19. 



may 22.] 288 [evening. 

/ die daily, I Cor. xv. 31. 

Paul in a peculiar sense could say so. He was daily in 
danger of suffering martyrdom for Christ. He puts the most 
solemn oath to it. ' I protest by our (not your) rejoicing, 
which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily/ It is 
like swearing by the Holy Ghost, the author of this joy. 
Happy Paul ! The joy of the Lord was in his heart : the 
prospect of enjoying his Lord in his eye : the world under his 
feet : and he, daily expecting his Lord's messenger to call him 
home. This was living indeed, in the very suburbs of glory. 
And pray what should hinder you and I from living as he 
did ? Paul was the subject of the same corrupt nature, in 
which dwelt no good thing, as we are. We have the same 
Lord to look to and rejoice in, the same faith and hope to 
animate us, the same Holy Ghost to strengthen and comfort 
us, and the same place prepared by Christ for us as he had. 
Why should not we also die daily ? Why should not we live 
a dying life ? All do in reality. But why should not we in 
holy practice, and happy experience? Plainly, we do not 
believe enough what our Lord hath done for us, is to us, and 
has promised to bestow on us ; therefore we do not look and 
pray enough to our Lord. My dear fellow christians, I will 
be bold to enter this protest, from the experience of my own 
soul, That we cannot live comfort ably, unless we die daily ; as 
considering ourselves daily subject to the stroke of death. 
This hour, this moment, may put a period to my existence. 
Why then all my busy cares, anxious thoughts, corroding fears, 
and ardent desires after the objects of time and sense? Death 
will soon make me quit my hold of them. But I will be be- 
forehand with him. I will die in heart, hope, and affection 
to them. Take, ye sons of earth, the riches, honours, and 
pleasures of a perishing world. Grasp them in your hand ; 
clasp them to your heart, if you can ; but lo, instead of sub- 
stance, you will find shadow. All are but airy bubbles, that 
will elude your hope. I have tried them all. I die to them 
all. For I have found that above, which kills my desires, 
hopes and affections, to all below. I find a once crucified, now 
risen and ascended Saviour, has got possession of my heart. 
He dwells there by faith. Christ is in me the hope of glory. 
The glorious' rays of my Sun of righteousness, extinguish all 
the faint light of earthly glow-worms. My Lord lives in me : 
that is a death to all without me. Death, I daily familiarize. 
I entertain him as my friend ; converse freely and daily with 
him ; lodge him in my breast. He has my daily thoughts. 
Why ? Because my Lord introduces him to my heart, not 
with a sting to wound and kill me; but with the voice of a 
messenger of peace, to call me from pains and trials to peace 
and rest, in the full enjoyment of Jesus above, who is .my 
chief glory, and my life below. Col. iii. 4. 



MAY 23.] 2B9 [MORNING. 

The Lord God is a sun mid shield : the Lord will give 
grace and glory : no good thing will he withhold from 
them who ivalk uprightly. Psal. Ixxxiv. 11. 

Vulgar minds have but very contracted ideas of the magni- 
tude of that glorious luminary the sun. The most knowing of 
the children of men, form but very inadequate notions of the 
nature and properties of that grand source of light and heat. 
We daily see his power, and feel his influence. This he in- 
cessantly sheds upon the whole creation freely. How vain 
and arrogant would he be deemed, who should pretend he 
could procure the cheering light and comforting warmth of the 
sun. Dwells there, in the breast of man, a thought that he 
can procure the light of grace ; or by his doings entitle himself 
to the comforts of salvation from Jehovah ? Ye> : so vain, so 
arrogant is that vile worm, that weak creature, proud, fallen 
man. By sin, how stript of all but shame : yet through pride, 
he ■ opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called 
God/ 2 Thess. ii. 4. But grace, like the streaming light of 
the sun, freely and powerfully sheds its benign, humbling, 
comforting influence upon the ungodly and unworthy. So the 
Lord enlightens and renews the soul of man -makes it fruitful 
to his glory — and with his almighty arm shields and defends 
the new-born, heavenly-replenished soul, from the violent 
attacks of every foe. Grace as well as glory are God's free 
gifts. 

Children of God, members of Jesus, how safe ; salvation, 
how secure ! For it is all of rich grace, free favour, unmerited 
love, unconditional election ; not earned by any doings of 
ours,, but freely given by promise; glory, not procured by 
conditions, but freely bestowed through Jesus. See thy por- 
tion, believer — read it with joy —dwell on it with triumph. 
Here is a redundancy of promises ; what the Lord is, what 
the Lord will give, and how he will give freely, ' without 
money and without price,' all things, every thing for his own 
glory, and his children's good. Love overflows all bounds, 
and gives the fullest vent to its gracious disposition. ' No 
good thing will the Lord withhold.' From whom ? See the 
character of those upon whom the sun of grace hath shined. 
Is it thine ? They are not in angelic purity, or sinless perfec- 
tion ; but upright, sincere in heart with Jesus, chaste virgins, 
married to him in faith and love ; they see that he is all in all 
to them, ' their wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and re- 
demption.' They choose him for their only king to reign in 
them and rule over them in love ; delight in his work and way, 
grieve for, strive and pray against all that is contrary to him. 
Of their sins they are ashamed : in their own righteousness 
they have no confidence. In Jesus their bridegroom they 
glory. It is truly said of him, ' The upright love thee.' 
Cant i X 2 v 



may 23.] 290 [evening. 

Honour the Lord with thy substance. Pro v. iii. 9. 

Oh may this be the daily study of our hearts, and the con- 
stant practice of our lives. ' Let us be glad and rejoice, and 
give honour to the Lord, for the marriage of the Lamb is? 
come/ Rev. xix. 7. He is our husband : we are espoused 
to him by faith. Consider the work of honouring the Lord, 
and the reasons for it. (I) The work. What, can I, a worm 
of the earth, honour the Lord of heaven ? Yes, thou art called 
to it, and formed for it. This honour have all his saints. It 
is our greatest honour on earth to honour our Lord in heaven. 
' All thy works shall praise thee, oh Lord, and thy saints bless 
thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk 
of thy power. To make known to the sons of men his mighty 
acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom/ Psal. cxlv. 10 
— 12, So they honoured the Lord of old, in displaying the 
glory of his grace. This work you are called to, if you have 
seen the glory of his kingdom, felt the power of it, and enter- 
ed into it by faith. ' Honour the Lord with thy substance. ' 
Do not put such a dry shrivelled comment upon the word 
' substance,' as though it meant giving a trifle now and then 
to the poor. Remember, the liberal deviseth liberal things, 
and by liberal things he shall stand, or be established. Do 
not dispense shadow, when the Lord requires substance. If 
thy soul is liberal, thou wilt devise liberal things. This text 
will not only remind you of liberally dispensing of your sub- 
stance to the poor and needy, but also of honouring your 
Lord, by the faith of your heart, the love of your soul, placing 
your whole affections upon him, and devoting your substance, 
your whole spirit, soul and body unto him. You will not be 
content with notions without life, form without spirit, worship 
without the heart, religion without the soul. For, (2) Consider 
the reason for this. God has put the highest honour upon 
you. ' He has called you into the fellowship of his Son Jesus 
Christ.' 1 Cor. i. 9. He has blessed you with all spiritual 
blessings in him. Ephes. i. 3. There is not one blessing God 
has to bestow, or Christ is possessed of, but is treasured up 
for you in Christ, and shall be received out of the fulness of 
Christ. Can you walk in the fellowship of Christ, and not 
delight to honour God with your substance? Again: You 
received all this freely, therefore you ought to give freely. You 
are a pensioner upon God ; and God is, as it were, a petition- 
er to you. Can you refuse him who speaks? Can you with- 
hold any thing from him, by whom you enjoy your all ? 
Remember, you have but a little while to honour your Lord ; 
let this stir you up to exert all your might. Only call in and 
consult faith and love, and act under their influence to God's 
glory, 



MAY 24.] 291 [MORNING. 

The Father himself loveth you. John xvi. 27. 

The history of the life of sorrows, and death of shame, curse 
and agony, which Jesus sustained for sinners, was it believed 
perfectly in the heart, would fill the mind with the strongest 
affection, and inflame the soul with the most fervent love. But 
alas, all have reason to complain for want of greater love to 
Christ, and stronger faith in him. Oh unbelief, what an enemy 
to love ! Our love keeps pace with our faith : as the one grows 
stronger, the other increases. But if faith grows weak, love 
declines. Yet no one poor sinner that believes the record of 
Jesus' love and salvation, as his only hope and confidence, but 
love, in some degree, is drawn out to Jesus ; for ' faith worketh 
by love/ The soul in its first love, and for a season perhaps, 
sees and knows only the love of Chris', and thinks little about 
the love of the Father. It may be he considers, that what the 
Saviour did and suffered for sinners, was to procure the love 
of the Father to them, and to appease the fury of his wrath 
against them. But this is not right : let no disciple think so. 
For, saith the Saviour, ' The Father himself loveth you.' Yea, 
he teacheth us the love of the Father, as the only source and 
spring of his coming in the flesh to save us — for ' God so loved 
the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever 
believetb in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' 
John iii. 16. 

Hence it is plain, God the Father loves sinners ; loves them 
inexpressibly, with the greatest affection. For he gave, whom ? 
An angel; an archangel; myriads of the heavenly host? No; 
but one infinitely more dear to him, his Son, his only begotten, 
his dearly beloved Son, who lay in his bosom from all eternity, 
that we might believe on him and live. So the effect proves 
the cause. It is plain the love of the Father to his people, is 
prior to the Son's coming into the world to save them, or to 
their believing in Jesus. For, says our Lord, ' No man can 
come unto me, except the Father draw him.' John vi. 44. 
And because the Father hath ' loved us with an everlasting 
love, therefore with lovingkindness he draws to Jesus.' Be- 
hold ye followers of the Lamb, what manner of love the Father 
hath bestowed on us. 1 John iii. 1. Trace his love to the foun- 
tain-head. The holy Spirit of truth teacheth, that ' God, the 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, hath chosen us in him before 
the foundation of the world, and hath blessed us with all spi- 
ritual blessings in Christ Jesus, and hath predestinated us to 
the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself.' To what 
end is this? Even ' to the praise of the glory of his grace, 
wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved/ 



may 24.] 292 [evening. 

From that time, many of his disciples went back, and 
ivalked no more with him. John vi. 66. 



Thus was fulfilled that word, ' How can two walk together, 
except they be agreed?' Amos iii. 3. This chapter is like a 
touchstone. Herein our Lord tries his disciples, to see who 
are real sterling, and who not. Many are his professed, but 
few his real disciples. Sifting times will come, and they make 
manifest. The hottest place in hell is prepared for those who 
turn their backs upon the Son of God on earth. Lord grant 
that our faces may be set like a flint towards thee. For bless- 
ed be thy name, thou hast said of those who continue with 
thee in thy temptations, ' I appoint unto you a kingdom : ye 
shall eat and drink at my table.' Luke xxii. 30. But those 
who are not agreed with Christ, have not the mind of Christ, 
and will not walk long with him. See this exemplified. — (1) 
Some of these disciples followed Christ ' for the loaves and 
fishes.' verse 26. Those who follow Christ to get food for 
their bodies, and the good things of this life, instead of food 
for the soul, will soon forsake him. Christ's blessings are 
spiritual, their views are carnal : such are not agreed with 
him. (2) Others murmured at him, because he said, ( 1 came 
down from heaven :' ver 41. They were ignorant of his mis- 
sion from the Father. Many people hear again and again of 
Christ, but have no solid scriptural judgment of the divinity 
of his person, and the humanity of his nature, nor the end and 
design of his coming into the world. For want of knowledge 
of him, and faith in him, they soon forsake. (3) Others could 
not receive his saying, ' Except ye eat the flesh, and drink the 
blood of the Son of man, ye have no life in you:' verse 53. 
His words were spiritual, their notions carnal : they could not 
see how Christ could be the spiritual food of souls by faith. 
So many in our day cry out, where mysteries begin, religion 
ends. These left following Christ. (4) His doctrine of the 
Father's sovereign grace was galling to the free-will pride of 
their self-righteous, self-sufficient hearts. ' No man can come 
unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father :' verse 
65. ' From that,' that speech (time is not in the original) 
many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with 
him.' Oh how many professed disciples in our day are belch- 
ing out horrid speeches against the electing love, and effica- 
cious grace of God the Father, in drawing sinners to his Son 
f ( r salvation ! Poor souls, they have not the mind of Christ : 
t'rtey see not the special mercy of being under the efficacious 
influence of the Spirit of the Father. Oh disciple, let the 
falling away of others warn thee. Pe strong in the Lord : be 
diffident in self. Look constantly to him, who is able to keep 
you from falling. Jude 24. 



MAY 25.] 293 [MORNING. 

/ knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, such 
an one caught up to the third heaven, 2 Cor. xii. 2. 

Visions, manifestations, raptures and ecstasies of soul, 
though even from God himself, (which there is every good rea- 
son to suspect, unless they sink the soul in humility, and excite 
such love to Jesus as is founded in knowledge and productive 
of obedience) are not to be gloried of. St. Paul says, it is not 
expedient for me to glory. I know the danger, I fear the evil 
of it, from the pride and treachery of my nature. It tends to 
exalt one above measure, and to make others think more highly 
of one than they ought to think. Therefore, on these accounts, 
glorying of these things is to be avoided, indeed the cause of 
truth may require it, and the glory of God may be promoted by 
it. Though on these accounts it may be expedient to glory ; 
yet it is not expedient for the christian's own sake to do it. 
So Paul declared : yet he did glory, for necessity compelled 
him. 

Behold, admire, and imitate the humility of this great apos- 
tle: ' I knew a man in Christ,' &c. When he speaks of him- 
self, it is as a poor sinner, under the most humbling, self-abased 
views. Then it is ' I myself.' Rom. vii. But here, lest osten- 
tation should appear, he conceals himself under the character 
of another man. What a contrast is here.between self-exalting 
principles, and the grace of the gospel. How widely different 
is this from the notions many professors entertain ? For if 
they can but give a tolerable account of some vision, revelation 
or manifestation, which they suppose was from God, they con- 
clude they know their sins are forgiven, and all is well. Per- 
haps this might pass on them fourteen years ago, more or less. 
But what is their frame and temper now ; what their pursuit 
and practice? If no evidence of faith, hope, love and obedi- 
ence ; but if while sunk into carnality and the love of the world, 
yet strong in confidence that their sins are forgiven, and bold 
in hope of the safety of their state; surely such are b'inded to 
the hope of the gospel, through the spirit of this world. Satan 
transforms him, from a minister of darkness, into an angel of 
light. Luther was wont to caution against the white devil, as 
well as the black one. St. John's advice is ever needful : * Be- 
loved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they 
are of God : because many false prophets are gone out into the 
world.' 1 Jokn iv. 1. 



Faith in heart .true comfort brings, Then while by faith I Jesus know, 

It makes and keeps it humble too. And peace and love and joy do spring : 

Christian experience ne'er exalts, Of Christ alone I'll slory now, 

Bnt gives to Christ his glory due. N t It but Christ, I'll speak and sing, m 



may 25.] 294 [evening 

/ laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, 
but the. grace of God which teas with me. 1 Cor. xv. 10. 

When one meets with journals, diaries, experiences, &c. 
which do not exalt the riches of the grace of God ; but set off 
the self-importance of the writers of them, they are as nause- 
ous to the mind, as tainted food to the palate. They remind us 
of the poet's observation, ' And 1 the little hero of each tale.' 
Not so Paul, in speaking of himself. No sooner had he 
brought this little, great I, upon the stage, but he instantly 
clapt it under the hatches. Hence this doctrine is plain. 
The grace of God makes a person labour for God, and yet 
keeps him humble before God. Consider, (1) To have the 
grace of God with one, is to have a lively sense of God's free 
favour in Christ, upon one's own soul. Without this, we go 
on heavily in the ways of God : soon tire in his service ; and 
turn back and walk no more with Christ. This was the life 
and spring of Paul's labours. See to it then, that we wrestle 
with God in prayer ; study the precious word of his grace ; 
and be diligent in attending his ordinances, that we may ever 
have a lively sense of God's pardoning, justifying, sanctifying 
grace in Christ upon our hearts. Ever cautiously avoid all 
persons, places and things, which tend to grieve the Spirit, 
and damp his lively influence. For, (2) Every private chris- 
tian is called to labour for God, as well as apostles and minis- 
ters. There is such a thing, as receiving the grace of God in 
vain. TJow ? When we profess to esteem, and receive the 
doctrines of the gospel of grace, and yet they bring not forth 
in us corresponding fruits. Oh how much is this the case 
among professors ! How greatly to be deplored and depre- 
cated. What ! Do you profess to know God, and yet in 
works deny him ? Do you believe the love and salvation of 
Christ for miserable sinners? And yet can you, instead of 
labouring for his glory, be idle, in not living and walking, 
studying and striving to please our Saviour, and profit his 
dear children ? Have you the grace of God with you ? It 
is to be feared. If you have, you have sadly lost its life and 
influence. Oh be deeply affected for your state. (3) Is the 
grace of God warm upon our hearts? Are we lively and 
active for God's glory in our lives ? Do we labour more than 
others for God ? Let us beware, we do not sacrifice to our- 
selves ; exalt our own power and faithfulness. True grace 
will keep us low and humble. In the light of it, we shall see, 
how little we do for God, how much we ought to do ; and in 
the little we do, how much evil there is in it, and how far short 
we come in all of his glory. ' Be clothed with humility.' 
I Pet. v. 5. 

He is most blest, who labours most, But after all we dare not boast. 

In God's most holy ways : For all is done through grace.. 



may 26.] 295 [morning. 

He thai eateth my flesh, and drinkelh my blood, dwell- 
elh in me, and I in him. John vi. 56. 



This is a great mystery, but it is a comforting truth in the 
experience of Christ's members. Our Saviour saith, f It is my 
meat to do the will of him that sent me.' So it is the believer's 
privilege to feed by faith on him that is sent, even the flesh 
and blood of Jesus : the Man ' like unto Ourselves in all things.' 
But his flesh is pure and holy, his blood immaculate and un- 
tainted, without sin : therefore healthful for the soul to feed 
upon, and to be nourished up to eternal life. Consider, Christ 
suffered in the flesh all the iiery wrath and dreadful curses of 
God's pure and holy law which we deserved, because trans- 
gressors. Christ, in his flesh, perfectly fulfilled all the demands 
of Gods righteous law, and so wrought out a righteousness 
for us, who have no* righteousness of our own. ' In the body 
of his flesh' he hath reconciled us who were aliens and enemies 
to God ; and ' in the body of his flesh,' through death, he pre- 
sents us unto God, holy, unblameable, and unreproveable in 
his sight. Col. i. 22. Surely then the flesh of Jesus ' is meat 
indeed;' the richest repast, the most delicious banquet for 
poor sinners. 

Christ's ' blood is drink indeed :' most precious in its nature, 
most reviving to the thirsty soul. Oh believer, the blood of 
this God^Man was shed for thy sins; it hath fully atoned di- 
vine justice for them ; and * you who were sometime afar off, 
are now made nigh by the blood of Jesus.' Ephes. ii. 13. ' By 
his blood, peace is made with God.' Col. i. 20. ' And the blood 
of Jesus cleanseth from all sin.' 1 John i. 7. Thus is Christ's 
flesh and blood the life of the soul. Hear the triumphant song 
of the saints in glory. ' Jesus hath loved us, and washed us 
from our sins in his own blood.' Rev. i. 5. Their confession 
of victory over Satan, the accuser of their souls, is l by the 
blood of the Lamb.' What is now their glory and triumph 
above, was once the food of their souls while here below. For 
in every age, believers did all ( eat of the same spiritual meat, 
and drink of the same spiritual drink, the flesh and blood of 
Christ. 1 Cor. x. 3. 

This food strengthens man's heart; this drink makes him of 
a cheerful countenance. ' He dwelleth in me,' saith Christ, 
by a secret mystical union. So saith the psalmist, * Lord, thou 
hast been our dwellingplace in all ages.' ' And I in him,' by 
sweet manifestation, knowledge and comfort, by faith. Ines- 
timable blessing, glorious privilege, thus to receive, thus to 
feed upon Christ in the heart by faith. For, saith Christ, ' He 
that eateth me, shall live by me ; he hath eternal life.' Such 
are Christ's sweet words and hearty-welcome to his church : 
Eat, oh friends; drink, oh beloved. Eat thy bread with joy, 
and di ink thy wine with a merry heart. Eccles. ix. 7 



MAY 20. j 2DG |_ EVENING. 

Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye 
eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye 
have no life in you. John vi. 53. 

Ignorant souls, who sit under unenlightened teachers, are 
taught to apply these words to the sacrament. Hence they 
think, if they do but receive the sacrament, they surely eat the 
flesh, and drink the blood of Christ ; their sins are pardoned, 
all is well, and they shall go to heaven at last. Oh how hor- 
ridly is that sacred ordinance prostituted ! ' The wicked, such 
as be void of a lively faith, do carnally and visibly press with 
their teeth, the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ; yet 
in no wise are they partakers of Christ : but rather to their 
condemnation, do eat and drink the sign or sacrament of so 
great a thing,' says St. Austin. What doth our Lord here mean? 
(1) That naturally we have no spiritual life in us. We are 
dead, under the sentence of the law ; as dead to all knowledge 
of, love to, and delight in God, as a beast. We have no more 
likeness to Go'd, and the life of God in us, than a devil has. 
Oh this is very cutting, and humbling to our proud nature : 
flesh and blood rise with indignation against it. But, (2) What 
joyful news is here for us. Christ came, that we sinners of the 
human race, (not fallen angels) might have life, a spiritual, 
holy, heavenly life, yea and have it more abundantly too. John 
x. 10. May the Spirit enlighten us to see this, and quicken 
us to go to Christ, that we may enjoy it. For, (3) This is by 
eating his flesh, and drinking his blood. Our Lord puts his 
strong oath to it, that in this way, and in no other, we can 
have it ; and this fully confirms that in this way, we are sure to 
enjoy it. (4) What is meant by eating Christ's flesh, and 
drinking his blood ? Our Lord deals most familiarly with us : 
he sends us to our tables, to form proper ideas of what he is to 
us. Just what eating and drinking natural food is to the body, 
that Christ is to the soul. As that cannot live without eating 
and drinking, no more can our souls without the flesh and 
blood, the life and death of Christ, received into our hearts by 
faith. Thus we enjoy the life of God in our souls. (5) Here 
is a precious word : ' the Son of man.' Faith must fasten upon 
that: it is feeding upon the humanity of Christ, that brings us 
to enjoy the divine life. We come to God, through the flesh of 
Christ. We feed on the flesh and blood of the ' Son of Man,' 
and so become one flesh with him ; ' flesh of his flesh, and bone 
of his bone.' Ephes. v. 30. We are incorporated into him : 
and, oh joyful, are presented to the Father, without spot or 
wrinkle, in him. Ephes. v. 27. 



may 27.] 297 [morning. 

These things have I ivritten unto you that believe on 
the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that ye 
have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of 
the Son of God. 1 John v. 13. 

Little Benjamin was as dear to his father Jacob as his eider 
brethren. The child Samuel was as truly a priest to the Lord 
as old Eli. So the feeblest lamb in the flock of Jesus, though 
ever so weak in faith and knowledge, yet is equally dear to the 
Father as the strongest believer; loved with the same everlast- 
ing love, alike interested in the salvation of Jesus, and as cer- 
tainly an heir of eternal life. Many weak children are ready 
to own this ; but they doubt in their minds, and suspect in their 
hearts, not happily knowing, not being comfortably assured of 
their own interest in the salvation of Jesus. There were such 
in the apostles' days ; therefore the Comforter inspires the be- 
loved John to write to them. He condescends to their weak- 
ness of knowledge and comfort, because of the small degree of 
their faith ; but yet he speaks with the strongest assurance, 
and the boldest confidence of the truth of salvation by Jesus. 
That is most certain. Eternal life is by Jesus only, and is 
sure to every member of his. Do you believe on the name of 
the Son of God, as the only Saviour of lost sinners? This 
truth lies at the foundation of the hope of the gospel: when 
this is believed in the heart, that soul has the earnest of eter- 
nal life. By continuing to believe, it gains knowledge and as- 
surance, as the comforts of faith. When the Spirit has be- 
stowed the precious gift of faith, it matters not, as to the safety 
of the soul, how weak soever it may be in the experience of 
comfort and joy ; nor how much it may feel the workings of 
carnal nature, reason, and unbelief against faith. Its sensible 
groanings and sorrowful complaints are evidences of the life of 
the soul, through the faith of Jesus. But is the poor soul always 
to abide in this weak, low, mourning state? No; that cannot 
be. Jesus will make his members comfortable, as well as safe. 
The Spirit who begets faith in the heari by the word, strength- 
ens it also by the same truth. Faith comes by hearing the 
word, and it is also increased thereby. Therefore is Jesus and 
eternal life revealed. The apostles wrote of this, and ministers 
preach of this, that weak faith may be strengthened, strong 
faith increased; that knowledge and assurance may be com- 
fortably enjoyed ; that believers may continue to believe, and 
persevere in believing on the Son of God ; who is the author 
and finisher of our faith. Heb. xii. 2. 

Jesus, thou author of my faith, Eternal life is sure to faith, 

Thou author of eternal life, Oh may I know 'tis sure to ME, 

Assure me that T do helieve, That I may love thee more and more, 

Oh put an end to doubtful strife. Whilst faith and hope grow strong in thee, m 



may 27.] 298 [evening. 

By thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words 
thou shatt be condemned. Matt. xii. 37. 

Who then can be saved ? Is not this legal doctrine ? Does 
it not contradict that fundamental doctrine of the gospel, justi- 
fication by faith, in the righteousness of Christ only 7 . No: -no 
more than St. James, in maintaining justification by works, 
contradicts St. Paul, who insists upon justification by faith. 
They are easy to be reconciled : so are these words to justifi- 
cation by grace. Surely our Lord never meant to contradict 
his own words : ' He who believeth hath everlasting life, and 
shall not come into condemnation ; but is passed from death 
unto life.' John v. 24. He cannot mean to overthrow our faith, 
distress our soul, and cause us to rest our final justification at 
the last day, upon either our words or our works. If so, wo 
unto the most perfect. It had been better for that man, he had 
never been born : for eternal condemnation must be his doom. 
But justification by faith in Christ is ever to be held fast in the 
conscience, as the everlasting truth of an unchangeable God ; 
the foundation of hope, and the source of peace: an inexhaus- 
tible fountain of joy, and the spring of holiness. But what 
means our Lord ? Oh may he give us to understand. In the 
preceding verse he says, ' For every idle word, that men shall 
speak, they shall give account thereof.' The most learned 
translate it, malicious or wicked words. Now our Lord, just 
before, treats of ' speaking a word against the Son of man/ 
verse 32. Therefore, for these malicious words, resulting from 
their unbelief and rejection of Christ, men shall be condemned. 
The words of the lips proclaim the disposition of the heart. 
As words condemn Christ : so for such words they shall be 
condemned by Christ. So by thy words, approving of, and 
confessing Christ's blood, to be the one atonement for sin, and 
his obodience the one righteousness to justify sinners, thou 
shalt be justified. For with the heart man believeth unto 
righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto 
salvation. Rom. x. 10. Thus the state of every soul at the 
last day will be determined by his faith in Christ, or his unbe- 
lief of him, declared by his words. They will be called in as 
evidences of faith, unto eternal life; or of unbelief, unto eter- 
nal death. They will justify our faith, or condemn our unbe- 
lief. By our words we understand, the general tenor of our 
conversation. Paul speaks of a conversation becoming the 
gospel. Phil. i. 27. Peter of a good conversation in Christ. 
1 Pet. iii. 16. Without this, oh disciple, what evidence have 
you, that you have the faith of God's elect now, or shall be 
finally justified at the last day? ' Without holiness, no man 
shall see the Lord.' Heb, xii. 14. 



MAY 28.] 299 LMURJNING, 

In the Lord have I righteousness and strength. Jsaiali 
xlv. 24. 



To trust in our own righteousness, and to glory in our own 
strength, is natural to us all. But when a poor sinner * knows 
himself, even as he is known of the Lord,' he thinks otherwise. 
When he becomes a follower of the Lamb, he learns the lan- 
guage of Canaan, and says, ' I have no confidence in the flesh/ 
I subscribe with my whole heart to this confession of faith, 
\ In the Lord have I righteousness and strength.' That the 
Lord Jehovah is a God of righteousness, and that he is 
almighty in strength, who will dare to deny ? But by faith we 
speak the most comfortable knowledge of covenant grace : I, 
a poor sinner, who am without strength, destitute of righteous- 
ness in myself, have both strength and righteousness in Jeho- 
vah. What I am, a sinner by nature and practice, that Jesus 
became by imputation. What Jesus is in his nature, and by 
his life, perfectly righteous, that I am in him. In myself I 
have no might, no strength ; but in the Lord Jesus am 1 strong, 
i strong in him, and in the power of his might.' 

This is the glorious grace, the joyful truth of the everlasting 
covenant. Such honour have all the saints of Jesus. His 
perfect righteousness is their clothing ; his almighty strength 
their protection. Who then shall condemn them? What power 
can prevail against them? Oh believer; rejoice in thy privi- 
lege. This is thy triumph against every accusation, ' In Jesus 
I have righteousness.' This is my victory over every enemy, 
* In Jesus I have strength.' Under the most discouraging 
views of my nature, as corrupt and sinful ; my life and prac- 
tice, as unrighteous ; the condemnings of the law, though just ; 
the accusations of Satan, though grievous ; yet in my glorious 
covenant head and representative, I am e made the righteous- 
ness of God; in the beloved Son of God I am for ever ac- 
cepted.' Under the most dejecting sense of our own weak- 
ness, to withstand corruptions, to get the mastery over sinful 
passions, to prevail against our enemies ; though weak to per- 
form any duty, insufficient to exercise any grace, unable to do 
the will of God, to walk in his ways, and to please him ; yet 
ever, under all circumstances, the Spirit testifies of Jesus ; and 
' out of his fulness we receive grace for grace.' Though e with- 
out Christ we can do nothing ; yet, through Christ strengthen- 
ing us, we can do all things.' Here is the mystery of faith. 
c Abide in me,' saith the Lamb. 

4 Poor helpless worms in thee possess Let faith and love always combine, 

Grace, wisdom, power, and righteousness : To cause this precious truth to shine, 

Thoa art our mighty All, and we We sinners poor, and full of need, 

Glory, oh Lord, only in thee. Have all things, in our glorious head. iw. 



MAY 28.1 300 [EVENING 

From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the 
same, the Lords name is to he praised. Psalm cxiii. 3. 

Praise is the incessant employ of glorified saints in heaven. 
There they fully see, and eternally sing of the electing, re- 
deeming, sanctifying, glorifying love of the blessed Trinity. 
May our 'souls catch some of the heavenly flame of love, and 
imitate them in our praise to-night. This is the work of a 
humbled heart. Pride is the parent of murmuring and discon- 
tent. A sense of the blessings of the Lord, and a sight of our 
unworthiness of them, excite praises in the heart. This is the 
language of a praising soul, why me, Lord? Why am I singled 
out from the ruins of a fallen race, to partake of thy special 
grace, peculiar love, and precious salvation? Am I better 
than others ? Have I done more to deserve thy mercies than 
others ? Have I a greater right to challenge thy favour than 
others ? Oh Lord, why me ! Thus while the soul sinks in 
humility, it rises in praise. David describes saints, with the 
' high praises of God in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in 
their hand.' Psal. cxlix. 6. What for? To execute ven- 
geance upon their heathen notions, of sacrificing any praise to 
themselves, or ascribing any thing to their own deserts. These 
are special marks of a regenerate person. (1) His heart is 
formed for, and his soul delights to praise the Lord at all 
times. For he sees himself infinitely and entirely indebted to 
the grace of God, for all he is, all he enjoys, and all he hopes 
for. (2) It is his grief that he cannot praise the Lord as he would, 
without intermission ; s from the rising of the sun to the going 
down of the same;' for worthy is the Lord of unceasing praise. 
His mercies are renewed every morning, continued unto even- 
ing, and repeated in the night season. But here is a precious 
word in this psalm, that endears the Lord to us, and excites 
praise from us. ' Who is like unto the Lord our God, who 
dwelleth on high? Who humbleth himself — pause, oh my soul, 
at that astonishing word. How did the most high God humble 
himself? To the lowest and most abject state. Made himself 
of no reputation, took on him the form of a servant— a mean 
man ; yea more, became obedient to the most ignominious 
death, even the cursed death of the cross. Phil. ii. 8. Oh my 
soul, though vile in thine own eyes, though of no repute in the 
world, consider this. Thou canst never want an inexhaustible 
fund of comfort, and never failing source for praise. ' Bless 
the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy 
name/ Psal. ciii. 1. 

Each risen sun that 1 behold, The shades of each revolving night, 

Calk for my daily praise : Proclaim tliy grace to me : 

Thy mercies, Lord, can ne'er he told Oh joyful hope, oh prospect bright ! 

How rich, how free thy grace ! In heaven 1 shall praise thee w 



MAY 29.] 301 MORNING, 

By grace are ye saved, Ephes. ii. 5. 

Oh thou man of God, let not this truth forsake thee ; ' bind 
it about thy neck, write it upon the table of thine heart ; it 
shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.' Prov 
iii. 3, 8. In the faith of this, thou wilt live in love and grati- 
tude to God, in cheerful obedience to his sovereign will, and 
in confident hope and earnest expectation of eternal glory. 
While thou wilt be daily dying to every carnal hope and legal 
confidence, by the atonement and righteousness of Jesus, his 
grace will be all thy plea, all thy hope, and all thy glorying. 
Hereby thou wilt be kept humble, and walk safely. That ' the 
foot of pride prevail not against thee/ is a happy part of this 
glorious salvation, so as to submit to receive it as entirely of 
grace, free favour, unconditional election, unrae'rited love, 6 ac- 
cording to the good pleasure of the will of God the Father.' 
Ephes. i. 5. It is sovereign grace, therefore sure and sav- 
ing to all the spiritual seed of Jesus. All in our nature are 
averse to it. Nothing in us could deserve a right to it, or pro- 
cure a title to it. It is freely proclaimed to the wretched and 
hell-deserving, who have neither power nor inclination to per- 
form any terms and conditions to obtain an interest in it. But 
the Lord's hand laid the foundation ; his power will raise the 
superstructure ; c He will bring forth the head-stone thereof 
with shoutings of grace, grace.' Z ch. iv. 7. 

Salvation is by distinguishing grace. ' One shall be 
taken, and another left:' ' one of a city, and two of a family,' 
Jer. iii. 14 ; whomsoever the Lord is pleased to separate to him- 
self as vessels of honour The effects of saving grace are dis- 
tinguishing; it works effectually in them that believe. They 
are ' called with a holy" calling;' possess the faith of God's 
elect, and experience repentance to salvation. They differ 
from their former selves in hope and conduct, and are distin- 
guished from the world l that lies in wickedness.' Under its 
sovereign influence such a change was wrought in Paul, that 
he f who persecuted Jesus in his members, preached the faith 
he once destroyed.' Gal. i. 23. So every subject of grace is 
changed in judgment and affection. He no longer thinks grace 
is to assist him to do something to gain acceptance with God ; 
but he knows, God hath made us l accepted in the Beloved, to 
the praise of the glory of his grace.' Ephes. i. 6. Hence his 
affections are placed upon the God of all grace, as the centre 
of all happiness, and the source of all felicity. He delights 
' to run the way of Gods commandments.' It is his joy that 
Jesus flies upon the wings of the wind to his relief: he loves 
to fly on the. wings of faith and love to him. He daily prays 
' to be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Je- 
sus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.' Phil. i. 11. 



may. 29] 302 [evening. 

Come, buy tuine and milk, without money and without 
price. Isaiah Iv. 1. 

A free gospel is the glory of God's grace, the joy of humble 
souls, the envy of malicious devils, and the contempt of proud 
self-righteous pharisees. * Milk' is the pure, sweet, soul-nour- 
ishing doctrines of the gospel of Christ. ( Wine' is the generous 
heart-reviving comfort of the pardon of sin, and peace with 
God through the blood of Christ. The Lord knows we cannot 
grow strong, nor be comfortable in our souls, without this pre- 
cious milk and animating wine. Here is the Lord's open house, 
public market, free invitation, and fixed price. ' Come,' draw 
nigh to me : keep not at a distance from me, saith the Lord. 
Make no excuse, nor any delay. Come now, this moment. 
Here is a free invitation, and a hearty welcome. Oh the love 
of Jesus! £ Buy.' Art thou rich? Such the Lord sends 
empty away. Hast thou brought a stock of thine own faithful- 
ness, terms thou hast fulfilled, and conditions performed, to 
buy with? Then instead of wine and milk, thou wilt receive 
a scourge from the Lord. Remember those who bought, he 
whipped out of his temple. Oh, saith the poor, self-emptied, 
soul-humbled sinner, thi<s word ' buy,' puts me to a> stand. I 
am poor and pennyless : I have nothing to bring but misery 
and poverty. I am perishing for want of comfort. Thou art 
the very person invited. The Lord filleth the hungry with good 
things. Precious word, of marvellous grace! Buy— ' without 
money and without price,' or money's worth. What, have I been 
five, ten, twenty years or upwards in Christ,; and have I got 
no inherent stock of grace, no more worth or value to buy with, 
than I had when I first came to him as a poor naked and per- 
ishing sinner? Must! come as at first, poor and pennyless? 
Yes: or not at all. The Lord knows what thou art. He invites 
thee just as thou art. His price just suits thy abject poverty. 
What an affront would it be to a dear friend, to bring a price 
in our hands for a rich entertainment, with a free invitation? 
No affectionate mother more freely administers the breast of 
nourishment to her infant, than the Lord his milk and wine to 
thirsty souls. Faith w r orks by the love of this : it operates 
upon the heart, so as to produce sincere love to God, and 
cheerful obedience to his word and will. But base unbelief, 
with a bastard humility, raises jealousies and suspicions of the 
Lord's rich love and grace. One says, it cannot be for me, I 
am too vile. Another, I am unworthy of it. Christ says, 
' Whosoever will let him come.' Rev. xxii. 17. 

1 thank thee, Lord, who fixt thy price, No works, no worthiness have I, 

Exactly suited to my case : To bring before my Lord to plead, 

Tiio' poor and vile in my own eyes, But still thou sayest, come and buy : 

I'm freely welcome to thy grace. Thy grace, :n\ Lord, is free indeed, m. 



MAY 30.] 303 [morning. 

Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man 
of strife, and a man of contention to the whole earth. 1 
have neither lent oh usury, nor hare men lent to me on 
usury, yet every one of them doth curse me. Jer. xv. 10. 

It is sweet consolation to new-born souls to know the state 
they are come to. Verily, saith Paul, ' unto mount Sion, and 
unto the city of the living God, and unto the heavenly Jerusa- 
lem.' Heb. xii. 22. Even to ail the glorious privileges of 
Christ's church and kingdom, of love, grace and peace. The 
utmost stretch of thought comes infinitely short of our highly 
favoured state. See also the blessed society you are come to : 
'an innumerable company of angels, the general assembly and 
church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven ; 
and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made 
perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and 
to the blood of sprinkling/ And hath distinguishing grace thus 
honoured us? Shall the church, our mother, bring us forth ? 
And will not the world take knowledge of us, that we have 
been with Jesus'? That cannot be, for then we should be bas- 
tards, and not sons. All are partakers of the world's hatred, 
as soon as they appear to be the objects of God's love, and live 
as his adopted children by faith. 

What a strict harmony is there between the prophets and 
saints of the old testament, and the apostles and disciples of 
Jesus under the new. What strong confirmation, that both are 
taught by the same Spirit. In this one truth they both perfectly 
agree : ' We are not of the world, therefore the world hateth 
us.' John xv. 19. But marvel not, saith our loving Jesus, it 
is not you, but me they hate. I am the principal object of ha- 
tred, you only for my sake. But poor souls are ready to cry 
out, ' Woe is me.' What am I always to live thus in strife 
and contention? Is not my deportment and carriage towards 
the children of this world quiet and inoffensive? No: they 
will not think so, unless you do as they do, live as they live, 
follow their vain customs, and partake of their carnal joys. ( I 
have neither borrowed nor lent.' Verily, this plea of excuse is 
the cause of offence: for this they will curse us as over-righte- 
ous, precise fools. But stoop to borrow their ways, and lend 
yourself to their customs and practices, cast in your lot with 
them, and all will be well ; peace and friendship will subsist. 
But no; we prefer spiritual fellowship with Jesus above all : 
we dare not forsake him, nor incur our Father's displeasure. 
We know ' the friendship of the world is enmity with God.' 
James iv. 4. 

Hast thou tin Saviour's mark, ray soul ? My Jesus, teach me, day by day. 

Hated of men for Jesu's sake ? " To glory in thy cross : 

Such honour is thy ehiefcst joy, Oh may I "live and prove this truth, 

Christ's «jlorv, thou shoukl'st ne'er forsake. All aiu but thee is loss. M. 



MAY 30.] 304 [evening. 

— And confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on 
the earth. Heb. xi. 13. 



Oh ye worldly minded professors; can ye read this without 
being- ashamed* and reproved ! What will bring a man to this 
confession? Will sickness, and a near approach to death? 
No : men return from the most dangerous illness, to greater 
love of the world, and more ardent pursuit after the things of 
it. Look at a dying worldling. See him like a drowning man. 
clinching the faster what he has grasped for his hope and help. 
Men not only live fools, but die fools too. Their senses be- 
guile them ; their reason befools them ; they reject the plainest 
truths before them. Nothing will kill the love of a bewitching 
world, in a deceitful heart, but the view of heaven by faith. 
No man will confess himself a stranger to the world, and a 
pilgrim on the earth, until he sees himself 6 a fellow citizen 
with the saints, and of the household of God. ' Ephes. ii. 19. 
As we say, we will not quit a certainty for an uncertainty. 
Admire these ancient heroes of faith ; view and imitate their 
conduct. What caused this confession ? (1) They had not 
received the promises. The Messiah was not then come from 
heaven, with all the inestimable blessings of his kingdom. Yet 
they believed in him, and lived by faith upon him, as promised 
to come. (2) Though they saw the precious promises afar off, 
yet they were realized to their hearts by faith. The distance 
of them did not weaken their confidence in their existence : 
faith brought them nigh to their minds. (3) They were per- 
suaded of them, and embraced them. They hugged and kissed 
the promises of God as the chief delight, and greatest joy of 
their souls. Carnal men cry, Oh, faith is to do all for you ! 
No, not so. Christ has done all for us : by faith we enjoy all 
the comfort of it. Hence we commence followers of Christ : 
' strangers and pilgrims on the earth/ and travellers to our 
Father's kingdom. Have you had no respect paid by carnal 
men ? Do they see nothing about you to laugh at, and deride 
you for? No: then you have great reason to question whe- 
ther you are a real follower of a despised crucified Lord. The 
world will love its own. Are you striving to keep God and the 
world ? Of all men upon earth, you are most to be pitied, for 
you will be most miserable. Most joyful to say, I am ' a stran- 
ger and a sojourner, as all my fathers were/ Fsal. xxxix 12. 



Alv heart, my hope, my portion is .VIen think me strange that I can't join 
In'Christ my Lord above : With them to - take my part, 

I wander here, and find no bliss In carnal joys, in mirth and wine ; 
That's worthy of rny love. But Lord, thou hast my heart. m 



•MAY 31. J 305 ^MORNING. 

In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, 
promised before the world began. Titus i. 2. 

Christ's sheep are the trophies of his victory, the triumphs of 
his cross, and the glory of his crown. Though naturally cap- 
tives and slaves to the god of this world, the prince of the 
power of the air ; yet when rescued by sovereign grace, they 
hear the Shepherd's voice, and follow him. But at present 
they are prisoners of hope. The soul is imprisoned and im- 
mured in the noisome walls of flesh, exposed to many taunts 
and jeers of the enemy, and liable to many fresh rallies and 
onsets from the prince of darkness. Often, through their views 
being darkened, and from opposing lusts of the flesh, they fear, 
and are in doubt whether they shall ever arrive at the glorious 
mansions of liberty and love. The more they look to and con- 
sider themselves, the more discouragements arise. But if eter- 
nal truth and almighty power, founded in everlasting unchange- 
able love, can secure them and bring them to glory, they are 
surely safe, now : they shall be eternally happy in glory. 

Hath the God of truth promised eternal life before the world 
began ? Who then could this promise be made to ? Verily, to 
no other but Jesus, the surety of the everlasting covenant, the 
head and representative of all his chosen members. Oh soul, 
before conversion to Jesus, thou wast a dead sinner without 
hope. Hast thou faith in Jesus ? Then hast thou ' the faith 
of God's elect ; and dost acknowledge the truth, which is after 
godliness.' Thou hast also eternal life, in hope now ; and the 
possession is as sure to thee, as if thou wast in actual enjoy- 
ment of it. The eternal God of truth must become a liar, if 
thou fail of thy hope. Was eternal life promised on certain 
conditions ? Jesus hath performed them all : he became surety 
to this very end. God the Father is 'perfectly satisfied, and 
glorified with his work. God the Spirit bears witness to it : 
hereby hope is established in the heart. Then take heed, not 
to invert the order of the gospel, lest thy mind be perplexed, 
hope clouded, and Satan gain an advantage. Be thankful for 
the grace of hope ; but ever glory in the God of hope. Frames 
and feelings often vary : they may delude and deceive. Gifts 
may be lost: graces decline. Jesus our hope cannot. ' He 
is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.' Wherefore are 
eternal transactions revealed ; but for God's glory, the confir- 
mation of his people's faith and hope, and to excite love to 
him. Ever remember, f By grace ye are saved, according to 
the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus.' 

2 R 



MAY 81.3 306 [EVENING. 

God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke xviii. 13. 

I often think of what a perfectionist said to me upwards of 
twenty years ago : ' Do not go to hear such preaching, you 
will get such a notion of sinnership, as though you are to be a 
poor sinner all your days ' Truly, after being so iong in Christ, 
when I look into the glass of God's law, I see myself just the 
same poor sinner I was at first : striving against sin, and look- 
ing to Christ for salvation. I thank my Lord, I do not trust 
in myself that I am righteous : yet am as righteous in myself 
as any poor sinner on earth is, and as righteous in Christ as 
any saint in glory is. Oh the humbling joy of faith ! It brings 
boldness of access to God into the heart, while it kills self- 
righteous confidence. Many poor souls are apt to say, I am 
afraid to approach God, I am such a sinner. I tremble to 
think what will become of me. I fear God will cast me off for 
ever, and damn me eternally for my sins. No, saith the Lord : 
' My thoughts are not as your thoughts. Return unto the Lord, 
and he will have mercy upon you ; and to our God, for he will 
abundantly pardon/ lsai. lv. 7, 8. But what plea have I to 
make ? As good a one as the best saint upon earth has. He 
is not a saint in Christ, who dares make any other. Here it is. 
Your Lord puts it into your mouth, and assures you that it is 
most prevailing before the throne of God. ' God be merciful to 
me a sinner/ But, am I to bring no works, no faith? No : 
your faith brings you. Faith leaves all works behind : it relies 
on God's gracious promises : it pleads God's rich mercy in 
Christ, to poor perishing sinners. Thus seek mercy: thus 
beseech God to be propitious to you. But must I not bring re- 
pentance? You cannot come without, if you have faith. Re- 
pentance flows from faith : is a change of mind, concerning the 
object of hope for salvation ; and a change of conduct towards 
that object. A cry for mercy to God in Christ, as a miserable 
sinner, is the language of true repentance. But am I to live in 
sin, and walk in sin, and yet cry, God be merciful to me a sin- 
ner ? You cannot, if this cry comes from your heart, affected 
with the evil of sin ; no more than you can cry to be delivered 
from devouring flames, and yet contentedly continue in the 
midst of them. But when we cast in our minds for a plea, we 
have the most blessed one, the full atonement, and perfect 
righteousness of Jesus. Therefore, there is never any room for 
despair. ' Let us come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain 
mercy, and find grace in every time of need.' 

I daily live by mercy free, Then let me take the lowest place,. 

To me a sinner showed ; Of deep humility, 

I've nought to claim from God 1o me, .'ind if 1 ever see Christ's face, 

He gives, because lie's good. There's nothing doe to me m. 



JUNE l.j 307 [morning. 

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born oj 
God. 1 John v. 1. 



It is too common for many of Gods dear children to perplex 
and distress their minds, in seeking- after marks and evidences 
of the new-birth; while they too often expect to find them out- 
wardly in the flesh, instead of looking inwardly to the spirit. 
For the satisfaction and comfort of God's children, the Holy 
Ghost hath laid down this inward evidence, faith, as an in- 
contestable mark of a new-born soul. 

When Peter made that glorious confession, i Thou art Christ 
the Son of the living God,' Jesus replied, ' Blessed art thou, 
Simon ; flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my 
Father who is in heaven.' All the powers and abilities of 
human nature and reason, so far from teaching, are at enmity 
against this soul-saving truth. No man can teach it his bro- 
ther, so as to cause his heart to receive and believe it. It is a 
knowledge only revealed by the Spirit ; received and believed 
by heaven-born souls, that the man Jesus is the only Saviour ; 
that he is the anointed of God, to the work of saving lost sin- 
ners. The very devils know and confess this, but without any 
hope of salvation hereby. But when any poor sinner is enabled 
to believe this in his heart, it is a blessed evidence of the love 
of the Father, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Then \ he 
hath the witness in himself, that he is born of God :' he hath 
the mark and evidence of a child of God within him. As the 
gift of Jesus is the fruit of God's everlasting love, so faith in 
Jesus is the fruit of his having died for our sins, and rose again 
for our justification ; ascended to the Father, and sent the 
Holy Ghost to testify of him. This belief honours the God of 
truth ; glorifies the God of grace, by receiving the testimony he 
hath given of his beloved Son. It is a holy faith ; it dwells in 
holy hearts, and produceth holy fruits. Happy the heart that 
hath received this power and privilege to become a child of 
God. The love of the holy Trinity is upon such a soul. It is 
his privilege, like the happy eunuch, ( to go on his way rejoic- 
ing.' It is his happiness ever to be ' looking unto Jesus, 
the author and finisher of faith ;' relying on Jesus who is our 
hope, 1 Tim. i. 1; rejoicing in Jesus, who is our peace, 
Ephes. ii. 34; glorying in Jesus, who is our atonement, Rom. 
v. 11 ; and thus looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ 
unto eternal life. Jude 21. 

The sovereign will of God alone New models all the carnal mind, 
Creates us heirs of grace ; And'forms the man afresh. 

Born in the image ot his Son, Our quickened souls by faith aris<- 
A new peculiar race. From the long sleep of death ; 

The Spirit, like some heavenly wind, On heavenly things wc fix our eyes 
Blows on the sons of flesh. And praise employs our breath. 



JUNE I.] 308 [evening. 

But now in Christ Jesus, ye who were sometimes afar 
off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephes. ii. 13 

If one was asked, do you live near the court; have you free 
access to his majesty ; did you ever kiss the king's hand ? 
Who would hesitate one moment for an answer. Conscious- 
ness would instantly dictate one. Pray, is christian experience 
so dark and doubtful a matter, that if asked, are you brought 
nigh to God ; do you live near to God ; have you free access to 
God ? That we cannot answer, with some degree of knowledge 
and certainty ? My dear fellow christians, though we are 
brought nigh to God, we do not live near to him. Hence our 
doubt and uncertainty. Our hearts and affections get roving, 
in the high roads of earthly honour, riches or pleasures. Here 
clouds of dust rise : they so dim our sight, and cloud our views, 
that we can hardly see our way, or tell where we are. Here 
we are reminded, (1) That we ' were sometimes afar off.' 
Awful distance ! As far as possible from God, because so far 
from original righteousness. As far off from God as a devil. 
Naturally, no more desire to draw nigh to him. Nay, Satan 
had possession of us, ruled in, and reigned over us. We loved 
our master, hated our God, and delighted in our distance from 
him. Oh be covered with shame : be clothed with humility. 
But lift up your head with joy : for, ,(2) We arc brought nigh 
to God. Oh says one, I wish I was sure of this. It is true in 
the word, that sinners are brought nigh to God. You can only 
know this for yourself by experience. Therefore consider, (8> 
How we are brought nigh. By the blood of Christ : by faith in 
him we are reconciled to God, justified before God, and at 
peace with God. If you are brought nigh to God, Christ is 
precious to you. Your heart is towards him : your hope is 
fixed on him. His blood is highly prized by you. You look 
to his atonement for the pardon of your sins, to cleanse your 
conscience from guilt, and to bring peace to your soul. By 
him you delight to draw nigh to God, making his blood and 
righteousness your only plea for salvation. You will also live 
near to God in love, and walk before him in holiness. You 
will hate the things you once loved, and love the things you 
once hated. In this way only, you can enjoy fellowship and 
peace with God, comfort from God, and assurance that you 
are a child of God. Says Christ, * If ye love me, keep my 
commandments ; and the Comforter shall abide with you for 
ever.' John xiv. 15. 

Brought nigh to God by Jcsu's blood, Live near to Christ, and daily prove, 

Poor sinner here's good news ! Your fellowship divine, 

Oh bless your dear redeeming God, Abide in his most precious love, 

And on him over muse Till you in glory shine. m, > 



JUNE 2.] 809 [MORNING 

7Vien said his wife unto him, dost thou still retain 
thine integrity ? Curse God and die. Job ii. 9. 

In seasons of distress and affliction, how must it alleviate 
the mind, and soothe our sorrows, to have so near and dear a 
friend as the partner of our lives speak a good word in due 
season? But on the contrary, when such a one is used as an 
instrument by the adversary, it heightens distress, and adds a 
double weight to the pressure of afflictions. Such was the case 
of patient Job. Flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone, taunts 
at him for his integrity, and urges advice which was as a dag- 
ger to his very heart. Verily, believer, thou also art ' born to 
trouble as the sparks fly upward.' Thou hast therefore need 
of faith and patience, as well as Job. These thou also art a 
partaker of, though not in so eminent a degree. Thou also hast 
a peevish, fretful, repining partner for life ? which will ever be 
urging upon thee reproaches, and giving thee such advice, 
which is at the peril of thy soul to hearken to. Here is the 
exercise of thy graces. Be then on thy guard against this dear 
partner, rather near enemy, even thy carnal sinful nature, the 
flesh, with its affections and lusts. Know assuredly, when it 
would reason with thee, it is to beguile thee : when it demands 
an audience, it is to instil the venom of poison. Its nature is 
enmity ; its works rebellion ; its reasonings treason against 
thy God. If thou give place to the flesh, it will wound thy 
soul. If thou suffer it to gain ascendancy, it will darken thy 
mind, and bring distress upon thy conscience. ' If thou livest 
after the flesh, thou shalt die. ' If therefore at any time, through 
the pride and perverseness of the flesh, thou art tempted to 
entertain hard thoughts of thy God ; to be impatient under his 
chastisements, and murmur against his allotments; to call in 
question the truths of his word, the stability of his covenant, 
the freeness of his promises, and the security of thy soul's sal- 
vation through the faith of Jesus ; resist his suggessions in the 
faith of the word of grace ; turn from its reasonings as from a 
bitter foe ; and silence it with this humble, submissive language 
of faith ; ' Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall 
we not receive evil?' Job's wife was mortal : so is thy flesh. 
His sorest afflictions were soon at an end : the Lord blessed the 
latter end of Job more "than his beginning. Lo, thus shall it 
be with thee. Here is our joy of faith : Our time is short. Our 
light afflictions are but for a moment : ' they work for us a 
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' 2 Cor. iv. 34. 

Thro' seas and storms of deep distress Dear Father, if thy lifted rod 

We sail by faith, and not by sight; Resolv'd to scourge us here below, 

Christ guides us in the wilderness Still we must lean upon our God, 

Thro' all the briers of the night Thine arm shall bear us safely thro.' 



JUNE 2.] 310 [EVENING. 

/ will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. 
Psalm )v. 16. 

I have often been struck with the conduct of blind Barti- 
meus. When many charged him to hold his peace, ' he cried 
the more a great deal, thou son of David, have mercy on me.' 
Mark x. 48. Why was this ? Truly he had a feeling sense ot 
his loss of sight ; and by faith he saw Jesus able to restore it. 
See the consequence of this importunate cry. Did the sun 
stand still at the word of Joshua ? Behold, at the cry of Bar- 
timeus, the Lord and Creator of the hosts of heaven, ' stood 
still.' Jesus knows the cry of his own Spirit : he will hear it, 
and help the soul who utters it ' His ears are open to our 
prayers/ 1 Pet. iii. 12. Look, (1) At David's circumstances. 
Was he now on the mount of joy, basking in the sunbeams of 
comforts? No, he is sighing out a doleful complaint, in the 
vale of distress. Says he, ' I mourn because of the voice of 
the enemy, and the oppressions of the wicked. My heart is 
sore pained within me, and the terrors of death are fallen upon 
me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror 
hath overwhelmed me.' (2) What is his resolution? Does 
he give up hope in his God ! Does he flee his presence, and 
seek for comfort in the world ; from its vain pleasures, sen- 
sual delights, and from the men of it? No, but. says he, ' I will 
call upon God.' Here is a lesson of instruction for us. The 
more fears, terrors, pains and oppressions beset us, they should 
excite more calls upon God from us. Seek to no object, to be 
eased from them, but God. Remember, not one of them, 
but is by his appointment or permission. They are calls 
from God to call upon him. When they bring us to God, his 
loving will is answered. He will not suffer his dear people to 
live at a distance from him, without calling upon him. He 
loves their souls : he delights in their prayers : and the * Lord's 
comforts delight their souls.' Psal. xciv. 19. Can you say so? 
Then (3) You may confidently take up Davids conclusion : 
1 The Lord shall save me.' Is not this too bold? Yes, if 
founded upon any thing in yourself as the cause why God 
should save you, it is daring presumption. But from the Lord's 
absolute declarations, full and free promises given us in Christ, 
we are divinely warranted thus to conclude. Then take and 
prize the Lord's word, as your blessed charter of salvation. 
Plead it before him, expect all salvation from him ; even vic- 
tory over all sin, deliverance from every trouble, the comfort 
of holiness here, and the joys of glory in eternity. i All are 
yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's.' 1 Cor. iii. 23. 

How hold is faith, to challenge thus, Oh 'tis because the Lord claims us, 

A claim upon the Lord His portion, in his word, bj 






JUNE 3.] 3LI [morning. 

Jesus said, I thank thee, oh Father, Lord of heaven 
and earth, because thou hast hid these things jrom tht 
vrise and prudent . and hast revealed them unto babes : 
even so, Father, Jar so it seemed good in thy sight. 
Matt. xi. 25, 26. 



The true ministers of Christ are greatly encouraged in their 
labours, knowing they serve that sovereign Lord who hath de- 
clared, ' My word shall not return to me void, but it shall ac- 
complish that which I please : it shall prosper in the thing 
whereunto I sent it.' Isai. Iv. 11. ' To some, the gospel' is a 
savour of life unto life ;' to others of death unto death.' To 
some, Jesus is revealed ; to others the gospel is hid. Never- 
theless, his ministers are unto God a sweet savour of Christ in 
them that are saved, and in them that perish. 2 Cor. ii. 15. 

What shall we say to these things? Shall we dare to cavil 
against the sovereign dispensations of God, or arraign Mm at 
the bar of our weak judgments? Shall the potsherds of the 
earth contend with Jehovah, and say, what dost thou? Shall 
the pride of our carnal reason, and the rebellion of our corrupt 
nature vent itself with, I will not allow it at all : I cannot be- 
lieve it is just and righteous* that the Lord should act with so- 
vereignty, give or withhold his special mercy as it seemeth 
good unto him ? ' Nay but, oh man, who art thou that repliest 
against God?' It is plain that such walk not humbly; they 
have not the mind of Christ. The Father's will was his joy : 
Jehovah's purposes his delight : and with sovereign dispensa- 
tions Jesus most cheerfully acquiesced. ' Even so, Father, for 
so it seemed good in thy sight.' Herein he hath left us an 
example. This is beyond all other reasons we can assign for 
God's dealings in grace and providence. Such sentiments show 
that we have been taught of God, are little in our own eyes, 
passive as babes in our own judgment, and are submissive 
children to our Father's will. 

A spiritual. revelation of the hope of the gospel, is by the so- 
vereign grace of the Holy Spirit, ' who divideth to every man 
severally as he will.' It ever begets humility of heart. Why 
me, Lord-! creates amazement of soul. What am I! ever 
excites love and gratitude. Am I called to the faith of Jesus, 
and the hope of salvation,, while others, of the wise and pru- 
dent of this world, are left in the darkness, pride and rebellion 
of their nature ? Oh what shall I render unto the Lord? How 
fearful to offend, how studious to please, how joyful to glorify 
the Lord my God ought I to be from day to day. ' Looking 
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.' 

« Thus doth the Lord of heav'n and earth Bow then, my Lord, my proud free will, 

His great decrees fulfil, To own thy sov'reign hand ; 

And order all his works. of grace And humbly to adore thywavs. 

By his own sov'reign will. Which I can't understand m 



JUNE 3.] ( 312 [EVENING. 

7 y o them who have obtained like p/ecious faith with 
us, through the righteousness of God, and our Saviour 
Jesus Christ. 2 Peter i. 1. 



There may be a strong faith, where there is no true faith. 
Persons may pretend to have the assurance of faith ; may 
believe that their sins are forgiven, without one grain of pre- 
cious faith. Who believes more than a deist does? He be- 
lieves he has wisdom to guide, and power to save himself, 
without either the word or the grace of God. Who has stronger 
faith than the self-righteous pharisee had ? He believed he 
had a right to go to God, to plead his works before God, and 
to assure his heart that he was accepted of God. He wanted 
no righteousness from God. This is just such a faith as all 
unregenerate men have. It is not ' precious faith ;' it is not 
obtained through the precious righteousness of Christ ; it doth 
not make his glorious person, and everlasting righteousness, 
precious to the heart ; it does not cause such to renounce the 
filthy rags of their*own righteousness, and to delight in God as 
justifying the ungodly, through the righteousness of Christ : 
and sanctifying the unholy, through the Spirit of his grace. 
That faith is ever to be suspected as only a. rank weed, which 
grows in the corrupt soil of human nature, if the possessors of 
it see not the evil of sin which is in them, the curse it has 
brought upon them, and that nothing can relieve their consci- 
ence, support their mind, bring hope to their heart, and joy t© 
their spirits, but the one spotless righteousness of Christ, in 
which sinners stand perfectly justified before God. He who 
dares open his mouth in objections against God's imputing the 
righteousness of his Son freely to sinners, and fully justifying 
them thereby, is shrewdly to be suspected, that so far from 
having obtained l like precious faith' with the apostles, his 
heart is not yet convinced of sin. Precious faith will shew 
itself by its fruits, inward, as well as outward. The heart will 
bow to God's sovereign will, receive his doctrines of grace in 
the love of them, and not carp and cavil against them. It will 
glory, that salvation from first to last is not of works, but of 
grace. And it will experience, that the grace of God which 
bringeth salvation, most sweetly and powerfully teaches to 
deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, 
righteously, and godly in this present evil world. Most sweetly, 
says one ; ' Surely, there can be no greater honour to Christ 
than this, in the sense of sin, wants, stains, and blemishes, to 
wrap ourselves in the righteousness of Christ; and wi.th bold- 
ness to go clothed in the garments of our elder Brother, to the , 
throne of grace.' This is the glory of faith, Lord grant it may 
be ours. 



JUNE 4.J 313 [MORNING. 

And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the 
conspirators with Absalom. And David said, Oh Lord, 
I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel' into foolish- 
ness. 2 Sam. xv. 31. 

Clouds gathered very fast, and grew very black at this time, 
over the head of king David. His own beloved son had drawn 
the sword of rebellion ; his subjects flocked in great numbers ; 
and to heighten the king's distress, his own counsellor joined 
the conspiracy. But under all this, David showed himself to 
be a man after God's own heart. His soul looks through every 
discouragement : he knew the throne of grace to be ever open 
and accessible, therefore the very tidings that brought sorrow 
to his heart, he instantly makes the subject of his prayer. 
Happy conduct : when before carnal reason is suffered to plead, 
the prayer of faith is presented. Too, too oft do disciples, 
Upon hearing disagreeable tidings, consult flesh and blood, 
before they apply to their ever-loving and faithful friend Jeho- 
vah. This Ought not so to be. According to David's faith and 
prayer, so the Lord answered him. The counsel which he had 
reason to dread from Ahithophel, was defeated by the Lord, 
and turned to his own destruction. Thus ' the Lord only is 
our refuge and strength ; a very present help in every time of 
trouble/ Psal. xlvi. 1. 

Knowest thou not, disciple, there is treason and rebellion 
found with thee against David's Lord, even Jesus, thy king? 
Not greater reason had David to fear, and to pray against 
Ahithophel's counsel, than thou hast daily. As his name signi- 
fies brother of ruin or folly, it reminds one of the flesh, a bro- 
ther or partaker of the ruin of sin with the soul ; and also that 
its wisdom is ever with us, is ever counselling and conspiring 
against the peace and safety, the love and holiness, the joy 
and happiness of the soul in Christ Jesus. It not only counsels 
against, but lusts contrary to the Spirit continually. May this 
be our daily prayer in the Spirit and in faith : Oh Lord, turn 
the counsel of the flesh into foolishness, confound its pride, 
destroy its lusts, subdue its passions, suffer us not to confer 
with flesh and blood, let us not sow to the flesh ; but enable 
us to confer with thee by faith. May our conversation be in 
heaven ! So strengthen us to put off the old man with his deeds, 
until we put off the body, to be e sown in dishonour, and to be 
vaised in glory.' 1 Cor. xv. 43. 

Arise, my sonl, my joyful powers, Christ raised me from the deeps of sin, 

And triumph in my God ; The gates of gaping hell, 

A wake, my voice, and loud proclai And fixt my standing more secure 

His glorious grace abroad Than 'twas before I fell. 



JUNE 4.] 314 [EVENING 

Lord be merciful unto me : Heal my soul, for I have 
sinned against thee. Psalm xli. 4. 



Is this the language of a saint? Was David a saint when 
he uttered it ? Yes, he was a holy man of God : this confes- 
sion and prayer shew it. His heart was not hardened through 
the deceitfulness of sin, nor blinded by self-righteous pride, so 
as to say, ' I have no sin.' Self-righteous hearts cannot away 
with this, that all the Lord's saints are yet in themselves mise- 
rable sinners; that they see daily need to confess this, and to 
sue for mercy and healing from the Lord. Here is a confes- 
sion, a plea, and a prayer. (1) A confession : ' I have sinned 
against thee.' Thus we must come and confess to the Lord 
to-day, to-morrow, and every day, till the sun of life sets. 
Sense of sin, whether fresh contracted or long since committed, 
abides with us. It wounds and pains a gracious soul : here 
grace discovers itself. That soul waits not for time to efface 
the memory of sin, or strives to stifle convictions for it ; but 
goes humbly to the Lord, and confesses it. With all its aggra- 
vations, and with this above all others, Lord, ( against thee, 
I have sinned.' Oh may my soul never, never lose this con- 
viction, that every sin is against thee, my Lord and loving 
Father — thee, my Lord and precious Redeemer— thee, my 
Lord and gracious Comforter. This makes sin exceeding sin- 
ful, while it magnifies the superabounding riches of grace, in 
receiving sinners, and in pardoning sin. (2) Consider the 
plea. It is not the pharisee's parade, Lord, 1 have done this 
and that, or I have done so and so. Lord, I have been faithful 
to thy grace : 1 am not so bad as others. No : but it is the 
publican's plea, ' Lord, be merciful to me. * To me a vile sin- 
ner, who have done nothing to deserve thy favour, yet plead 
thy mercy promised to sinners in Christ Jesus. Thou canst be 
just, and yet justify the ungodly who believe in Jesus. There- 
fore (3) I pray, ' heal my soul.' No prayers, no tears, no du- 
ties, no terms and conditions of mine, can heal my soul. No, 
my best works are stained with pollution : my holiest duties 
are mixed with sin. Nothing but the blood of the Lamb can 
bring pardon to my heart, peace to my conscience, and healing 
to my soul.' ' The Lord will speak peace to his people, am? 
to his saints.' Psal. Ixxxv. 8. For, oh, precious words ; he 
assures us, ' all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be for- 
given unto men.' Matt. xii. 31. 

Tho' sin doth so distress my soul, No plea have 1, thou Lamb of God, 
Willi sickness and with. pain : For mercy, but through thee : 

My God will heal and make me whole, Cleansing arid healing by thy blood, 

And give me peace again. To sinners come most free. M. 



JUNE 5.J 315 [MORNING. 

Take heed to yourselves ; if thy brother trespass against 
thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn 
again to thee, saying, 1 repent; thou shalt forgive him. 
Luke xvii. 4. 



Mind this loving word ■* do thyself no harm.' The least 
degree of malice, hatred or revenge, is contrary to the genius 
of the gospel ; inconsistent with the character of a disciple of 
the meek and lowly Jesus. But our Master knows what is in 
man : that his members are composed of flesh, as well as spi- 
rit ; and therefore liable to offend one against another, so as to 
hurt and injure each other in the peace of their minds, and 
fellowship of their spirits. So also they cause the way of 
truth to be evil spoken of by the adversaries, who are glad at 
every advantage, to cry out, Oh these are your saints ! See 
how full of wrath they are ; how they bite and devour each 
other. Therefore, ' take heed to yourselves,' saith the Head 
to his members. Watch against this evil. Offences will come. 
I teach you how to behave. Suppose thy brother trespass 
against thee, pity his weakness : pray for him by name, to thy 
Father, and his Father. Beware of angry resentment. If he 
aggravates his offence by frequent repetition, thou shalt in no 
wise hate thy brother ; but as oft as he offends, if he as often 
' turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.' 
But are we not to forgive him until, and unless, he do turn and 
say, I repent? In one sense we ought ; perhaps not in another. 
We must not, at our peril, entertain anger, or let the sun go 
down on our wrath; but in our hearts freely and fully forgive 
an offending brother. But what if he remains stubborn, and 
persists in a state of bitterness? Even then we are to forgive 
him in our hearts, and be desirous of embracing him in love. 

But may we not justly suspend declaring our forgiveness to 
him, until he turn and say, I repent? Herein have we not 
God's word, and method, as our example ? Though God loves 
his people in Christ, and for his sake pardons their sins ; yet 
until they actually turn to him and repent, he doth not mani- 
fest his pardon and love to them. But let us ever remember, 
as God's thoughts of love are towards us, before we turn to 
him : so our thoughts of love should be to our offending bre- 
thren, ere they turn to us. Doth the Lord Jesus require us to 
forgive every repeated offence, even until seventy times seven, 
four hundred and ninety ? Surely then, he will magnify his 
love, and display his mercy, in pardoning the innumerable of- 
fences of all who turn to him. \ Forgiving one another, even 
as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.' Ephes. iv. 32. 

'Greatis God's love, anjj large his grace. Then let us to our brethren shew. 

Thro' the redemption of his Son : The loving spirit we partake 

He (urns our feet from sinful ways, All their offences to forego* 

And pardons what our hands have done ' And love them freely for Christ's sake. 



JUNE 5.] 316 [EVENING. 

Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the 
upright in heart. Psalm xcvii. 1 1. 

He who never doubts his sincerity to God, has great reason 
to suspect his knowledge of himself. A hypocrite cannot be a 
christian ; yet there is hypocrisy in the fallen nature of. every 
christian. Such are ever suspecting themselves: at times they 
fear, lest they should turn out nothing but hypocmtes at last. 
This is a proof that their hearts are upright with Christ: their 
fears and suspicions are a blessed means of keeping them from 
falling away from him. Righteous souls pass through many 
dark frames, and disagreeable experiences. Sometimes they 
are put to a stand, ready to question if all is right within or 
not : for they are the subjects of a nature in which dwells every 
evil, which wars against God, the peace, holiness and comfort 
of their souls. Hence they are sometimes in seasons of dark- 
ness. They see not things in the light of truth : they enjoy not 
the comfort of this truth, that they are righteous in the righte- 
ousness of Christ, 2 Cor. v. 21, and made upright by his grace. 
Upright souls mourn in darkness, and desire ever to walk in 
the light. Yes, says St. Peter, ye ' greatly rejoice' in the sal- 
vation of Jesus, f though now for a season, if need be, ye are 
in heaviness through manifold temptations.' If need be! Oh 
what need can there be ? He tells us : that the trial of your 
precious faith might be found unto praise, and honour and 
glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. i. 6, 7. Tried 
faith is true faith. Touch any metal but gold, and aqua fortis 
will burn it off True faith stands the fire of temptations ; it 
trusts Christ in heaviness, and stays urion him in darkness. At 
all times, in all seasons, under all circumstances, light and 
gladness are sown for you, and in due season shall spring up 
in.you. Where are they sown ? Where every covenant bless- 
ing is reaped. In Jesus, the surety of the covenant. Heb. vii. 
22. All natural light is in, and flows from the sun. All spiritual 
light flows from Christ, the Sun of righteousness, who saith, ' I 
am the light of the world : he who followeth me shall not walk 
in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' John viii. 12. 
Is light sown in Christ for us? Let us with David claim in 
faith, ' The Lord is my light, and my salvation.' Psal. xxvii. 1. 
Do gladness of heart spring from Christ? Then say, My medi- 
tation of him will be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord-.' Psal. 
civ. 34. Thus faith is tried in the darkest hour ; thus it mani- 
fests itself to be the faith of Gods elect ; for it cleaves to God's 
elect, to Jesus, in whom God's soul delighteth. Isai. xlii. 1. 

Both light and gladness in God's word, And shall spring up within those hearts, 

For righteous souls are sown, Who have the Savio" known m 



JUNE 6.] 317 [MORNING. 

And I said, This is my infirmity. Psal. Ixxvii. 10. 

While in the body, we are in such an imperfect state as to 
he liable to various exercises of mind, through indwelling cor- 
ruption, and the suggestions of Satan. Saints in all ages have 
experienced fluctuating frames. Like mariners on a tempestu- 
ous sea, at one time they seem to mount up to heaven, in comfort 
and joy ; at another they sink down, in apprehension, to the 
depths of hell ; then, like persons at their wit's end, they ex- 
press themselves in a very unreasonable manner. Doubt and 
uncertainty take place of knowledge and truth ; unbelief seems 
to prevail against faith ; and they are ready to call all in ques- 
tion, not only past sweet experience of God's love to their 
souls, but the very existence of God's promises, faithfulness 
and truth. And they write with the pen of inspiration (though 
not of the Spirit of truth, but of a lying spirit) many false and 
bitter things against themselves. ' Wo is me, I am undone/ 
saith Isaiah. ' Wo is me,' saith Jeremiah. ' Without were 
fightings, within were fears,' says the apostle Paul. ' I shall 
one day perish by the hand of Saul,' saith David. And in this 
psalm, hope seems to be as it were giving up the ghost, and 
with languid, faint accents breathes, ' Will the Lord cast off 
far ever? Will he be favourable no more ? Is his mercy clean 
gone for ever ; doth his promise fail for evermore ? Hath God 
forgotten to be gracious ; hath he in anger shut up his tender 
mercies?' So that you see, oh tossed, tempted, tried believer, 
this is the way, saints in all ages have gone to glory. Thou 
hast thy lot with them now ; soon thou also shalt be where 
they are. But what a gloomy prospect, what soul-distressing 
views, must that poor sinner have, who lives upon his frames; 
whose hope springs from his own faithfulness, or who trusts to 
the exercise of his own grace, instead of the God of all grace, 
the blessed Jesus, who is the same yesterday, to-day, and for 
ever. How comforting, how heart-reviving to know that the 
Lord, ' who sent redemption unto his people, will ever be mind- 
ful of his covenant, which standeth fast for ever.' Psal. cxi. 
5. Therefore the Holy Spirit stands engaged, in covenant-con- 
tract, to execute his office as the Comforter. When he is 
pleased to revive the soul with the views of Jesus, his glorious 
work and finished salvation, Satan skulks away, like a mean, 
abashed liar. The believer returns to his right mind, takes 
shame to himself, and says, That I should ever doubt of thy 
love; call in question thy truth, and suspect thy faithfulness : 
oh my God, this is my infirmity ! 



Hence from my soul sad thoughts be gone, Till sovereign grace with shining rays 
And leave me to my joys ; Dispelled my gloomy fears : 

My tongue shall triumph iu my God ; In vain the tempter frights my soul, 
Christ ph-ads his righteons cause. And breaks my peace again ; 

Darkness and doubt had veiled my mind, One^liinps^ dear Saviour, of thy face 
And drowned mv eves iD tears, Revives niv joys aga'in. 



june 6.] 348 [evening. 

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the 
end thereof are the ways of death. Prov. xiv. 12. 

This is a melancholy truth, ' All flesh has corrupted his way 
upon the earth.' Gen. vi. 12. From sad experience of this, 
-Jeremiah confesses, ' Oh Lord, I know that the way of man is 
not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps/ 
■* All we like sheep have gone astray : we have turned every one 
to his own way.' Isai. liii. 6. It is a most blessed thing to be 
convinced of this ; and humbly to pray with David, ' See if 
there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way 
everlasting/ Psal. cxxxix. 24. We can never enough call to 
mind, love and praise our good Shepherd, who came to seek 
and to save us from our own way, which seemeth right in our 
eyes. What way is this ? A most dangerous one. It is the 
way of wickedness, in which we have strong confidence of our 
own righteousness. Every man is naturally in this way. The 
most openly profane, as well as the decent pharisee, possesses 
some hope in himself that he has done, or can do something to 
save himself; and that his way is right, and shall end well at 
the last. The worst of men must think at times. If destitute 
of all hope, black despair must ensue. A false hope, built 
upon self-righteousness, keeps up their spirits. How long ? 
Till they go down to hell with a lie in their right-hand ; or till 
the Spirit of God convinces them of sin, shows them their 
condemnation for sin, and that they are destitute of righteous- 
ness; that nothing short of an absolutely perfect one can jus- 
tify them before God, and that this is only to be found in the 
Son of God. Now every way leads to some end. The way 
that seems right in a man's own eyes will end in death ; in the 
death of hope, and destruction of the soul. The man who is 
in this way, that seemeth right unto him, is ever exalting his 
own righteousness, and decrying the imputed righteousness of 
Christ. Stop, oh soul, and consider what way art thou in? 
That which seems right in thy own sight, or that which God 
declares is right in his? Remember, The way of a self-righte- 
ous fool is right in his own eyes ; but he who hearkens unto 
counsel is wise. Prov. xii. 15. Jesus is our Counsellor : heark- 
en to him. He says, ' I am the way.' John xiv. 6. The only 
way, exclusive of every other way, of pardon from God, peace 
and acceptance with God, justification before God, and enjoy- 
ment of God. This is the good old way : walk therein, and ye 
shall find rest for your souls. Jer. vi. 16. 

Oh Christ, who art the only way, There's many ways that lead to death, 

Unto eternal life, Which foolish men pursue, 

Preserve and keep my soul each day, Lord keep me in the way of faith, 

From unbelieving strife. The onlv way and true. M. 



JUNE 7.] 3i9 [MORN NG. 

Lord, behold, he whom thou loves t is sick. John xi. 3. 

To have Jesus continually live in our thoughts, should be 
our daily study. To keep a sweet intercourse open, between 
Christ and the soul, should be our constant exercise. To be 
watchful against every bold intruder, that would interrupt our 
communion with the Saviour, is our greatest wisdom. Thus, 
through the Spirit's aid, a holy freedom and humble familiarity 
is maintained with Christ, and our hearts. Why should we not 
be aiming thus to anticipate heaven ? For Jesus never inter- 
mits in his love to us, care over us, and presence with us. 
Through such a happy conduct, we shall enjoy an abiding sense 
of this. Then, when sin assaults, Satan attacks, temptations 
beset, afflictions surround, sickness overtakes, sorrow bows 
down, death threatens, or whatever may be our state ; how 
comforting when the twin sister of faith and hope, like the 
two sisters of Lazarus, carry our case to the Master, with 
' Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.' Short, but very 
expressive. Not like the nobleman's importunate prayer, ' Sir, 
come down, ere my son die;' but a simple message. They 
knew the love and power of Jesus ; they doubted not his speed. 
It is enough to lay our case before the Lord. It is best entirely 
to submit to his will, and patiently wait his time. * He that 
believeth shall not make haste.' Isai. xxviii. 16. 

Is there a poor sinner on earth who believes in Jesus, that 
doubts of his love? Hath he not given the strongest assurances 
of it? Infinitely stronger than if he had sent an angel to testify 
of his love to us. For he came himself: he more than told us 
how he loved us. His sorrows, his sufferings, his agonies and 
death, most loudly proclaim it ; for our sins he bled, for our 
sins he suffered ; yea for that most base sin, that sin of all sins, 
the greatest of sins, unbelief. This, even this, Jesus bore him- 
self, in his own body on the tree. Even this he died to atone 
for, as well as all others. Art thou often sick, and fearest this 
master-sin will prove the death of thy soul, as it does now the 
life of thy comforts ? Jesus is the alone physician : he only 
can cure it. He is not only ' the author, but finisher of faith.' 
Heb. xii. 2. Though, like the sisters of Lazarus, we cannot 
plead our strong love to Jesus ; yet in the belief of his word, 
we may ever plead his strong love to us. ' Lord, behold, he 
whom thou lovest is sick.' Heal thy servant. ' Lord, I believe, 
help thou my unbelief. ' Ask, is Christ's blessed command 
It shall be given, is his precious promise. Luke xi. 9. 

Hosv many are thy thoughts of love : When I'm afflicted, poor, and low, 
Thy mercies, Lord, how great ! And light and peace depart, 

WoTiave not hours, nor words enough My Jesus sees my heavy-une, 
Their numbers to repeat. And bears me on his heart 



JUNE 7.] 320 [EVENING. 

But that on the good ground are they, which in an 
honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, 
and bring forth fruit with patience. Luke viii. 15. 

Disciple, tread warily on this good ground ; speak cautiously 
about it, lest thy soul be lifted up, and thou shoudst say, I 
made myself to differ. My nature is better to receive the seed, 
and my heart more honest and good to retain it, than others. 
Know thyself by nature upon a level with way-side, stony- 
ground, and thorny hearers. See what is predicted of these 
blessed hearers. Examine whether we are of the happy num- 
ber. If so, let us fall down in humility, and cry, what hath 
God wrought? Let us give all the glory to the God of all 
grace. (1 ) ' That on good ground. ' It is made good by the 
labour of the husbandman : tilled, cultivated, and made fit to 
receive the seed, by the grace of the Spirit, in an honest and 
good heart. No man has such a heart naturally : the heart is 
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. See the 
cursed weeds it brings forth : * Out of the heart proceed evil 
thoughts, murders, adulteries.' Mark vii. 21. Such an old 
wicked heart as this, can neither receive nor retain the seed of 
the kingdom, so as to bring forth fruit unto perfection. New 
wine, of gospel grace and love, must be put into new bottles. 
Therefore saith the Lord, e A new heart I will give you.' Ezek. 
xxxvi. 26. Precious promise ! This is that good and honest 
heart. Hath the Lord given it thee? If so, (2) You will ' hear 
the word and keep it.' It takes root downward. Thou hast 
and dost retain, an abiding sense of thy own vileness, poverty 
and wretchedness. Thou wilt be rooted and grounded in the 
love of Christ, knowing that in him thou art rich, righteous 
and happy. As the word made thee thus wise and happy, 
thou wilt keep it. Ponder it in thine heart, meditate upon it 
day and night. It will be dear and precious to thy soul. This 
is an evidence of a good and honest heart : it delights in the 
good news of the word of grace, the faithful promises of a 
covenant God in Christ Jesus. (3) Such ' bring forth fruit with 
patience.' Because they keep the word in their hearts, they 
go on patient in well doing, and patient in suffering the will of 
God. Say David, ' Thy word have I hid in my heart.' To 
what end? ' That I might not sin against thee.' Psal. cxix. 
1 1. Says Paul, ' The word of the truth of the gospel bringeth 
forth fruit in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the 
grace of God in truth.' Col. i. 5, 6. That soul in whose heart 
the word of grace takes the deepest root, brings forth most fruit 
to God. Wouldst thou be more holy, and more happy ? Keep 
the word of God : stndy it. That directs thee to Christ, in 
whom all thy happiness centres, and from whom all thy holi- 
ness springs. 



JUNE 8.] 321 [morning. 

Blessed is the man ic/tom thou choosest, and causest to 
approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts. We 
shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of 
thy holy temple. Psalm Ixv. 4. 

Mr. Bunyan, in his Pilgrim's Progress observes, ' Chris- 
tiana's heart was so enamoured, by the affecting sight of 
Christ's cross by faith, that she wished all her carnal friends to 
partake in what she saw and felt. But she was reminded, that 
faith's views are of special grace.' They are streams which 
flow from the river of God's electing love. Every man whom 
the Lord chooseth, ' is blessed with all spiritual blessings in 
Christ.' This is evidenced by spiritual life. Seeing all grace, 
love, and happiness centre in Jehovah, he delights to draw 
nigh to him, because confident of access, by a new and living 
way consecrated through the flesh of Jesus. Here is no fiery 
law, no flaming sword, to terrify and affright the believer in his 
approach to God : but the Lord himself causes him to ap- 
proach his presence. Love not only invites, but sweetly con- 
strains him to come, as a child to its loving parent. The Fa- 
ther draws to the Son, and the Son reveals the Father, by the 
Holy Spirit, as a God of love to poor sinners. Without this, 
no soul can or will ever come unto God. John vi. 44. See 
thy special mercy, adore that sovereign grace which reigns 
over all thy pride and stubbornness. And do I thus approach 
my Lord ? Oh what infinite treasures of grace are secured by 
covenant love and promise. Not a sudden fit of pleasure, or 
transient delight in the ways of God, do such experience ; but 
they shall " dwell;" their residence shall be near the Lord in 
spirit, and they shall be satisfied from Jesus. All the glory 
and magnificence of the temple was only typical of Jesus, who 
exceeds in glory. All the glory and goodness of the Lord is 
treasured up in, and communicated from him, as man and 
Mediator to poor sinners. Come then as a needy beggar to 
receive. 

Oh the superabounding goodness of the Lord, to cause poor, 
head-strong, high minded rebels to approach him, and be sa- 
tisfied with him. Most joyful claim of faith, ' The Lord is my 
portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in him.' Lam. 
iii. 24. A glimpse of Christ's glory and goodness sickens the 
soul to every other object. A lively faith engages the affec- 
tions towards him; love is very jealous, and excites watchful- 
ness against what may disturb its happiness, or destroys its 
comfort. ' I will sing unto the Lord, because be hath dealt 
bountifully with me.' Psalm xiii. C. 

We choose our God, and then we're blest, Bqt how came we the Lord to choose, 

And in his courts we dwell : Who are for sin accurst ? 

Lo, here we find perpetual rest, This mystery we will soon disclose, 

And 6f his goodness tell. Because, God choose us first M. 

2 T 



JUNE 8.} 322 ^EVENING. 

Unto him who hath loved us, and washed us from our 
sins in his own blood. Rev. i. 5. 



Paul denounces the most dreadful curse upon every one who 
loves not the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. xvi. 22. Why does 
any sinner love Christ? Because he believes the love of 
Christ to sinners. See the awful curses of unbelief. It rejects 
the love of Christ ; it sets at nought his salvation ; it seals the 
sinner under the curse of his sins, the wrath due to his sins ; 
and binds him over to eternal damnation for his sins. But the 
unawakened sinner smiles at all this : for he does not believe 
one word of it. Lord, leave not my soul under this sin of sins, 
of all sins the most heinous and cursed : oh help my unbelief. 
(1) See the preciousness of faith. It works by love, even by 
the love of Christ manifested to us. It receives and takes 
home his love to the heart. There it w r orks peace in the con- 
science, delight in God, access to God, boldness before God, 
joy in God, conformity to God, and longing for the eternal en- 
joyment of God. (2) Our sins, which are the cause of separa- 
tion and distance from God, and shyness of God, are washed 
away. How? By Christ's own blood. Oh wonderful to think ; 
joyful to believe ! The holy Son of God has washed us— us 
unholy, ungodly, us hell-deserving sinners, from our sins in his 
own blood. He hath done it. This precious, this mighty work 
is for ever finished. Christ hath once appeared, and for ever 
put away our sins by the sacrifice of himself. Heb. ix. 26. 
What says his Father of him ? ' In my beloved Son, I am 
well pleased/ Matt. iii. 17. What saith he of us? 'Your 
sins and iniquities will I remember no more.' Heb. x. 17. 
What say you? Is all this true ? Is all this a fact, or a fable ? 
Upon our belief of this depends our comfort and holiness ; and 
from the faith of this, springs glory to God in the highest. (3) 
If we firmly believe this, we shall joyfully join the redeemed in 
earth and heaven, in giving praise and glory to Christ, for 
washing us from our sins in his own blood. But you say, I 
have sin in me : I mourn over it, and groan under it. That is 
sense. This sense is needful to keep you humble before Christ. 
Yet faith is above sense : it glorifies Christ for washing away 
from before God's sight, the very sins you feel. You have the 
.sense of fear, that you shall be damned for your sins. That is 
a holy fear : that keeps you from sinning. But faith says, 
' There is no condemnation to me, I am in Christ Jesus/ 
Rom. viii. I. My sins are all washed away: I am perfectly 
cleansed from them all. And my Lord says, ' Thou art all fair, 
my love, theie is no spot in thee.' Song iv. 7. 

Before we sinned, Christ loved us. Believe his love displayed thus, 

hw\ v/hen we fell his blood he spilt, To wash and cleanse us from all guilt, n 



junb 9.] 323 [morning. 

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such 
things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace 
without spot, and blameless. 2 Pet. iii. 14. 

It is a most grand delusion to imagine that the doctrines of 
grace tend to lull the soul asleep in supine indolence, or sloth- 
ful stupidity. The believer hath not so learned Christ. Though 
he is saved by grace freely, yet he is called to ' labour dili- 
gently.' By faith he looks forward to the fulfilment of awful 
predictions, and precious promises. Hence we are excited to 
daily diligence in the performance of duties, the use of means, 
and the exercise of graces. Do we look for the burning of the 
earth, the elements, and all sublunary things? Do we expect 
to be inhabitants of new heavens, and a new earth ? Do we 
wait, and sometimes long for the coming of the Lord, our lov- 
ing Master and precious Saviour? And shall we indulge car- 
nal ease and spiritual sloth ? Shall we not fear to. be found 
of Jesus in such a state ? Most true, 4 Jesus hath made peace 
for us, by the blood of his cross.' But shall we not be diligent, 
to maintain a lively sense of this sweet peace in our hearts.? 
Shall we not labour after purity of heart ? And how is this to 
be expected, but by studiously avoiding those things which 
tend to draw the heart, and alienate the affections from Jesus ? 
If we lose sight of the Lamb, we lose the sense of peace. If 
we look at the things which are seen, this begets love to them, 
and increases anxious solicitude for them. And alas, then 
they only pierce us through with many sorrows. And most of 
all, when we are in our right minds, do not our sorrows in- 
crease, if we decrease in spiritual diligence, and grow in 
worldly-mindedness ? 

Christian, though thou knowest it is God that giveth thee 
power to get wealth, and his providence is engaged to preserve 
thy body ; yet this doth not cause thee to abate thy diligence 
in thy worldly concerns ; nor doth it make thee careless to 
preserve thy body from harms, and administer to it such things 
as are for its health. Most happy is it for thee, thus daily to 
watch over and care for the peace and purity of thy soul. Je- 
sus is thy peace: by living on him, peace is enjoyed. He is 
thy Saviour; by looking to him, thou shalt be kept free from 
'filthy spots. Thus by maintaining fellowship with Christ, walk- 
ing with Christ, keeping up a sweet intercourse with Christ, 
peace of mind and purity of heart are preserved. In this way, 
verily thou shalt be blameless. And be assured, ' the diligent 
soul shall be made fat.' Prov. xiii. 4 

My thoughts surmount these lower skies, There I behold with sweet delight 
. And look within the vail, The blessed Three in One, 

There springs of endless pleasure rise And strong affections fix my sight 
The waters never fail. On God's incarnate Son. 



june 9.J 324 [evening. 

And hath made its kings and priests unto God and his 
Father. Rev. i. 6. 

Christ has done a great work for us : but does he only call 
us to believe it, and then leave us as we were, under the do- 
minion of sin, Satan and the world ? No : he not only washes 
us from our sins, which he hates, in his blood ; but he also 
dignifies our person, which he loves, by his power. 

Hail Jesus, lavish of strange gifts to man ! 
Thine all the glory ; man's the boundless bliss. 

Oh miracle of grace ! Christ hath made us kings and priests. 
(1) Kings to rule over sin, the world, death and hell. Sin 
brought death into the world : death reigned over all that sin- 
ned. e But they who receive abundance of grace, and the gift 
of righteousness, shall reign in life, by one Jesus Christ/ 
Rom. v. 17. Oh believer, do not you too oft forget your regal 
dignity ? Then you do not honour your King of kings. Con- 
sider, you are made a king to reign ' in life/ A spiritual life, 
over all that is earthly, sensual and devilish. Do you say, 
how can I reign over sin ; who am the subject of sin ? But 
you are not a subject to sin. ' Sin shall not have dominion 
over you, because you are not under the law, but under grace.' 
Horn. yi. 14. An earthly monarch may have many treacherous 
and rebellious subjects who envy him, and would dethrone him : 
still, in spite of all, he may keep his throne. So do you over 
all rebel lusts, and traiterous dispositions : for Christ is king 
over you. You reign by his power, you are a king unto God, 
you reign to his glory. (2) Priest. The priest under the 
law, offered gifts and sacrifices according to the law. Under 
the gospel, we are ' a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual 
sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ' 1 Pet. ii. 5. 
Even those of a broken heart and contrite spirit; our bodies 
and souls, time and talents, prayers and praises ; yea to 
sacrifice our lusts, our sinful selves, our love of the world, oui 
free-will pride, all our carnal reason and self-righteousness, all 
and every thing which is contrary to our Lord's will and glory. 
For as Christ our high priest has offered up himself to God 
for us, so we are to offer up ourselves to God by him. Oh be- 
liever, study more and more your regal dignity, and royal 
priesthood. Will an earthly monarch so degrade and demean 
himself as to be the companion, and gratify the humours of 
traitors and rebels ? Will any christian priest sacrifice to hea- 
then idols? When lusts present, and Satan tempts, consider, 
Christ hath made me a king to reign over them. When worldly 
vanities allure, remember, Christ hath made me a priest to 
sacrifice them to his honour and glory. 



JUNE 10.] 325 [MORNING. 

And his disciples came and took up the body, and bu- 
ried it, and went and told Jesus. Matt. xiv. 12. 



Thus was extinguished that burning and shining light, John 
the Baptist, it is very staggering to the eye of sense, and the 
judgment of carnal reason, that the ' Lord, whose eyes are 
over the righteous/ should yet suffer his faithful ministers, and 
dearest children, to fail a sacrifice to the rage and malice of 
cruel and unreasonable men. This puzzled the royal prophet 
David : this was an exercise to patient Job : and it has put 
disciples to the stand in all ages. We are ready to cry out, 
' Where is the God of Elijah V When it comes nearer home, 
and we ourselves are the subjects of insults and injuries, from 
the power and malice of enemies to Jesus and his truths, this 
is a trial of faith. If this exercise is continued, if the enemy 
triumphs, and God our friend appears not as our deliverer, 
how does Satan, who has stirred up fightings without, indus- 
triously aim to inject fears within, * where is now thy God?' 
Why dost thou vainly imagine thyself a child of God, while 
thy Father leaves thee to this cruel treatment? If thou wast 
in his favour, thou wouldst surely find his protection. The 
want of his care proves thou hast no part in his love. 

Now thou art called, oh christian, to fight and resist Satan 
stedfastly in the faith. Judge not of thy Father's love by pre- 
sent dispensations. Strengthen thyself in thy God, consult his 
word, wait on him. Take up the deceitful, unclean bGdy of 
sense and carnal reason ; bury it, and go and tell thy Saviour. 
He is thy wisdom, thy counsellor, and a perfect match for thy 
subtlest adversary. It is very alleviating to. a distressed mind, 
to pour his complaints into the sympathizing breast of a faith- 
ful friend. What is the cause of thy sorrows, make the subject 
of thy free converse with thy Saviour. If thou art smitten on 
earth, tell him who feels for thee in heaven. Here is thy com- 
fort, he always hears, ever loves, and can instantly deliver. 
But if he does not, rest assured, love delays for thy profit. 
Afflictions are blessings in disguise. We do not so heartily 
think of our home above, while richly furnished with earthly 
comforts below. Our Lord strips us of them, to turn our 
thoughts homeward. But we shall surely find, ' as tribula- 
tion abounds, consolation shall much more abound.' Our Lord 
advises, ' Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deli- 
ver thee, and thou shaft glorify me.' Psal. 1. 15. Prize it as 
your greatest blessedness to live near the Lord, and maintain 
humble converse with him : pour out your complaints and 
shew him all your trouble. Fssl. cxlii. 2. 

Lord, we adore thy vast designs, When thou array 'st thine awful face, 

Til' ohscure abyss of providence, In angry frowns" without a smile : 
Too deep to sound with mortal lines, We thro' the clouds believe thy grace, 

Too dark to view with feeble sense. Secure of thy compassion still. 



JUNE 10.] 820 [EVENING. 

Therein is the righteousness of God revealed from 
faith to faith. The just shall live by faith. Rom. i, 17. 



It is but lost labour, that poor sinners rise up early, late 
take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness, in order to make 
themselves righteous. The Lord makes his beloved people 
righteous, in quite a different way. Righteousness is already 
perfectly wrought out, to the honouring and magnifying God's 
law. It is fully brought into the court of heaven, to the satis- 
fying of God's justice. It is clearly revealed in the gospel, 
for the hope and encouragement of poor sinners. Observe, (1) 
Byway of eminence it is stiled ' the righteousness of God.' 
Not as it is essential to his divine nature : for what comfort, 
what hope can a poor sinner take from that? The mere plain- 
ly that is revealed, the more clearly that is known, so much the 
more miserable must it make the poor unrighteous sinner. But 
it is the righteousness with which God is well pleased, and for 
the sake of which he can be just, while' he justifies the UBgodly. 
It is the righteousness which the Son of God wrought out in 
our nature, to clothe and adorn, and make us, poor and naked 
sinners, righteous and comely in God's sight. (2) This righte- 
ousness is ' revealed in the gospel/ Blessed gospel ! It brings 
glad tidings of an infinitely perfect, and everlastingly glorious 
righteousness. Soul, where art thou looking for righteousness ? 
In thyself? Poring over thyself, thy frames, and thy works, to 
find righteousness? As well expect to find a saint in hell, or 
a devil in heaven, as to find righteousness in thyself. Search 
the gospel: there thou wilt find it revealed. The gospel is 
God's testimony of Jesus : he is the only righteous man that 
has ever been upon earth, since sin entered into the world. 
' His name is the Lord our righteousness/ Jer. xxiii. 6. (8) 
It is revealed from faith to faith : from the doctrine of faith in 
the word, to the grace of faith in the heart. It runs through 
every page of the sacred word, down from the patriarchs, pro- 
phets, and old-testament saints, to new-testament believers, to 
gentile sinners in every age. This divine and glorious righte- 
ousness is unto all, and upon all them that believe. Rom. iii. 
22. Equally alike, whether faith be weak or strong. For (4) 
The just shall live by faith. This is quite different from living 
by working : for the law is never satisfied with our doings, be- 
cause we can never fulfil it. Therefore we can never enjoy 
peace of mind, but condemnation of conscience. But by faith 
we live, from day to day, upon Jesus our law-fulfilling head. 
Hence we have peace of conscience, love and joy of heart, and 
holiness of life. Oh what a sweet life is this. None know the 
glory of it but the faithful. It is living above nature, out of 
self, and beyond sin. One step more, and we shall be with 
Christ in giory. 



JUNE 11.] 827 [morning. 

We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, 
except we find it against him, concerning the law of his 
God. Dan. vi. 5. 

Happy Daniel, to have such a testimony of thy conduct from 
the mouth of thine implacable enemies. These men could al- 
lege nothing against this servant of God, in regard to his out- 
ward life and conversation ; for he was a good subject, a quiet 
neighbour, just and honest in his dealings. Though in an emi- 
nent station, yet with what contempt and scorn do they seem 
to speak of him. This Daniel, this over-righteous fellow, who 
pretends to be more religious than all the rest of his neighbours. 
As it was in the beginning, so it is now, and ever will be, ' He 
that is born after the flesh will persecute him that is born after 
the Spirit.' Gah iv. 29. What then? Our enemies no sooner 
assault us with their tongues, but our God takes our part. ' If 
ye be railed on for the name of Christ, blessed are ye: for the 
Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.' ] Pet. iv. 14. 

But, let every disciple see to it that he suffers as a christian. 
Take heed, that thy life and conduct be as becometh the gos- 
pel. It is a great blessing so to behave, that carnal men can 
find no just occasion against our moral conduct. This they 
are judges of. Their eyes are upon us, they watch over «s for 
evil : this ought to make us very circumspect. Our religion 
they abhor : for this, every follower of the Lamb is sure to be 
hated, for his Master's sake. e Wo be unto us, when all men 
speak well of us,' saith our Master. Luke vi. 26. They seek 
enough against us, as to our faith, hope, and life. And some 
would as surely cast us into a lion's den as they did Daniel, were 
it practicable and permitted. Yet they could not deprive him of 
the love, presence and protection of the Son of God. These 
make every place a heaven of delight and joy. And when 
hated of all men for his sake, he pronounces us blessed, bids 
us rejoice, and hath left us an example, patiently to follow his 
steps. 

Christ's dying prayer for his very murderers was, ' Father, 
forgive them ; for they know not what they do. ' Ignorance of 
the truth, is the cause of hatred and malice against his ser- 
vants. Hast not thou a heart to pity, and a tongue to pray 
for thine enemies? .Here we may indulge sweet revenge. 
These weapons we may always use. And how knowest thou, 
but the most furious persecutor, like Paul, may be a chosen 
vessel of God the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus : and 
ere to-morrow's sun, the grace of the Holy Spirit may make 
him a humble penitent? 'Who maketh thee to differ from ano- 
ther; or what hast thou that thou didst not receive?' 1 Cor. iv. 7. 

Oh happy souls who love your God, Oh never seek to please the world, 
And whom the world despise, Nor court its killing smile : 

Go on rejoicing every day, Jesus your Lord will take you hence. 
Eternal life's your prize. Within a little while, at 



JUNE 11,] 328 [evening. 

Hear now, oh Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy 
fellows ivho sit before thee : for they are men wondered 
at. For behold ', I will bring forth my servant the 
Branch. Zech. iii. 8. 



Say, christian soldier, did the Captain of thy salvation ever 
deceive thee ? Did he not tell thee, before thou listed under 
his banner, who were his enemies, and what treatment thou 
wast to expect from them ? His word speaks full and express 
on this point. Almost every page furnishes accounts, how 
the men of this world look upon the children of God. Here is 
Joshua the high priest, with the prophets and people of God, 
wondered at. Jehovah himself takes notice of it, and acquaints 
them with it. Sweet to observe, there cannot be a disdainful 
frown, a contemptuous sneer, nor a reproachful word, cast 
upon God's people, but he notices all. But why are we so 
much to be wondered at? Why truly, we are a set of vision- 
aries. We see invisible objects ; walk by faith ; and have our 
conversation in heaven. But carnal men cannot see any of 
these things : how then can they wonder at us for this? Here 
lies the mystery. They see plain enough that you cannot live 
as they do, and enjoy yourself in their ways, (wo be to that 
christian who does) and therefore they wonder what is come to 
you, and what you would be at. Soul, were you never won- 
dered at ? If not, you have a right to question whether you 
have been faithful to your Lord, who is stiled, Wonderful. Isai. 
ix. 6. And he says, l Behold I, and the children whom the 
Lord hath given me are for signs and wonders in Israel.' viii. 
18. Better be a wonder of Satan's children, than a slave to 
their master : for while the wicked wonder at and despise us, 
see the reward God gives us. Here is a blessed promise, which 
infinitely over-balances all. * Behold, I will bring forth my 
servant the Branch.' Jesus your Saviour; that Branch of 
the Lord, who shall be ' beautiful and glorious.' Isai. iv. 2. 
That ' righteous Branch.' Jer. xxiii. 5. I will bring forth to 
your view, will so display his beauty, glory and righteousness 
to the view of faith, that you shall rejoice in him, with joy that 
is unspeakable and full of glory. Now christian, you have two 
things to wonder at, (1) The astonishing rich grace of thy God. 
(2) At thyself. Art not thou a mere lump of sin, yet a miracle 
of mercy, and a monument of grace ? verse 34. 



Dear Lord, my soul would tliee confess Lord, while 1 live and own tliy grace, 

Before a won'dring tlirong : Give me to prove its power ; 

Thou art ray glorious righteousness, Lest I disgrace thy holy ways, 
My love, my joy, my song In an unguarded hour. se. 



june 12.] 329 

j morning. 

For Christ is entered into heaven itself, now io 
in the presence of God for us. Heb. ix. 24. 

How highly was Zacharias honoured ! He heard the gospel 
of salvation from the mouth of an angel ; who said, ' I am Ga- 
briel, who stand in the presence of God ; and am sent unto 
thee, to show thee these glad tidings.' But we see the awful 
effects of unbelief. Though thus beloved, and honoured of 
God, yet he was struck dumb for a season. Luke i. 20. Though 
God most dearly loves his people in Christ, yet he sees their 
sins, and with fatherly affection chastises for them. Do we not 
see somewhat of our own case here? For as faith inspires the 
heart and tongue with boldness, so unbelief strikes us dumb. 
We cannot speak a word, nor offer a plea for our poor souls, 
if faith lose sight of Jesus. But he never forgets us ; our souls 
are never neglected by him. The Lamb is in the midst of the 
throne ' for us.' In our nature, in the same human body which 
was hanged on the tree ; with five pierced wounds in his hands, 
his feet and precious side, he appears in the presence of God. 
There, like some victorious conqueror, who has gloriously de- 
livered his country from the cruelty and rage of a merciless 
enemy, he glories in the scars he received in the field of battle. 

When Jesus wept over dead Lazarus, see how he loved him, 
said the Jews. But when poor sinners think of our dear Lord's 
wounds, crucifixion, agonies and death ; oh what infinitely 
greater reason have we to say, See how he loved us : see how 
he still loves us. Notwithstanding all our base, unloving be- 
haviour to him, still, oh soul-affecting truth, still he appears 
before God ' for us.' He presents his once mangled body, he 
pleads his once bleeding wounds in our behalf, as the atoning 
sacrifice for our sins, for our salvation. Thus glorified Jesus, 
now appears in the presence of God for us ; as our dear Medi- 
ator, loving Lord, and precious Saviour; our affectionate Ad- 
vocate, and powerful Intercessor. But saith the adversary, 
'This is a cunningly devised fable. ' What profit is this to 
me ! saith carnal reason, backed with unbelief. But the Spirit 
of truth bears witness to this; first, in type and figure under 
the law ; and now, in reality and substance in the gospel. To 
this very end, that at any time, when sin burdens the consci- 
ence, sorrow bows down the heart, doubts arise in the mind, 
and fears oppress the spirit, the poor sinner may with confi- 
dence thus consider Jesus ; look unto him, and call upon him; 
and find this to be the food of his faith, and the support of his 
soul. For if God be ' for us,' who can be against us ? Rom. 
viii. 31. 

Lift up your eyes to tb' heav'nly seal, 1'ethions now, and praise may rise, 

Where our Redeemer stays ; And saints their ofFrings bring; 

Kind Intercessor, there he sits, . The priest with his own sacrifice 

And loves, and pleads, and pr«\s Presents them totheKnii,. 

2 u 



JUNE 12.1 330 L E.VMNING. 

lytS'efore took ye so sadly to day ? Gen. xl. 7. 

A sympathizing spirit at all times becomes christians. They 
are called ' to rejoice with them who do rejoice, and to weep 
with them who weep.' Rom. xii. 15. Joseph could not ob- 
serve the sad looks of his fellow prisoners, without enquiring 
the cause. They said, ' We have dreamed a dream, and there 
is no interpreter for it.' Mind the use which Joseph makes of 
the distress. He refers them to the Lord : ' Do not interpre- 
tations belong- unto God?' May the Lord help us to make 
some improvement of this. Consider, (1) Christians are all 
fellow prisoners in a body of sin and death. (2) We are all 
subject at one time or another, to have cause for sad looks. 
(3) We should imitate Joseph. Be of a sympathizing spirit : 
feel for one another's distress. Enquire the cause of our bre- 
thren's sad looks. (4) As he did, so we should refer to the 
Lord. Aim, as enabled by the Lord, to speak a word in sea- 
son, that if the Lord please, we may be interpreters to them, of 
God's mind concerning them ; may be a means of explaining 
the dark and perplexing schemes of providence, of unfolding 
the mysteries of iniquity which works in them, and of display- 
ing the mysteries of godliness to them. Bear ye one another's 
burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Gal. vi. 2. Consider, 
you are under the law of Christ ; and this is the law of love. 
Oh what a blessing doth the Lord make one christian to ano- 
ther. How often are we enabled to solve each other's difficul- 
ties, and make a means of setting each others souls at liberty? 
But, (5) Consider Joseph as a type of our dear Saviour. We 
cannot look sadly, but his eye of compassion is upon us, his 
heart of* love is towards us. ' For we have not a high priest 
who cannot be touched with a feeling of our infirmities, but 
was in all points tempted like as we are.' Heb. iv. 15. To 
one disciple in distress he saith, l Wherefore didst thou doubt?' 
Matt. xiv. 31. To others, ' Why are ye troubled.? Why do 
thoughts arise in your hearts?' Luke xxiv. 38. To another, 
a sorrowful woman, ' Why weepest thou ?' John xx. 15. Think 
of his loving heart, and tender speeches to sinners. Carry your 
cases of conscience to him, and spread the causes of your sad- 
ness before him. He is a blessed messenger of peace. A pre- 
cious interpreter of the ways of God, to our souls. Job xxxiii. 
23. He will show us the path of life : in his presence fulness 
of joy, at his right-hand, pleasures for evermore. Psal. xvi. 
11. 



My heart is pained, my face is sad, My sins and follies I confess, 

Thy absence, Lord, 1 mourn : The cause of ajl my wo 

Thy presence doth my soul make glad ; 
Return, my Lord, return. 



The cause of ajl my wo : 
I plead thy blood and righteousness, 
Thro' them let comforts flow Jtf. 



JUNE 13. J 331 [MORNING 

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his 
name jesus ; for he shall save his people from their sins. 
Matt. i. 21. * 



Oh precious birth, precious Son, precious name ! The Holy 
Ghost brings consolation to the hearts of poor sinners, from 
the belief of the manhood of Jesus. To this end the Comforter 
bears so particular testimony by the word, of the conception 
and birth of Christ. This is our happiness, at all times to con- 
sider the Saviour ns ' Immanuel, God with ns.' Our bro- 
ther : ' flesh of our flesh, and bone oi our bone. ' As Elihu says 
of himself, ' Behold, I am, according to thy wish, in God's 
stead. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither 
shall my hand be heavy upon thee.' Job xxxiii. 6, 7. Thus 
to conceive of Jesus is a sweet mystery, joyfully known to be- 
lieving hearts. 

The Holy Ghost brings joy to our souls, by the name of 
jesus. This name is above every name to us . it is as preci- 
ous ointment poured forth : it diffuseth the sweet odour of the 
Father's everlasting love, issuing in our eternal salvation. In 
the name of Jesus the whole gospel lies hid. By it the Spirit 
also comforts our hearts, and by the work of Christ he shall 
save. Here is not an if, a perhaps, or peradventure ; but 
a positive declaration, what he absolutely shall do. He shall 
save sinners ; from the curse of the law, by being made a curse 
for them ; from the wrath of God due to them, by suffering in 
their stead ; from the punishment their sins deserve, by the 
atonement of his precious blood ; from the guilt of sin in their 
conscience, by the sprinkling of his blood through faith ; from 
the love and power of sin in their hearts, by the grace of his 
Spirit, regenerating and renewing them in the spirit of their 
minds. So that they are as perfectly saved in Jesus from sin, 
as though they had never fallen into sin. And all this by Je- 
sus : by no strength, power or ability of theirs. 

Who does Jesus thus save? i His people;' all his people, 
of every kindred, nation, tribe and tongue ; even ' all that the 
Father hath given him.' John xvii. 9. Who are partakers of 
this precious salvation ? Every poor sinner who believes in 
Jesus. It is free for all who come to him. All who do come 
to him, and trust in him, find he is their Jesus, their salvation. 
Oh believer, here is the nature, the name, the work of thy pre- 
cious Jesus to look to and live upon from day to day. It is thy 
mercy that salvation is his work, and he hath finished it. It is 
thy comfort to believe this daily. It is thy duty to give Jesus 
all the glory. The more light thou receivest from the word of 
Jesus and the Spirit of truth, so much the more wilt thou see 
of thine own vile sinful nature, and abhor thyself. How long? 
Even until than receivest the end of thy faith, the salvation of 
thy soul. Then wilt thou glory only, and eternally, in the infi- 
nite perfection of the salvation of Jesus, 



june 13.] 332 [evening. 

Then is the offence of the cross ceased. Gal. v. 11. 

Another version reads the words as a question, Is the offence 
of the cross ceased? No, nor ever will, while there is a chris- 
tian upon the earth. The cross is put for that ever loving Je- 
sus, who hung upon it as a curse for our souls, and an atone- 
ment for our sins. Oh let us ever be jealous of, zealous for the 
glory of the cross, for the sake of the Lamb, who finished our 
salvation upon it. The cross of Christ is the christian's glory. 
The offence which the world takes at him, is a proof that he 
has taken up the cross of Christ, and is following him. This 
no man can do faithfully, but he must give offence. Settle this 
well in your mind : sit down and count the cost. Are you 
willing to be Christ's glory, and the worlds scorn ? Do you 
expect all from the cross ? Then give up all for the cross. Here 
nature recoils ; flesh and blood rebel. Carnal reason pleads, 
that worldly prudence may be attended to. Look at such and 
such a professor, they go on very quietly : the world takes no 
offence at them. Why is it? They are either quite dead in 
sin, or fallen into a deep sleep of security. Converse with them. 
You will find no sweet savour of Jesus upon their tongue, no 
warm affections to Christ in their hearts, no burning zeal for 
his glory in their lives. Hence, as the offence of the cross is 
ceased with them, so the peace, comfort and joy of it is de- 
parted from them. For the truth of this I dare appeal to my 
own, and every disciple's heart. When was your soul most 
active for God; most filled with his love; enjoying most 
fellowship with him, and peace and comfort in him? Say, was 
it not when you lived nearest to the cross, and found most of 
the offence of the cross of Christ? You must confess it. Holy 
Paul seemed to dread the offence of the cross of Christ ceasing. 
He was jealous lest any should question it. Lord Jesus, hast 
thou done so much in thy holy life, and suffered so much by 
thy precious death on the cross, for our soul's eternal salva- 
tion : and shall we be ashamed of thy cross? Shall we be 
afraid of confessing the faith of our hearts, and the hope of our 
souls in thee with our lips, and in our lives? Oh forbid it! 
Never, never shall I forget my late dear, dear friend, the Rev. 
Mr. Jones, with his usual warmth of affection to Christ, 
preaching upon the scandal of the cross, and saying, ' My dear 
friends, you who are afraid to lose your good name for Christ's 
sake, I pity you from my heart. Thank God, mine is gone long- 
ago.' God forbid that I should glory, sajLe_m.the cross of Je- 
sus Christ. Gal. vi. 14. 

I'll pdorv in the cross of Christ, Say I am foolish, I am mad, 
Though men offended lie ; if I Christ's comforts prove, 

Tis through his hlood that I am hlest, It ne'er shall make my spirit sad 
To all eternity. I'll trinmjih in his love 



JUNE 14.3 333 [MORNING. 

It is God who worketh in you both to will and to do, 
of his good pleasure. Phil. ii. 13. 

It is the peculiar blessing of every new creature in Christ 
Jesus, to be ' renewed in knowledge/ As the soul advances 
in the divine life, he more clearly understands the heights and 
depths of the mysteries of God's grace, by the word and Spirit 
of truth ; so also he feels more and more of the workings of the 
mystery of iniquity within him. Therefore he has done talk- 
ing of his own free will, and works of righteousness having 
any share in obtaining grace. These notions are the weeds of 
nature : they spring from pride : pride is interwoven with our 
very constitution and being. This opposes and rebels against 
our own mercies, even the free grace truths of the gospel. But 
it is the exercise of faith to submit to the righteousness of Je- 
sus : to bow to the sovereignty of God's will, and to adore his 
Spirit, who worketh in us to will and to do of his good plea- 
sure. Oh disciple of Jesus, how art thou sweetly constrained 
to own this from the rich experience of the truth upon thy own 
soul? What is the natural bent of thy free will, but to reject 
Jesus the Lord of life and glory? Its language is, ' I will 
not have this man to reign over me.' I have other and better 
lovers, and after them I wiil go. I will enjoy the pleasures 
of sin. I will love the world. I will take my full swing 
in the gay delights, the pleasing profits, and glorious honours 
of it. I will be saved in my own way, by my own works : I 
will not be indebted to be saved by grace wholly. Thus the 
natural free-will of man speaks plain, by its affections and 
actions, through the darkness of the understanding. Thy free 
will w r as to destroy thyself: it was the will of the Lord to save 
thee in Christ Jesus. Therefore in the day of his pow r er, the 
Holy Spirit made thee willing to come to Jesus for life and 
salvation. With free choice, and cheerful willingness, thou 
earnest in faith, as a perishing sinner to a precious Saviour. 
Wilt thou any more ascribe any glory to thy will ? Wilt thou 
ever suffer thy power to share in the trophies of thy Lord ? 
Nay, shall not free, sovereign, unmerited grace, have all the 
glory ! Is not this the daily humble prayer of thy soul, Leave 
me not, oh Lord, to myself; for without thee, I can do nothing 
— nothing but sin against thee, and wound my own soul. If 
thou truly delightest in the law of God after the inward man, 
it is the delight of thy soul to do those things which are pleas- 
ing in his sight. Ever put this soul-humbling:, grace-exalting 
question to thy heart, ' Who made thee to differ ; what have I 
that 1 have not received?' 1 have nothing in myself whereof 
to glory. I glory in him, who saith, ' I will work, and who shall 
let it?' Isai. xliii. 13* 



june 14.] 334 [evening. 

The righteous is taken away from the evil. Isaiah 
Ivii. 1, 

Why then do we not rejoice over the dead, who die in the 
Lord? Why do we, who profess to be in the Lord, fear to die? 
Death will be the funeral of all our evils, and the resurrection 
of all our comforts. Why then do we at all dread it? Why 
so reluctant to be taken from the many evils we suffer here ? 
Why not rather longing to be for ever with the Lord? Plainly, 
it is for want of faith. The point is not fully settled between 
our Saviour and our souls, whether we are his righteous mem- 
bers or not ; and hence we do not walk closely and comforta- 
bly with him, and then the fear of death prevails over us. A 
believer in Jesus, and a righteous person, are convertible terms. 
Every believer is a living member of Christ, united to, and one 
with him. They are righteous as Christ is, as man and Media- 
tor. His very righteousness is theirs. They are clothed with 
it, and stand perfectly righteous before God in it. Hence the 
Holy Spirit is given to us. He enables us to walk in the paths 
of righteousness, and to bring forth the fruits of righteousness, 
which are by Jesus Christ, tothe praise and glory of God. 
Phil. i. 1]. See the blessedness of the righteous. They are 
' taken away from the evil/ The Lord doth this for them, be- 
cause he loves them. ' To come' is not in the original. 'They 
are .taken from all present evil. (1) They are taken from an 
evil nature. This is the grief and burden of their righteous 
souls from day to day : but the death of the body shall quite 
destroy the body of sin and death. They shall drop this body, 
and wing their way to endless glory. (2) From the evil of sin. 
Though this did not reign over them, yet it raged in them. 
Though they were not under its dominion, yet it warred in 
their members, and made them cry out, oh wretched ! Sin 
brought death into the world : death shall be the grave of sin. 
The righteous is not taken away in his sins, but from the evil 
of them. (3) From that evil of evils, unbelief. This now dis- 
honours God, causes weak hands and dejected hearts : but in 
death we shall part with it for ever. (4) From all the evil of 
this present world. All pains, trials, afflictions, &c. from what- 
evei cause, we shall be for ever delivered. This is the nega- 
tive blessedness of the righteous. Who shall describe their 
positive. happiness ? It hath not entered into the heart of man 
to conceive, what the Lord hath prepared for them who love 
him. This we must die fully to know. Oh love the Lord, all 
ye his saints. 

Mv Lord who gave mc righteousness. He soon will take my soul.by death, 

And makes mo love his ways ; From all my ills and strife : 

With every good my soul will bless, His arms will then be underneath; 

Until I end my days. To raise me unto life. M. 



JUNE 15.] 335 [MORN 1 NO 

We that are in this tabernacle do groan, being bur- 
dened. 2 Cor. v. 4. 



It is a sore temptation, that saints of God in all ages have 
fallen under, that, upon a survey of the outward ease, pleasure, 
and prosperity of the ungodly, 'they have called the proud 
happy.' Mai. iii. 35. And under a sense of their inward groan- 
ings, burdens and sorrows, have been led to think it is vain to 
serve God, and call in question his love to them, and care for 
them. Such sentiments as these, at times exercise their minds: 
* I called by grace! Is my soul quickened and made alive to 
God? Have I fled to Jesus for refuge? Am I a child of God 
by adoption, through the faith of Jesus ? Surely it cannot be. 
Was it so, should 1 be thus plagued all the day, and chastened 
every morning? Should I groan thus under oppression from 
Satan, or tribulation from the world ; and be thus burdened 
■with the lusts of the flesh, and the carnal workings of our cor- 
rupt nature? Surely, if ever I have known any thing of Jesus 
in spirit and power, it is all come to an end. Verily I have 
cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency 
to no purpose.' Thus doth the subtle serpent steal into the 
mind, and borrows the tongue of saints. But this is very inju- 
rious to the soul, as we see in the experience of Asaph. Psal. 
Ixxiii. And it is highly resented by our loving Lord and Savi- 
our, as very dishonourable to him. See Mai. iii. 13. 

Saints' burdens are creature allotments — believers' groans 
are Jesus' concerns — children's sorrows reach their Father's 
heart — they are the lot of God's people in every age. Pro- 
phets, apostles, martyrs, and confessors of Jesus, none exempt 
while in this tabernacle. Yea they evidence the life of the 
soul : and also, under the Spirit's influence, work far the profit 
of the soul. Hereby it is instructed in self-knowledge, so as 
to bow to the sovereignty of God, in humility and dependence 
on Jesus. Prayer is excited, faith is called into exercise, God's 
word is searched, promises are prized, exhortations become 
pleasant, carnal hopes are cut off, worldly joys become irk- 
some, earth is. less loved, and a sinful body groaned under 
makes perfect freedom in glory longed for. There is a blessed 
writ of ease and rest, issued out from the court of heaven: 
soon it will be served upon us. Then, down tabernacle : up 
soul to the presence of thy Lord. Farewell groans, welcome 
eternal triumphs. Here is a sweet portion of comfort; drink 
of the brook by the way, and lift up thy head. ' Cast thy bur- 
den upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee : he shall never 
suffer the righteous to be moved.' Psal. Iv. 22. 

Now lei my Lord my Saviour smile, Oh why, my son], why these complaints ? 

And show his name upon my heart ; .Still while he frowns his bowels move : 

I would forget my pains awhile, Still on his heart he bears his saints. 

And in the pleasure lose the smart. And feels their sorrows and his love. 



JUNE 15.] 336 [EVENING 

Should such a man as 1 flee ? Nehem. vi. 11. 

Nehemiah was engaged in a great work : his God was with 
him, and gave him success. Friends and enemies unite against 
him. By base insinuation, craft and stratagem, they strove to 
dishearten and deter him from going on with God's work. Op- 
position is the christian's lot, courage his honour, and perse- 
verance his jewel. Look at this man of God : he boldly repels 
all fear. Instead of fleeing as advised, he flees to his God, and 
cries, ( Oh God, strengthen my hands.' Faith inspires prayer ; 
prayer brings courage to the heart. Then he boldly demands, 
' Should such a man as I flee?' A man so greatly favoured, 
so highly honoured, as to be employed by God, to work for 
him? No, I disdain such mean cowardice. I will work on : 
it is God's cause : let God see to the event. I fear it not. 

Christian, know your calling : it is to work for God. Expect 
opposition from within and from without. This may call up 
fear and dismay ; but consider your dignity ; maintain and as- 
sert it. ' Should such a man as I flee?' A man called by the 
grace of Jesus, to resist the devil, to face carnal men, to van- 
quish sin, to overcome the world, to obtain the victory over 
death, and to receive a crown of righteousness in endless glory ; 
shall I flee? What 1, who am called to be strong in the grace 
which is in Christ Jesus ? Oh my soul, put on Christ, and put off 
fear: put up prayer, and down put dread. From whom should 
such a man as I flee? Of whom should I be afraid? Doth 
not my Lord say, my grace is sufficient for thee, my strength 
is made perfect in thy weakness? Oh Lord, strengthen my 
heart to resist Satan, that he may flee from me ; and to over- 
come the fear of man, which is a snare to me. 1 bless thee for 
thy precious word ; strengthen my heart in the faith of it. 
* Fear not, neither be faint-hearted, for the tails of these smok- 
ing firebrands. ' Isai. vii. 4. Hearken unto me: fear not the 
reproach of men, neither be afraid of their revilings. li. 7. I, 
even I am he who comforteth you. Who art thou, that thou 
shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, and the son of man 
which shall be made as grass ; and forgettest the Lord thy 
Maker ? ' The Lord God will help me ; I shall not be con- 
founded. I have set my face like a flint ; I shall not be asham- 
ed. The moth shall eat up my adversaries.' 1. 7. 



Courage, my friends, Christ's strength is ours : Look up and see our Saviour stand, 

Though of ourselves we've none : Pleading your cause and mine 

Why should we dread our hostile powers ? Before the throne, at God's right-hand 

They're conquev^d every ono Courage, our aid's divine. m 



JUNE 16.] 337 [MORNING 

The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in 
the sight of God of great price. 1 Pet. iii. 4. 

Godly parents are delighted in their very hearts, if they see 
their dear children partakers of the grace of God. How joyful 
to hear those who are part of ones-self, enquire after Jesus 
and his salvation. Love and duty unite to constrain us to 
teach our little ones the knowledge of Jesus ; to instruct them 
in the ways of the Lord. And if the Spirit of grace is pleased 
to crown such endeavours with success, infinitely more preci- 
ous is the adorning of grace to their immortal souls, than all 
the gaiety of dress to their perishing bodies. 

As we to ours, so doth the Lord rejoice over all his dear chil- 
dren in Christ Jesus. He takes pleasure in their dress, which 
is the robe of his Son's righteousness. Their ornaments, which 
are the graces of his Spirit, are delighting to his eyes. ' He 
makes them all-glorious within:' he loves his own image, 
which he hath formed by his Spirit, * in the hidden man of the 
heart.' Both the inward graces and the outward fruits are an 
ornament to them; and are ' of great price' in the sight of 
their heavenly Father. By daily fellowship with our God and 
Saviour, we get more and more conformed to his likeness. By 
close walking, constant communion, free conversing with Je- 
sus, love is maintained in the heart : and a meek and quiet 
spirit ever accompanies love. Where the former is wanting, 
the declinings of the latter are evident. As faith works by love, 
so love shows itself by meekness of spirit, and quietness of 
behaviour. There is a sweet harmony in the graces of the Spi- 
rit. By faith the soul abides in Jesus, and receives out of his 
fulness. By love the heart is comfortable. And as Peter and 
John said to the beggar, ' What we have received of the Lord, 
that we give unto you:' so the christian dispenses out of his 
heart, love to his brethren, and is peaceable and quiet to all 
mankind. Love controuls the boisterous passions of nature. 
Love constrains to meekness of temper and quietness of spirit. 
We sadly mistake, and are greatly deceived by our corrupt 
nature, carnal reason, and the subtilty of Satan, when we act 
with any other spirit, and attempt to find an excuse for it. 
Nay, but it is unbecoming our character, a dishonour to our 
Saviour, and grieving to the Spirit; it is a badge of Satan's 
livery, a fruit of the flesh, and is contrary to the Spirit. The 
wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God, nor peace 
with men, nor comfort to the soul. ' Put on the elect of God, 
meekness/ Col. iii. 12. 

Blcss'd are the meek who stand afar Bless'd are the men of peaceful life, 

From rage and passion, noise and war ; Who quench the coals of growing strife • 

God will secure their happy stale, They shall he called the heirs of bliss, 

And plead their cause against the great. The sons of God, the G jd of peace. 

2 x 



June 16.] 338 [evening. 

We are not of them who draw back unto perdition ; 
but of them who believe, unto the saving of the soul. 
Heb. x. 39, 



There is somewhat implied in this text, which is not ex- 
pressed. It was not out of the apostle's thoughts : it ought 
never to he out of ours. Why do we not draw back unto per- 
dition ? Is it because of our own might, power and faithful- 
ness ? No: but because we are ' kept by the power of God 
through faith unto salvation.' 1 Pet. i. 5. Why do any draw 
back unto perdition? Because they do not believe the word 
of God ; do not live upon the power of God. Their hearts are 
not. renewed by the grace of God ; and they do not choose for 
their portion, in time and eternity, the Son of God. But they 
must have made some progress in the way of salvation, else 
how can they draw back unto perdition. Many go great lengths 
in profession and expression. They are like a new moon that 
shines bright at the beginning, hut does not last all night. They 
seem to begin well, to run fast, and to bid fair, with Christ in 
their hearts, and heaven in their view. They talk of the views 
of faith, and the joys of faith. But alas, time discovers that 
their hearts were not vitally united to Jesus, the author and 
finisher of faith : therefore they obtain not the victory of faith. 
An unconquered world prevails against them, unsubdued lusts 
get the dominion over them ; and Satan makes a complete con- 
quest of them, The lamp of profession goes out, and they draw 
back to perdition. Awful state : how much to be dreaded, 
how earnestly to be deprecated ! Oh consider soul, there is 
perdition in the least drawing back. Though you may be kept 
so as not finally to perish, yet you will awfully suffer loss, if 
you lose the presence of Christ, the comforts of love, and the 
joys of faith. This is a dreadful loss. Remember, Jesus is a 
living Saviour. The soul is to be saved from all evil and sin, 
from day to day. Faith is a living grace in the heart : by it 
come to Christ continually. Believe his love, his power, his 
willingness to save you to the very uttermost, from the power 
of sin, the corruption of nature, the love of the world, the snares 
of hell, and to bring you to all the happiness and glory of hea- 
ven. May the thought of a possibility of drawing back from 
Christ, quicken us to watch and pray to him, to be kept. Study 
what are the best means of strengthening your faith, and use 
them. What things are contrary thereto, avoid. It is by be- 
lieving, we hold on and hold out : for that brings the grace and 
strength of Christ into the soul. 

Still let our souls be passing on, God keeps us by his mighty power, 

Nor ever think of drawing hack : Through faith, eternal joys to see : 

Redeemed and saved by God's dear Son, Though hard beset in some sad hour, t 

Supplies of grace we ne'er shall lack. He 11 set our souls at liberty. vs. 



JUNE 17. j 339 [MOUNIJSG 

For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great 
name's sake : because it hath pleased the Lord to make 
you his people. 1 Sam. xii. 22. 

The prophet Samuel, like the apostle Paul, ' shunned not to 
declare all the counsel of God.' Acts xx. 27. They feared no 
licentious consequences from preaching the faith-establishing, 
soul-comforting truth of God's unchangeable love to his peo- 
ple. Yet Samuel encourages the people to cleave close unto 
the Lord, and not to turn aside from following him ; assuring 
them, if they walked contrary to the Lord, though he would 
never change in his love, or cast off his people, ' whom he did 
fore-know,' yet he would change in his conduct and dealings 
towards them. God will surely ' visit their transgression with 
a red, and their iniquity with stripes; nevertheless, his loving- 
kindness he will not utterly take away, nor suffer his faithful- 
ness to fail.' Psal. lxxxix. 32, 33. Like a tender and affection- 
ate parent to a disobedient child, his love is ever the same, 
when he corrects, as when he dandles on the knee. It is of 
the Lord's good pleasure only, that hechuses and makes a peo- 
ple for his glory. He calls them to himself by sovereign grace. 
The honour of his name, and the perfection of his attributes, 
are engaged for their safety and salvation. 

The faith of a christian, how firm its foundation ! It builds 
on the rock of ages, the eternal truth of an unchanging God of 
love. His ' hope is an anchor to the soul, both sure and sted- 
fasfc which enters within the veil, whither the Forerunner 
is also for us entered, even Jesus.' Heb. vi. 19, 20. How then 
should our love be inflamed, and burn with incessant ardour to 
our ever-loving Lord and Saviour? Hath it pleased the Lord 
to put me among his children ; to make me one of his people ? 
It was free, unmerited love. Hath the blessed Spirit enriched 
my heart with faith in the Lord Jesus ; hath he, in his word, 
over and over assured us, that ' lie will never leave nor for- 
sake ; but whom he loves he loves to the end ? ' Why is all this ? 
Even because it pleased the Lord ; l so it seemed good in his 
sight.' And have I sinned ? Heart-wounding thought : sinned 
against his love? Am F backsliding in affection; grown cold 
and indifferent to the kindest and best of beings ? Shameful 
ingratitude ! Is the love of God in Christ Jesus, the source of 
all present grace, the security of future glory ? Verily it should 
sink poor sinners to the low r est humility ; affect with the deep- 
est self-abasement and sorrow for sin; yet excite godly hope 
and rejoicing in Christ Jesus ; and influence to the most cheer- 
ful diligence of serving a God of love, ' without fear, in holi- 
ness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.' 
'This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.' 
1 John v. 3. 



/une 17.J 340 [evening. 

For the Lord will not cast off for ever. Lam. iii. 3). 

' Then there is no danger of perishing. Let us live as we 
list ; walk after tlje imagination of our hearts, and fulfil the 
desires of the flesh and of the mind/ Is this the natural lan- 
guage of such a faith? This the genuine influence of such a 
hope? This the conduct resulting from the knowledge of God's 
everlasting love? Yes, say some, if we could believe such 
doctrine, we should so act. Such sadly betray their ignorance 
of the sanctifying influence of divine truth, upon the heart 
and life. This day shalt thou be with me in paradise, says 
our Saviour to the expiring thief. Luke xxiii. 43. Coil d he 
hence find it in his heart to say, then will I blaspheme 
thee again as I did just now ? Oh no. The grace of Gad 
which brings salvation to our souls, teaches otherwise. The 
goodness of God, which keeps us from hell, and preserves us 
safe to glory, leadeth us to repentance. And faith in the cove- 
nant love, and gracious promises of the Lord, encourages us to 
hope for pardon from him, because he will not cast off for ever. 
This was the glorious confession of the faithful, when under 
the severe chastising rod of God. Then is the season, to call 
to mind the Lord's everlasting love and covenant faithfulness. 
He loves as a Father, therefore he corrects us as children. He 
hates our sins, at the same time that he loves our persons. If 
he makes us smart, it is to make us confess and pray. If he 
puts us into the furnace of affliction, it is that we may glorify 
the Lord in the fires. Isai. xxiv. 15. This cannot be done by 
unbelief, saying, the love of my covenant God and Father is 
changed into the hatred of a vindictive wrathful enemy ; he 
has cast me off from being his son, and will eternally punish 
me in hell. Such doctrine never brought a soul back to God 
with genuine humility and godly sorrow. No. It is faith in 
God's unchangeable love, and covenant faithfulness in Christ 
Jesus, that glorifies him, brings the poor sinner to him, humbles 
the heart before him, and causes the soul to cry out with tears 
of deepest gratitude, wretch that I am, by any base conduct 
to offend that loving Lord, who hates putting away, and will 
not cast off for ever ! Lord Jesus, grant that the belief of this 
truth may bind me closer than ever to thyself. We can assure 
our hearts of this precious truth. (1) Because we are the chil- 
dren of God by faith in Christ. Gal. iii. 26. (2) \f children, 
then heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Bom. viii. 17. 
And (3) We are kept by the power of God, through faith unto 
salvation. 1 Pet. i. 5. 

Who have such glorious cause to sing, Not loved now, cast ofFanon, 

And triumph all their days, This is not precious faitli : 

As children of the heav'nly king, God ever loves us in his Son, 

Saved hy his sovereign grace ? We joy in what he saith. m 



JUNE 18.1 341 [MORNING. 

Because in him there is found some good thing towards 
the Lord God of Israel, in t/ie house of Jeroboam. 1 Kings 
xiv. 13. 



Such was the testimony which the Lord gave by his prophet 
of young Abijah, the son of wicked Jeroboam. The father was 
branded even to a proverb, for his abominable wickedness. Be- 
hold, the son is recorded by the Lord for his goodness : singled 
out from the whole house of his father, to be blessed of his 
God, and to come to his grave in peace. 

Children of grace, often spring from the loins of ungodly pa- 
rents. The offspring of godly parents, often appear graceless. 
Grace is not hereditary : it is the sovereign gift of God. Pa- 
rents may and ought to give good instructions, but God only 
makes them successful. * Some good' thing would not have 
been found in young Abijah, if the Lord had not put it there. 
It was of the will of the Lord, or because the Lord was his 
father, as his name Abijah signifies. God's covenant children, 
though by nature children of wrath, and though in their ' flesh 
dwells no good thing ;' yet, through the grace of the Holy Spi- 
rit, ' they are created anew in Christ Jesus, in righteousness 
and true holiness, unto good works:' and after the inward 
man, ' they delight in the law of God.' Some good thing is 
found in them, which manifests itself in love, fear and obedi- 
ence to the Lord their God. The graces of the Holy Spirit in 
the hearts of believers, and the fruits of the Spirit in their lives, 
are evidences in time, of God's covenant to them in Christ Je- 
sus before time. God views the work of his new creation in 
the soul with delight ; pronounces it good, and to his own 
glory records the graces of his people. What comes from God 
leads to him. 

Thus we see ' some good thing' found in the heart of Abijah, 
manifesting itself in the wicked house of Jeroboam, to the 
glory of Jehovah the God of Israel. Oh how highly honoured 
are some who are converted to God's glory and service in the 
morning of youth : while the Sun of righteousness doth not 
arise upon others, till the sun of nature is near setting. Hath 
distinguishing grace made us to differ, as well from our former 
selves, as from others? It is all from the love of the Father, 
through Jesus Christ, "by the power of the Spirit. We have 
nothing whereof to glory in ourselves, nor over others ; it is 
our duty to confess it with our lips, and manifest it in our 
lives. May it encourage us daily to walk in faith and love. 
< The just shall live by faith. ' Heb. x. 38. 



JUNE 18. J 342 [EVENING. 

And killed the Prince of life Acts iii. 15. 

Oh dreadful effects of the fall of man ! We are not only be- 
come enemies to God, and rebels against him, but are also so 
ignorant of ourselves, and so blind to our own state, that we 
do not see this : we will not own it. An enemy to God ! What 
to that good and gracious Lord, in whom I live, move, and 
have my being? 1 cannot think that any one upon earth can 
be so wicked, as to be an enemy to God. Such is the language 
of blind nature. Thou that utterest it, art the man. Yea, such 
is the enmity of thine, of every man's nature against God, that 
were it possible and in our power, we should kill God. Start 
not at the thought. Horrid as it is, here is proof of it. God 
was manifest in the flesh : and how was he received ? How 
was he treated by sinful man? Let the annals of his holy life, 
speak the base contempt and hellish treatment he met with 
from man. Let the history of his painful and agonizing death, 
proclaim the enmity of sinners hearts against him. They killed 
— whom? Jesus of Nazareth, a mere man, mighty in word and 
deed? A great prophet only ? Infinitely more : oh unparalleled 
mystery of iniquity, oh inscrutable mystery of godliness ! They 
killed the Prince of Life. Such the abominable wickedness 
of human nature, such the total boldness of the human heart, 
a murderer is preferred to an innocent man ; a vile miscreant is 
spared, the holy One, the Author of life, is put to death. Here, 
oh soul, behold the true, but horrid picture of human nature. 
Such its enmity to God, as to take away the life of his dear 
and only Son. Dost thou think in thine heart, surely my na- 
ture is not so dreadfully wicked, I could not have done so vile 
a deed ? Thou dost not yet know thyself. Thy thoughts pro- 
ceed from blindness and ignorance of the depth of thy totally 
wicked nature. As yet, thou seest not the amazing heights of 
the Lord's love. The Prince of life dies by the wicked hands 
of men of wicked hearts. To what end ? That by his death, 
his very murderers should live, and not die eternally. Oh 
matchless love ! Learn, oh my soul, this night to fathom the 
depth of the wicked enmity of the human heart, by the heights 
of the love of a dying Saviour. Sin has done its worst ; it has 
slain the Prince of life, that 1 might live. Satan, thou hast 
wrecked thy hellish wrath. But thou art conquered, in my Sa- 
viour's death. Law, thou hast sheathed thy strongest sting, 
and spent the poison of thy dart, in the body of my Saviour. 
But glory to the Prince of life, he lives to love, and loves to 
save. I am safe. Oh may the Spirit make this faith kill legal 
hopes, and all self-righteous confidence!. 

Amazing wondrous mystrry, f?ut God did suffer this tu be , * 

That men the Prince oflife should kill ", To save our souls from death aud hell. 



june 19.J 343 [morning 

Let no man beguile yon of your reward. Col. ii. 18. 

There is a present reward of grace enjoyed in the hearts of 
the faithful, which consists in pardon of sin, peace of consci- 
ence, and joy in the Holy Ghost. These are the rewards of 
Jesus' toils and sufferings for ns. Since an artful and subtle 
serpent hath gained access to the human heart, we can never, 
be warned too much to beware of men. Satan deceived man at 
the beginning, by means of part of himself. He still beguiles 
men by man. Though the adversary cannot pluck one of 
Christ's sheep out of his hands, nor rob the loving Saviour of 
one of the precious jewels of his mediatorial crown, still we 
are to consider him as a restless implacable foe, who will strive 
by all means to perplex and distress our souls. Has Jehovah 
Jesus appeared to us in the vision of faith ? Hath he spoken 
to our trembling hearts, in his word and by his Spirit, as he 
did to the father of the faithful % ' Fear not, I am thy shield, 
and thy exceeding great reward.' Gen. xv. 1. Like the racers 
in the Olympic games, we must expect false judges, corrupted 
umpires, who will judge against us ; determine the prize con- 
trary to our faith and hope in free grace promises, and sove- 
reign determinations. 

They will judge against the truth and glory of our prize, as 
though we were not complete in Christ Jesus ; as though we 
were not wise by his wisdom, righteous by his righteousness, 
holy by his holiness, perfectly redeemed from all sin, curse and 
wrath, by his complete redemption ; but that somewhat is to 
be founded and trusted to in nature and self, to entitle us to 
God's grace, and secure to us a crown of glory. Blessed admo- 
nition ! ( Let no man beguile you,' judge against you, ye free 
born, heaven-born souls, concerning the perfect freeness, and 
infinite fulness of your prize, your reward, Jesus. For this they 
would weaken your faith, disturb your peace, and destroy your 
comfort. So they would beguile you to run uncertainly ; as 
though your hopes were suspended on your own faithfulness 
to grace, your fulfilling terms and conditions, by which to se- 
cure the prize. Ever reject such selfish, mercenary, base, com- 
pounding notions with detestation, as contrary to covenant 
love and gospel grace ; dishonouring to our precious Saviour, 
and grieving to the holy sovereign Spirit, who bears witness, 
that ' there is a remnant according to the election of grace;' 
that the prize is adjudged to them * by grace, not of works ; 
otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, than 
it is no more of grace ; otherwise work is no more work.' Bom. 
xi. 5, 6. 

Firm as tlie earth thy gospel stands, His honour is encaged to save 

My Lord, my hope, my trust ; The meanest of his sheep ; 

If I am found in Jesus' hands, All that his heavenly Father gave, 

My soul can ne'er be lost. His hands securely keep. 



june 19.] 344 [eveklng. 

As ye have there fo) e received Christ Jesus the Lord, so 
walk ye in him. Col. ii. 6. 

It is to the glory of the grace of the holy blessed and glori- 
ous Trinity, that any poor sinner receives Christ ; and Christ 
is the glory of that heart which receives him. Thus there is a 
mutual complacency and delight between Jehovah, Father, 
Son and Spirit, and believing souls. Every one who believes 
in Christ Jesus, has received him as his Lord, his atonement, 
his righteousness, his salvation, as verily as Paul, or any of 
the apostles. God is alike the Father of all such, the Son is 
alike the Saviour of all such, and the Holy Ghost is alike the 
Sanctifier and Comforter of all such. Well may the believing 
heart cry out in a rapture of joy, Lord what rich grace is this ; 
what a glorious privilege am I invested with. What hast thou 
wrought! What am 1? Why should Jesus apprehend me, 
worthless me, that I should apprehend him? Lord, what 
wouldest thou have me to do ? Hear and obey. * Walk ye 
in him. ' What is meant by this ? In one word, seeing Christ 
is yours, enjoy him more andmore. How ? How did you re- 
ceive him ? As a perishing sinner, by faith Then so walk 
in him. Walking implies the whole of a believer's life ; that 
his soul should be in constant motion ; that the eye of his faith 
should be ever looking to, and his heart dependent on, Christ 
Jesus the Lord. So he walks, comfortably, holily, steadily, 
and perseveringly, to the glory of his Saviour. But shall we 
meet with no interruptions in thus walking in Christ, who is 
the way? Not from him: for he is a most smooth, delightful 
and pleasant way. Only keep in him, and you are sure of safety 
and comfort. But from within, and from without, you will 
meet with a crowd of objections and interruptions in your 
walk. The pride and the lusts of the flesh will oppose you. 
Satan will jostle against, and strive to impede your steps. The 
world will attempt to seduce you. Be simple of heart ; know, 
every step, that you are as poor a sinner as when you first re- 
ceived Christ. Make him the one object of your heart. When 
you are ready to halt at the sight of your weakness, poverty 
and vileness, consider him. Look to him, cry to him. So shall 
you ' renew your strength : you shall ran and not be weary, 
walk and not faint.' Isai. xl. 31. You are just at your jour- 
ney's end. You have the shades of death to pass through. 
What of that? ' Though I walk through the valley of the sha- 
dow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.' Psal. 
xxiii. 4. 

Now we walk in Christ by faith, Christ is a most pleasant way, 

Ever bearing what he saith Let us from him never stray : 

In his word, unto our heart : In him we have all things good, 

He from us will not depart. Bought uh through his precious blood m 



june 20. J 345 [morning. 

Verily thou art a God that hides t thyself, oh God of 
Israel the Saviour. Isaiali xlv. 15. 



Mourning under a sense of sin, and complaining of inbred 
corruptions, are consistent with faith in Jesus, and rejoicing 
in his salvation. Sorrowing under the painful sense of an ab- 
sent God, has been the experience of saints in all ages ; few if 
any, have been exempt from it. And this is an evidence that 
they have felt his comforting presence, enjoyed the smiles of 
his love, and rejoiced in the light of his countenance. So the 
life and love of the soul is manifested. A christian is known 
by his sorrows, as well as joys. He sorrows after a godly 
sort. 

But why should a God of love hide himself from his dear 
children? ' We may say, he is a sovereign, and answer in the 
words of Elihu, Job. xxxiii. 13. * He giveth not account of any 
of his matters." But it is most sweet to say with David, ' Con- 
tinually let the Lord be magnified, who hath pleasure in the 
prosperity of his servants/ Psal. xxxv. 27. Therefore when 
God hides himself from the souls of his believing children, it is 
in love, wisdom, and faithfulness to them : it is to advance his 
own glory, and to further the prosperity of their souls. But he 
never leaves himself without a witness in their hearts : for we 
see the church addresses him, though he hideth himself. Shi 
sweetly applies to him as the only ' Saviour/ and utters her 
complaint before him: ' Thou hidest thyself,' and I am trou- 
bled. So the withdrawing of the comforting warmth of the sun, 
makes vegetable nature droop and languish, and it mourns in 
silent sadness. But the root is still alive, and it will, when the 
sun returns, bring forth its fruit in due season. Backward 
springs, often produce the most plentiful harvests. So the 
Lord teaches his sovereignty, roots the soul in humility, pre- 
vents the growth of spiritual pride, reproves a careless walk, 
chides for worldly-mindedness, causes great searchings of 
heart, embitters sin, excites to holy mourning, calls forth ear- 
nest longings, restless seekings, and fervent prayings. ' Saw 
ye him whom my soul loveth?' will be the restless enquiry of 
a loving, deserted heart. I cannot live without him: his pre- 
sence is heaven : his absence is hell. Soul, ever beware of 
lending thine ear for a moment to any base suggestion, contra- 
ry to this sweet declaration of an unchanging God of truth and 
love. ' In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, 
but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith 
the Lord thy Redeemer.' Isai. liv. 8. 

* How boundles is. our Father's grace, What though I mourn a hiding God, 
In height and depth and length ; His faithfulness 1 trust : 

He made his Son our righteousness, His word, his love, can never fail ; 
His Spirit i. c our strength.' The Lord 1 serve is just. 



june 20.] 346 [evening. 

Thy Maker is thine husband, the Lord of hosts is Ids 
name, and thy Rtdeemer the Holy One of Israel: the 
God of the ivhole earth shall he be called. Isaiah liv. 5. 

In this one verse is a trinity of comforts, and all are enjoyed 
in the unity of faith. The Spirit bears witness of them : let 
our hearts attend to them. Consider, (1) Thou sin distressed, 
law accursed, Satan accused soul ; ' Thy Maker is thine hus- 
band.' Glorious gospel : faith listen, love awake, hope rejoice. 
In the Hebrew: Thy Makers thy husband : Father, Son, and 
Spirit. The triune God who made thee, is married to thee, and 
in covenant with thee. How is this relation effected? God 
the Son comes into our nature, and takes upon him our flesh. 
We are peculiarly espoused to Christ, (1) By his ministers. 
Says Paul, ' I have espoused you to Christ.' 2 Cor. xi. 2. (2) 
Experimentally by faith. We know nothing of the loving, eter- 
nal designs of Christ to our souls, till by the grace of his Spi- 
rit we are brought to him, receive him, and give him our hearts, 
as our own bridegroom. Then we feel the blessings, and enjoy 
the comfort of marriage union. We live in love, walk by faith, 
and rejoice in hope. Oh Christ, make us and keep us chaste 
virgins to thee ! '(3) Christ is our l Redeemer. ' Why Husband 
before Redeemer ? I humbly conceive, to remind us of his eter- 
nal love to us ; of his eternally espousing our cause, and his 
purpose before time, of marrying our persons. There he took 
our nature, that in our nature he might redeem us to God his 
Father. He has effectually done it by his precious blood. Be- 
ing redeemed by him and married to him, the Father owns the 
relation, glories over us in him ; and the Spirit sanctifies and 
comforts us in him. Therefore, (4) As an affectionate bride 
glories in the person, and rejoices in the titles of her husband ; 
so, oh soul, do thou in thy heavenly Bridegroom. For he is thy 
' Maker ;' and he who was almighty to create, is almighty t3 
preserve. He is ( the Lord of hosts.' What can all the powers 
of earth and hell do against him? He is ' the God of the whole 
earth.' The Lord God omnipotent is thy Saviour : ever glory 
in him as equal to the Father, as touching his godhead. Fools 
deny this: the wise unto salvation believe, adore, and glory in 
Christ as such. Who only hath immortality, to bestow upon 
poor sinners: ' to whom be honour and power everlasting, 
Amen.' 1 Tim. vi. 16. Ever remember we are married to 
Christ, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Rom. vii. 4. 

Wedded to the Lord, what vile me ? All other lovers I'd forsake. 

Oil voiulro'is grace, oh matchless love ! My Lord, thv love has wen my heart: 

Lord, ever keep me chaste to thee, Fortho' I'm poor, wretched and weak. 

That 1 may all thy goodness prove. Christ is my all, in him l"ve part. M. 



june 21. 1 347 [morning. 

God is no respecter of persons : But in every nation lie 
thai /caret It God and worketh rig/iteoiisness, is accepted 
with him. Acts x. 34, 35. 



It is a common, artful device of the adversary to insinuate, 
* one part of scripture opposes and contradicts another.' Here- 
by he aims to distress the minds, weaken the confidence of 
disciples, and to render the doctrines of grace of no esteem. 
The unlearned and unstable in the truths of free grace salva- 
tion, ' wrest this, as they do also other texts of scripture, to 
their own destruction.' It was farthest from St. Peter to make 
this declaration, to subvert the fundamental truths of the gos- 
pel, and the one only way of salvation taught by himself, name- 
ly, by * election, according to the foreknowledge of God the 
Father, through the sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience, 
and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.' 1 Pet. i. 2. 

But he now perceived of a truth, that this blessing came 
equally alike, upon Gentiles as well as Jews. ' God is no re- 
specter of persons:' this is a most comfortable truth to the 
vilest of the human race. There is nothing that claims respect, 
in the person of one man above another, in the sight of God : 
' all are alike corrupt and become abominable : there is natu- 
rally no fear of God before our eyes : there is none that doeth 
good ; no not one.' There is no difference. Jew and Gentile, 
publican and pharisee, outwardly devout, and openly pro- 
phane, are all upon a level, in point of justification before 
God. Enlightened souls see and own this in deep humility, 
and self-abasement ; while proud pharisees challenge and 
claim respect from God, because they think their persons and 
characters are more amiable in his sight than others. 

But saith Moses, ' The Lord your God is a mighty and ter- 
rible God, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward/ 
Deut. x. 17. Vfhat reward can poor sinners give to procure 
God's regard, bribe his justice, or avert his wrath ? Do they 
naturally fear God and work righteousness in order to this ? 
Lay thine hand upon thine heart, oh soul ; judge as in the sight 
of God. Say, was this thy natural conduct and practice to- 
wards him ? God knoweth, to hate him and work wickedness, 
is the natural state and practice of thee and of all men. But 
yet he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, be he who 
or what he will, is accepted with God ; for this is a full proof 
of being ' accepted in the beloved, Jesus.' The Lord puts his 
fear in one's heart, according to covenant promise, Jer. xxxii. 
40. He renews us in righteousness and true holiness : hence 
our practice is agreeable to our state. Prayers and alms come 
up before the Lord as a memorial of what he has done on the 
heart ; and ' the same Lord over all, is rich in mercy to all that 
call upon him. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the 
Lord, shall be saved.' Rom. x. 12, 13. 



JUNE 21.) 348 [EVENING. 

Drop clown ye heavens from above, and let the sides 
pour down righteousness : Let the earth open, and let 
them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring 
up together : I the Lord have created it. Isaiah xiv. 8. 

Some speak very profanely against the councils and decrees 
of God : this proceeds from carnal reason and ignorance of 
divine truths. * There is a God in heaven who reveals secrets/ 
Dan. ii. 28. The scriptures are a revelation of the mind and 
will, council, decrees, and covenant purposes of the Lord ; 
they contain things new and old. The new covenant grace in 
Christ Jesus, as well as the old covenant of works with our 
iirst parent. Hence it is the delight of God's children to search 
the records of their heavenly Father. To believe them in their 
hearts, is a certain evidence of their being his new-born sons 
and adopted children in Christ. Here is a precious portion 
for thee to feed upon to night. Sensible that thou hast lost 
thy original righteousness, in which.thou wast created, behold, 
oh soul, from whence it is restored. Not from the earth : it 
comes from above : by the decrees of the Lord, the heavens 
and the skies pour it down. The Lord spake and it was done ; 
He commands, and it is brought forth. When righteousness 
had forsaken the earth, lo, the Lord our righteousness, came 
down from heaven, to fulfil all righteousness for us, and to be 
stow an everlasting righteousness upon us. He. came down 
to us as rain, as the former, and the latter rain unto the earth, 
Bos. vi. 3. Let the earth open. The Lord from heaven, was 
made of a woman ; formed in the lowest parts of the earth. 
Let them bring forth salvation. What then ? Heaven and 
earth united : God and man in one Christ. This is the way, 
in which righteousness comes to unrighteous sinners : so sal- 
vation comes to perishing sinners. Both spring up together in 
the God-man Jesus ; I the Lord have created it. See, oh sin- 
ner, and be humble : thou hast no hand in this matter. Canst 
thou create, or give being to any thing? Pride avaunt. No : 
Creation is the Lord's work only ; Jesus is the author of righ- 
teousness ; he is the alone finisher of salvation. Rejoice in 
this new and glorious creation of righteousness and salvation: 
faith receives it; hope cleaves to it; peace is obtained by it; 
joy springs from it. Love is excited to the righteous Saviour, 
while the poor sinner is kept in his right place, at Jesu's feet. 
Now if this heavenly blessing has rained down upon thy soul, 
it will be alive to God, spring up in his service, and bring forth 
fruit to his glory. What ! If righteousness is poured upon thee 
from heaven, wilt thou continue dead in sin? No, you will 
approve the things which are excellent, and pray to be filled 
with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to 
the glory of God. Phil. i. 11 



june 22. j 349 [morning. 

Which is not another [gospel,] but there be some that 
ivould trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of 
Christ. Gal. i. 7. 



Trouble us indeed ! it is our wisdom to hear preaching with 
an attentive mind, an humble heart, and a godly jealousy over 
what is spoken. The sweet sound of the gospel is joy to the 
heart, and as marrow and fatness to the soul ; for it proclaims 
nothing but good news of glad tidings. This is its name : its 
nature and properties perfectly agree therewith. Hence it is 
ca*lled, Acts xx. 24. « The gospel of the grace of God r or good 
news of his free favour. And Ephes. i. 13. ' The gospel of 
salvation ; or glad tidings of salvation by Christ only.' It w r as 
the wisdom of Adam to distinguish and give a proper name to 
every creature of God. Every christian should imitate him in 
knowledge, to distinguish the law from the gospel, and to call 
each by its proper name. For when the law of works and gos- 
pel of grace are blended together, it puzzles the mind and dis- 
turbs the conscience. We may say of the gospel, as Tertullus 
said of Felix, * By thee we enjoy great quietness.' Acis xxiv. 
2. For by it the mind and conscience of the believer, is filled 
with peace and comfort. From hence springs his love to God, 
and holy conformity to his will. 

But preaching terms and conditions to be performed by us, 
in order to entitle to gospel grace, hath a native tendency to 
distress the mind, weaken faith, damp love, deject hope, and 
of consequence make the believer less zealous of good works. 
Yet, through blindness and ignorance, some call this gospel , 
but Paul denies it: He sa,ys, ' It is not another,' he won't 
mention gospel ; it deserves not the name ; it is a mere system 
of man's devising. Oh but if there is great talk of the inter- 
est of morality, and a specious pretence to holiness, this makes 
a great shew in the flesh, so as to trouble some, and deceive 
many. But such ' pervert the gospel of Christ ; the everlast- 
ing gospel/ For that proclaims eternal election — everlasting 
love — an established covenant of grace — brings everlasting 
ronsolations to the soul, by an everlasting righteousness 
through faith — and sure and certain salvation to every believer. 
The gospel, like some stately ship, is richly laden with the 
most munificent blessings of the patrimony of our Father : the 
last will and testament of our precious Saviour, freely consign- 
ed under the testimony of the spirit, to us poor, lost, perishing 
sinners. Oh believer! study the immense value and riches of 
the gospel: be on thy guard, lest any deprive thy mind of its 
freeness and fulness. Gospel-perverters are conscience-trou- 
blers. Listen not to their specious guiles, lest thy mind be 
perplexed. Glory to our God, here is our mercy, though false 
teachers shall arise, though they may trouble, yet ' it is impos- 
sible, saith our Saviour, that they should deceive the elect of 
God.' Matt. xxiv. 24. 



june 22.] 350 [kvenIiNu. 

The secret of lite Lord is vrith them that fear him, and 
he will shew them, his covenant. Psalm xxv. 14. 



Who would trust the secrets of his heart with an avowed 
enemy? David could reveal all that was in him to Jonathan. 
Why? Because he was his loving, faithful friend: he could 
trust his very life in his hands. There was a secret between 
them two, which no one else was privy to. When Jonathan 
shot the arrows as a signal to David, even the lad that ga- 
thered them up, ' Knew not any thing, only Jonathan and Da- 
vid knew the matter/ 1 Sam. xx. 39. Some professors are 
like this lad. The Lord will not trust them with his secret ; 
they would abuse it. It is common to hear such lads in reli- 
gion say, well, if I was sure that God loved me with an ever- 
lasting love, had chosen me from eternity, and would keep me 
by his power, through faith unto salvation, what need I care 
how I live ? Do not such discover that they are strangers to 
the love and fear of the friends of God, and that as yet the 
Lord hath not shewed them his covenant? Out of their own 
mouths, they judge themselves not worthy to be trusted with 
the Lords secret : but the great purpose of the Lord's electing 
grace, everlasting love, and preserving power, is with them 
who fear the Lord. They cannot, they will not sin, because 
grace abounds ; fear prevents ; love restrains. The Lord, who 
puts this covenant grace into their hearts, keeps it alive there. 
How? He will shew them his covenant. He will manifest 
more and more the glorious grace of it in Christ — how it is 
established upon God's precious promises, confirmed by his so- 
lemn oath, ratified by the precious blood of Christ, and all the 
blessings and comforts of it, sure and certain to all the believ- 
ing seed of Christ. Oh this keeps a holy, loving, jealous fear 
in exercise. Do not you find it so ? This is the natural effects 
of it; for this is the work of the Holy Spirit. Thereby he at 
once comforts our heart, and sanctifies us unto God. While 
we love him as our Father, we fear him as his children : the 
secret of his love makes him dear to our souls. The grace of 
his covenant strengthens our confidence in him ; keeps up fear 
of sinning against him. The holy, precious nature of cove- 
nant grace, everlasting love, divine faithfulness, are all secured 
to the seed of Christ. Meditate upon it: give equal glory to 
the Trinity for it. For thus saith Jehovah, ' My covenant will 
I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips/ 
Psal. Ixxxix. verse 24. 

God proves our souls by love divine, But such as would thy grace ahuse, 

Thro' everlasting cov'nant grace : And sin because grace does abound, 

And thus we shew that we are thine, And dare affront thee to thy face, 

We walk in fear before thy face. Thy secret Lord, have never found. M. 



JUNE 23.] 351 [MORNLNG, 

And the counsel of peace shall be between them both 
Zech. vi. 13. 



With what rapture and ecstasy of soiil the good old patriarch 
Israel heard of his son Joseph? Not only alive, but also gover- 
nor of the land of Egypt. * It is enough/ said he; as though 
he could enjoy no more. How then ought the hearts of poor 
sinners to be tilled with joy, and hred with transport to hear 
their friend and brother Jesus lives for evermore ; that * the 
government is upon his shoulders;' that he is their King and 
their Priest upon his throne : that the counsel of peace is esta- 
blished, fixt and unalterably established, between the Father 
and him on their account? Surely, if we believe this, as verily 
as Jacob believed the report concerning his son, we shall also 
cry out with him, ' It is enough,' perfectly sufficient. More 
joyful news cannot be heard ; more comfortable truth cannot 
be" believed; fuller evidence cannot be desired. Stronger 
proofs cannot be given than is revealed, of- the covenant trans- 
actions of the adorable Trinity, in behalf of sinners of man- 
kind. 

Here is f the Lord of hosts,' and the ' Man,' the blessed 
Man, who is called the ' Branch/ And see we not the third 
Person in the divine Essence? For the establishing of faith, 
oe it ever remembered, though the Father and the Son only 
are often mentioned in scripture; yet the Lord the Spirit in 
his office is evidently to be seen and clearly to be known. For 
whatever is covenanted and agreed between God the Father 
and Son, is manifested and revealed and enjoyed 'in the heart 
by the holy Spirit. "We had never heard of this blessed peace, 
had it not been by the Holy Ghost through the word of truth. 
Therefore it is ' the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spi- 
rit is truth.' 1 John v. 6. Ever bear this in thy mind, disciple. 
As thou hadst not known sin, but by the law : So thou couldst 
not have any knowledge Gf peace and pardon, but by the gos- 
pel through the Spirit. He is the revealer, sealer and applier 
of all grace, peace, love and holiness. ' The love of the Father 
is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us.' 
He shall testify of me,' saith Jesus: all my members shall 
be taught of him : ' he shall glorify me.' John xvi. 14. Here 
is a peace established between heaven and earth ; between 
the righteous Lord and sinful man, firm as a rock, durable as 
the ages of eternity. 

God the Father is the author of this peace ; Jesus hath ob- 
tained this peace by the blood of his cross. Rebels and trai- 
tors against God, are made the subjects of this peace. The 
Spirit begets faith in the heart: he applies the peace of God 
which passeth all understanding to the soul through the faith 
of Jesus ; and though all in nature, sin, satan, and the world 
are at war with us, still this is our glory, ' Jesus is our peace.' 
Ephes. ii. 14. 



june 23.] 352 [evening. 

Lacked ye any thing ? And they said, nothing. Luke 
xxii. 35. 



Precious words to me. One is unwilling to speak of him- 
self; there is danger of pride and self-seeking in it: yet, with 
a view to our Lord's glory, a sincere desire to exalt his grace 
and goodness, and to encourage fellow christian's confidence 
therein, a poor sinner may speak of his experience. With tears 
of thankfulness, 1 record the goodness of my Lord, to the chief 
of sinners. Upwards of twenty years ago, when it pleased him 
to call me by his grace, and make me happy in his love, my 
name was cast out as evil — friends became foes — their hands 
were against me — they withdrew their favours from me, and 
derided me. Under narrow circumstances — tender feelings for 
a large family — carnal reasonings of my corrupt nature— and 
strong temptations from the enemy, 1 was often, distressed. 
But my Lord was gracious. Many and many a time did he 
bring this text to my mind ; and, as it were, with all love and 
tenderness, asked me, lackedst thou any thing ? I was con- 
strained with gratitude to reply, nothing Lord. Christ is a 
most precious master to serve ! I have proved it. Oh trust the 
Lord ye his saints : for they who trust him lack nothing. So 
these disciples found it, though sent out in want of every thing. 
The hearts of all men are in the Lord's hands ; he will open 
them, greater love to him, and more ardent desires to please 
him. We have here a reproof, against all that care and anxi- 
ety about the things of this life, which so sadly distress our 
minds. W T hat shall we say to the spirit and conduct of many 
professors ? They have all the same anxious cares, and soli- 
citous concerns, about the world, which the men of it have : but 
Christ charges us, ' Take no thought for your life, neither be of 
doubtful mind,' &c. Luke xii. 22 — 29. I)o they act as if they 
ever heard, or gave the least credit to Christ? Oh say they, 
we must do our duty, and provide for our families. God for- 
bid any christian should neglect this : but must we therefore 
act, like those who know not God ? Plainly, such will be rich : 
they are anxious to get a fortune : they want to be independ- 
ent ! of whom ? of God. Start not ! this spirit works in us all ; 
over some it prevails. They do not like to live so dependent 
on God, as every day to come to him with, ' Give us this day 
our daily bread.' Oh there is more atheism and infidelity in 
the pursuits of such, than they are aware of. How many have 
forsaken Christ for the love of the world ! ' They who will be 
rich fall into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men 
in destruction and perdition, 1 Tim. vi. 9. ' The Lord is my 
portion, saith my soul.' Lam. iii. 24. 



june 24.] 353 [mokhlkg. 

In the multitude of my thoughts within ?ne, thy com- 
forts delight my soul. Psalm xciv. 19. 

Vain thoughts and carnal reasonings, like impertinent visi- 
tors, often intrude upon the christian's mind. In this depraved 
state it cannot be otherwise. Though born again of the Spirit, 
and our minds renewed by grace ; still our old friends, our 
present foes, the world, the flesh, and the devil, will furnish us 
with various exercises from troublesome thoughts. That they 
do cause grief; are prayed against, and resisted, is a blessed 
evidence of a regenerate soul ; which is also fed, delighted, 
and comforted with the spiritual truths of God's gracious word. 

There are frequent seasons when God's dear children are 
exercised with distressing, gloomy thoughts. Afflictions are 
painful and grievous to the flesh ; then how naturally do these 
murmuring and repining thoughts arise ? ' Are these the tokens 
of God's love? how can I who am thus visited with such sor- 
row, pain, and trouble, think the Lord loves me with the love 
of a tender father, or that I am his child?' the sight of our vile 
polluted nature, corrupt lusts, sinful passions and afTections, 
sink and discourage our spirits. A multitude of thoughts arise 
within ; how can I have faith in Jesus, love to him, and de- 
light in his ways, while I find so much in me contrary to his 
will, and unconformed to his image? If the Lord hides away 
his face, and withdrawn the comforting sense of his presence, 
then'these dejecting thoughts beset us ; God is acting in wrath 
against us — his mercy is clean gone for ever : and with the 
church we are apt to think, ' The Lord hath forsaken me : My 
Lord hath forgotten me.' Isai. xlix. 14. 

This is all very natural. But what says the voice of grace ? 
Most cheering, most delighting to the harrassed mind. ' Many 
are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers out of 
them all :' ' As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.' Rev. 
iii. 19. ' Can a woman forget a sucking child, that she should 
not have compassion on the son of her womb? Tea, she may 
forget, but I will not forget thee.' Isai. xlix. 15. ' This man 
[Jesus] receiveth sinnei s.' Luke xv. 2. ' His blood cleanseih 
from all sin.' 1 John i. 7. 

God's immutable love, -unchangeable covenant, eternal truth, 
sacred word, precious promises, and solemn oath, all stand en- 
gaged for the safety and salvation of souls redeemed by Jesus ; 
who saith, • He that believeth on me shall never perish.' John 
iii. 15. Shall any or all the powers of earth and hell make Je- 
sus, the God of truth, a liar ? The bible is the christian's char- 
ter. It is our. wisdom to study that, and to judge of God's love 
from his word and promises, not by our circumstances, trials, 
frames and feelings : For, 

W hate'erthon fonnd'st him at the best, Christ rests for ever in his lo.e. 

He's at ihe worst the same. He nei er lost his fame. 

2 z 



JUNE 24.] 354 [evening. 

For the love of money is the root of all evil: Which 
while some coveted after ■, thty have erred from the faith 
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 
1 Tim. vi. 10. 



How hard to persuade a man, that there is any evil in that 
which he loves ? Evil in money ! What evil can there be in 
that which will purchase all things ? Truly we may say of mo- 
ney, as one said of a pack of cards ? Being asked what harm 
there is in them, replied, none at all ; they are very innocent 
things, if you will not meddle with them. So is money : but 
there is a curse in the love of it: there is the root of all evil. 
What mighty ills have not been done by this ? Why, the love 
of money will dethrone God in the heart, and make a man an 
idolater. ' Covetousness is idolatry.' Col. iii. 5. Can there 
in all the world be a greater evil than this? is not this the root 
of all evil ? do not all evils spring from hence. Love of money 
was the same in the apostle's days, as it is now : some then, 
as well as now, coveted after it. Some ! who ? Men who 
knew nothing about the gospel, or faith ? not so. For * they 
erred from the faith.' So that it is plain, they either had, or 
professed to have had faith. How did they err? (1) They mis- 
took the nature of faith. That brings God and Christ, and 
heaven into the soul, and creates perfect happiness there. Mo- 
ney or no money, such a soul says, the Lord is my portion : 
and with Paul, I am full, Phil. iv. 18. But some have only an 
empty notion, which they mistake for faith. This brings no 
spiritual enjoyment into the heart : hence they seek it in money 
(2) They erred, or went out of the way of faith. Faith sees 
every enjoyment as the gift of God, is satisfied with it, and 
thankful for it: but where there is a greedy, insatiable desire 
after money ; if such persons really have faith, they wi.l go 
out of the way of faith to obtain it": they will rack their very 
brains, distress their poor hearts, and wear out their bodies in 
pursuit after riches. And what is the consequence after all 
this erring from the faith? Wretched gain of riches! They 
pierce themselves through with many sorrows : sorrows to get 
riches ; sorrows to keep them ; sorrows how to dispose of them ; 
sorrows to think they must leave them ; but sorrow above all 
sorrows, a good God forsaken, precious Christ despised, a glo- 
rious gospel rejected, an immortal soul neglected, for the love 
of money. Oh my dear Lord, let me see and enjoy thee as my 
best gain, my truest riches. May my heart cleave to thee in 
stedfast faith ; abide in thee by sincere love; walk with thee 
in precious communion; die in thee with sweet tranquillity 
and reign with thee in eternal glory. 

What harm in money can there be ? Lord it allures the heart from thee, 

Then why not covet more? And binds it to our store. m. 



' 



june 25.] 355 [morning. 

When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the 
Lord, and my prayer came unto thee, into thine holy 
temple. Jonah ii. 7. 

In the prophet Jonah's conduct we have a true picture of 
human nature, in its strong opposition to the power and grace 
of God. Though Jesus clothes his saints with righteousness, 
and the Spirit sanctifies and renews them in the spirit of their 
minds ; yet pride, obstinacy, and self-will still dwell in their 
corrupt fallen nature. The Spirit of truth and wisdom hath 
discovered the vile sins of his eminent prophets and faithful 
people, as well as their holy graces: this proves as a touch- 
stone to us, to try whether we have received the true grace of 
God in our hearts. A. regenerate soul will never draw any en- 
couragement to indulge himself in sin and rebellion against 
God, because he reads of David's complicated sins of murder 
and adultery — of Jonah's fleeing from and provoking behavi- 
our to God— or of Peter's sad denial of Jesus with abominable 
oaths and curses. If scripture truths prove as poison, it is 
only to reprobate minds. They are ever wholesome food to 
sanctified hearts. Such behold in the falls ot the saints of old, 
the evils to which themselves are ever liable. If they are kept, 
they are humble ; and give the dear Saviour all the glory : il 
they are fallen low,' they remember the Lord. ' I remembered 
the Lord,' says Jonah. Grace creates a good heart-memory, 
where there is a bad head-memory. The soul can never forget 
the Lord Christ: it calls to mind the Lord's love, and how he 
dealt with his people of old. They see his loving-kindness, 
faithfulness and truth, never failed them. 

Hence the Holy Spirit stirs up and encourages poor broken 
hearted, backsliding souls to trust in a God of covenant love. 
A sense of pain brings the body into a weak, fainting state. 
So a sense of sin, fear of God's wrath, the hidings of his face 
in Christ Jesus, make the soul faint and languid. But in the 
lowest ebb of 'hope, and under the weakest frames of soul, the 
sanctified memory, though it bears a faithful record of past sins, 
yet it is also a precious repository of God^s free grace truths, 
and most precious promises in Christ Jesus. His human na- 
ture is the temple, in which God and man meet — to which sin- 
ners look — and through which grace is bestowed. Hence the 
poor soul is excited to mourn under the displeasure of an of- 
fended father ; and yet to cry to him in hope against hope — to 
pray to him in faith, though it has not one encouraging symptom 
in nature and self; but looking for all in Jesus. Oh most 
blessed words from the Father to humble believing souls; ' I 
will remember their sins no more.' Jer. xxxi. 34. 



june 25.] 356 [evening. 

Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. 
1 Tim. vi. 8. 



Man wants but little ; that little not long : but unbelief mul- 
tiplies our wants, and magnifies our discontent. God rains 
down manna ; the people are delighted with it, but are not 
content to trust God for the morrow's supply. They gathered 
more than would serve for one day : what was the consequence? 
' It bred worms and stank, ' Exod. xvi. 20. Here distrust and 
unbelief prevailed, and abundance begot discontent. Oh ye 
rich and great, is it not so with you ? And thou oh my soul, 
thy pittance, is more than Paul here required : art thou con- 
tent ? No riches, without Christ, and the riches of his grace, 
can bring content to the mind. But when Christ vouchsafes 
to fulfil that precious word, Rev. ii. 17. 'I will give to eat of 
the hidden manna,' then we shall have hearts content, though 
we have no more coats than backs, and but just food enough to 
satisfy our hunger ; for faith supplies all ; it brings the sup- 
plier of all into our hearts ; there we feed upon him by faith. 
The supply of our wants, does not fix content in the mind ; 
most of them are not real, but imaginary. As wants increase, 
so does discontent. 

That cruel something unpossest 
Corrodes and leavens all the rest. 

True content arises, from the mind being brought to our 
state. Have we little or much? The Lord gave it. He sees 
best to give no more. When his will is the law, the mind is 
content ; See Paul's reason for content. (1) Look back to 
your birth. ' We brought nothing into the world.' If we have 
nothing, we have all we were born with. (2) Look forward to 
your death. ( It is certain we can carry nothing out of it 
Think of your naked birth, and naked death; all we possess, 
we shall soon leave behind. Would you be rich? (3) Paul 
says, this is to fall into temptation and a snare, and into many 
foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and 
perdition : for the love of money is the root of all evil. Oh for 
Agur's prayer : * Give me not riches,' Prov. xxx. 8. (4) What 
is the greatest gain? Godliness with contentment. Having 
Christ for your food, and his righteousness your raiment, this 
brings true content of mind. One who had noLiing but bread 
and water, cried out in an ecstasy, what all this nd Christ 
too ! Learn more to live by faith on the Son of God ; for all 
God's promises are yours in him. This one is enough to si- 
lence murmurings, and quell the risings of discontent ; ' I will 
never leave thee, nor forsake thee,' Heb. xiii. 5. 



Then what avails my anxious care If in God's promises 1 share, 

For all tilings here below ? I'd all things else forego. 






1UNE 26.] 357 [MOBNliNG. 

And now, little children, abide in him; thai when he 
shall appear, ice may have confidence, and not be ashamed 
before him at his coming. 1 John ii. 28. 

'■ A burnt child dreads the tire :' so a soul who has fallen into 
any snare of the enemy, when rescued by grace, fears the same 
evil, and wisely cautions his brethren against it. I fell, do you 
beware. So it was even with the beloved disciple John: he 
did not abide by Jesus in the day of trial, but, with the rest of 
his disciples, forsook him and fled. But who can tell the sor- 
row of his heart ? who can paint the distress of his mind, and 
the shame of his face, when Jesus appeared to them, and John 
said, ' It is the Lord?' John xxi. 7. 

And is Jesus gone but for a season ? will he assuredly come 
again and take all his little children home ? and do we expect 
his appearance ? do we believe we shall shortly see him in the 
glory of his Father and of his holy angels ? What constancy and 
courage should this inspire us with ? how ought christian sol- 
diers to abide in Jesus the captain of their salvation — abide 
in a steady profession of his name — in a firm reliance upon his 
death and atonement — in a confident hope of being righteous 
in him : ' accepted in him the Beloved', in an uninterrupted obe- 
dience to his will — and an earnest endeavour to follow his ex- 
ample ? and above all, to abide in child-like dependence upon 
him — loving to be near him— conversing freely with him —pour- 
ing out our hearts before him -simply telling him of our weak- 
ness and dangers, our troubles and sorrows, and praying him 
to keep us from falling : this is sweet and pleasant, thus always 
to abide in the faith of our Lord. The more we thus delight 
ourselves in the Lord, the more we grow dead to all things 
beside him : but, soul, be assured, that conforming to a vain 
world, complying with its sinful customs, gratifying the lust of 
the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life ; as this is 
not abiding in the teachings of Jesus, it will weaken thy confi- 
dence in him, and, bring shame upon thy soul before him : thou 
findest it so even now, when thou dost approach unto his throne 
of grace. How often, from thy foolish forsaking thy Master 
and his ways, have thy hands been made to hang down, thy 
knees feeble, thy heart faint? Oh how hath holy boldness in 
Jesus forsaken thee, and shame and doubts and fears over- 
spread thee ? Oh then if thou hast any regard for the glory of 
thy Lord, any concern for thy present peace and joy, study and 
pray to live and walk, so as to enjoy the presence of thy Savi- 
our. 

I cannot bear thy absence, Lord ; I was not born for earth or sin, 

My life expires if thou depart ; Nor can I live on things so vile ; 

Be thoa, my heart, still near my God, Yet while L stay my Father's time, 

Aud thou, my God, he near my heart. And hope and wait for heav'u awhile. 



june. 26.] 355 [evening. 

Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? Song iii. 3. 

An abrupt question ; very oddly stated. Had this enquirer 
no name for her beloved ? Can she suppose every one she asks, 
knew who was the beloved of her soul, and was acquainted 
with her Toss of him ? The spouse of Christ, here seems to be 
in great discomposure of mind : just like a tender mother, who 
has lost the beloved son of her womb ; or an affectionate wife, 
in search after an indulgent husband : thinking every one has 
heard of her distress, asks with the utmost eagerness, have you 
seen him? Oh for more of this love of Christ in our souls S 
Observe here, the actings of a gracious heart, under the sense 
of Christ's withdrawing his comforting presence. That Christ, 
for wise and good ends best known to himself, doth withdraw 
himself, is a truth that has been experienced by all his saints. 
You have not been long married to Christ, if you have not 
taken up the words of the church of old, ' Verily thou art a God 
who hidest thyself, oh God of Israel the Saviour,' Isai. xlv. 15. 
How does this affect you? Oh, say some, we do not live upon our 
frames. Your frames ! we are speaking of living upon Christ, and 
enjoying his presence : sweet intercourse, fellowship, compla- 
cency and delight in, and with him. If you are content to live 
from day to day quite easy, careless and unconcerned, without 
this, you are got into a very bad frame indeed. It is most plain, 
your heart is taken up with some other vain and worthless 
lovers. Yea, it is much to be doubted, whether such hearts 
ever were in a right frame with Christ ; for to loving souls, 
Christ's presence is their heaven : His absence causes a hell 
of uneasiness in their minds. Now here is a sure evidence, 
whether your heart is towards Christ, or the world : Your face 
towards heaven or hell. But do you say, it is the grief and bur- 
den of my soul, that I have lost the sense of my Lord's love 
and presence ? If so, he has still left his love in thine heart. 
. r ~ still dwells there by faith : seek for him ; enquire after him : 
was he found of thee at first, when thou soughtest him not? 
He will not live in heaven without thee ; he will not let thee 
live on earth, without again refreshing thy soul, with the mani- 
festation of his presence. Mark this gracious word to discon- 
solate seekers, ' Fear not ye, for ye seek Jesus,' Matt, xxviii. 
5. For mind, though the spouse had lost sight of Christ, her 
soul loves him. Still she says, * Him whom my soul loveth.' 
Here is the evidence of a heart truly converted to Christ. In 
the darkest seasons, and under the greatest distresses, there is 
love to Christ, and breathings after him. ' The upright love 
thee,' Song i. 4. 

Ah when of Christ we have lost sight, 'Tis he creates our heav'n within, A 

We should for him enquire, We hence his presence love ; 

'Tis like a dark and stormy night, He frees our souls from guilt and sin, 

To lose our heart's desire. And gives us joys to prove. n. 



JUNE 27.] 359 [MORNING. 

And shall not God avenge fits oivn elect, thai cry day 
and night to him, though he bear long ivith them ? 
Luke xviii. 7. 

This question implies the strongest assertion. Thus our Lord 
concludes a parable he had delivered to this end, ' that men 
ought always to pray and not to faint.' Our Saviour well knew 
how ready his disciples' hands are to hang down, and their 
hearts to grow languid and faint ; so as to be remiss in this 
duty : therefore his loving heart would stir up and encourage 
them to a constant perseverance in prayer ; assuring them that 
God's ears are ever open to their cry, and his omnipotent arm 
would most certainly avenge the enemies of his own elect, and 
surely deliver them from all their troubles. Hath the Lord 
loved his people with an everlasting love? hath he chosen 
them in Christ Jesus, from before the foundation of the world ? 
hath he given them the precious faith of his own elect, and the 
cry of his children, Abba, Father? and shall an unjust judge 
deliver one whom he cares not for, and the just and holy Lord 
leave any of his beloved little ones to the power of any adversary ! 
Oh believer, never indulge such an hard thought of thy hea- 
venly Father ! Doth sin make thee cry? satan cause thee to call ? 
the world excite thee to complain? Blessed be God of a throne 
of grace to go to, and an all-powerful King to protect and con- 
quer for us. Duty is thine ; be careful not to neglect it. Deli- 
verance is the Lord's ; be assured in his own time, way and 
manner thou shalt receive it. Remember, one moment before 
thy Lord's time would not be thy mercy. 

Thy prayers, however frequent or fervent, do not influence 
the Lord to elect and chuse thee to salvation. No; but the 
cry of a heart believing in Jesus is an evidence of election. 
Therefore thou art in Christ always acceptable to God ; so are 
thy prayers through him : ' The prayer of the upright is his 
delight.' Frov. xv. 8. Though thy comfort may be often 
damped through the coldness and deadness of thy prayers ; 
yet art thou to persevere conscientiously in thy dujy. Why? 
To profess thy subjection to the Lord : ' He is thy Lord, wor- 
ship thou him.' Psal. xlvii. 11. Therefore prefer a cold pray- 
er before none at all. Better to bring words that want a soul, 
than neglect to bring our bodies which have souls in them : 
* Take with you words.' Hos. xiv. 2. and say, if thou cannot 
take the spirit and pray, This is the only foundation of hope 
of being heard, not our frames in duty; but the prevalency of 
Christ's intercession for us before the throne, and the faithful 
promises of God in him by the word and Spirit of truth. ' Con- 
tinue in prayer ' Col. iv. 2. 



june 27.] 360 [evening. 

/ will walk before the Loi d, in the land of the living. 
Psalm cxvi. 9. 



When the king confers the honour of knighthood, he be- 
stows an empty title, and nothing more. But when the King 
of saints calls a poor sinner into his presence, he confers on 
him, not a mere title of a grand name, but he dignifies him wi'h 
a nature: he makes him a new creature. These two different 
kinds of spirits are to be avoided. (1) Such as under a great 
shew of holiness, deny the fundamental doctrines of grace. (2) 
Those who make a vile abuse of those doctrines. In the for- 
mer, pride reigns : over the latter, lusts have the dominion. 
David reproves both. Under the lively sense of distinguishing 
mercy and sovereign grace, he here makes a holy resolution. 
( Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, 
and my feet from falling/ What then? Now all is safe and 
well, I will flee to the tents of ungodliness, and gratify my 
lusts. Is this his language? No, nor his conduct neither. 
Many would be ashamed to say so, but are not to do so. But 
hearts truly alive to God, under the influence of Christ, are as 
dead to this conduct, as to the language. 

' I will walk ;' Not lie down to rest in supine indolence, an-d 
indulge carnal sloth ; but be in motion and activity for God 
and his glory. i Before the Lord.' (I) In humility, knowing 
he sees how imperfect I am in all I do. (2) In peace and joy, 
believing I am accepted in the beloved— my sins freely par- 
doned, and my soul fully justified in the blood and righteous- 
ness of the Lamb. This is the walk of faith. So we enjoy the 
sense of peace, the comforts of love, the jealousy of fear, and 
the prospect of hope. ' In the land of the living :' Among liv- 
ing and lively saints ; not with spiritually dead, or formally 
alive souls : not in the land of riot, among the scenes of vanity, 
upon the devil's inch anted ground ; but in the land of light, 
liberty and love, where the sun of righteousness shines, and 
' the voice of the turtle dove is heard,' Song ii. 12. The loving 
Saviour speaking affectionately to the soul. Oh believer, as 
you value the sense of God's peace, and the comforts of his 
Spirit : as you dread a hell in your conscience, distress in your 
soul, the hidings of God's face, the terrors of the law, and the 
tauntings of satan, be careful of your walk; be watchful over 
your conduct. Oh study to keep Christ in the eye of your faith ; 
his love in the view of your soul ; his heaven in the prospect 
of your hope, and his glory the end of all, looking and praying 
for his grace to enable you to do all this. 

Whilst Ciiribt ihe Lord, dwells in my heart, Then, oh my soul forsake the ways 

It makes me walk in love : Of folly, sloth and sin : 

Bv faith I know I have a part, Walk now before thy Saviour's face, 

In promis'd joys above. His £race abounds within. h. * 



june 28.] 361 [morning. 

Strait is the gale, and narrow is the way that leadeth 
unto life; and few there be that find it. Matt. vii. 14. 

So Jesus taught. But teachers in every age have taught a 
broad way and wide gate. The greatest part of professors 
have readily received their doctrine. This is a melancholy 
truth : therefore Jesus adds, ' Beware of false prophets.' It is 
the sole prerogative of the king of saints to open a gate, and 
make way to his own kingdom. Glory to our God, who in sove- 
reign grace and everlasting love, hath done this. The gospel 
proclaims, " free welcome : come who will : enter freely, with- 
out money and without price." Jesus is the strait gate of God's 
love, the only gate of righteousness ; by him we enter, with 
access to God, stand perfectly justified and graciously accepted 
before him. Jesus is the narrow way : by the blood of his cross 
he hath made peace, atoned for the sins of transgressors by 
one offering : hence called strait and narrow, because the only 
way to life is by one Man, one righteousness, one atonement. 
Thus it is a gate of love ; a way of grace. Too strait a gate 
for blind men to see ; too narrow a way for proud, natural men 
to submit to walk in. Hence ' few there be that find it.' But 
it is very awful to think of, whoever takes any other way, or 
aims to enter by any other gate, goeth in the broad road to 
everlasting destruction. His boldness and confidence is no 
proof that he is right ; but a melancholy sign that he is blind 
and deceived. For ' the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.' 
Prov. xii. 15. And ' there is a way which seemeth right unto 
a man ; but the end thereof are the ways of death.' Prov: xiv. 
J 2. But whoever enters the kingdom by Jesus, feeds in the 
pastures of grace, truth and love ; he drinks of the river of con- 
solation, and shall be nourished up to eternal life. Like a per- 
son who takes up his residence for life, in a more delightful 
kingdom than he was born in ; so the believer is conformed to 
the laws, speaks the language of the New Jerusalem, and 
* hates the garment spotted with the flesh.' Thus the Holy 
Spirit leads the blind by the way they knew not, even the right 
way to peace, love, holiness, happiness, eternal life and salva- 
tion. Thus to a ' little flock it is the Fathers good pleasure 
to give the kingdom.' By his word he directs them; by his 
Spirit he guides them ; by his love he comforts them ; by af- 
flictions he profits them; by conviction of sin he humbles 
them ; by the prospects of hope he animates them. All this is 
to make them walk steadily in Christ, who is ' the way.' 

Christ is the sure foundation stone, Chosen of God to sinners dear, 

Which God in Zion lays, And saints adore the name : 

To build our heavenly hopes upon, They trust their whole salvation he 

And his eternal praise. Nor shall they suffer shame. 

3 A 



june 28.] 362 [evening 

1 stir up your pure minds, by way of remembrance. 
2 Pet. iii. 1. 



All the children of God are the subjects of pure minds; 
many of them complain of bad memories: all need to have 
their minds stirred up, and their memories quickened. There 
is no doubt but Peter had a pure mind, when he denied his 
Lord. But he seems to display a very treacherous memory, in 
sadly forgetting himself, his Lord, and his words. Forgetful- 
ness of dangers, causes one to fall into them : forgetting our 
own weakness to stand, causes us to fall. Consider, (1) What 
is a pure mind ? that which we are all destitute of by nature. 
' Our mind and conscience is defiled, and unbelieving/ Tit. i. 
15. Our mind is made pure, when our hearts are sprinkled 
from any evil or guilty conscience, by the blood of Christ 
through faith/ Heb. x. 22. So that a pure mind, is a believing 
mind, which receives the truth as it is in Jesus, in the power 
and purity of it; and holds the mystery of faith in a pure con 
science. (2) Such pure minds want stirring up. Do not you 
find it so day by day? Alas ! how prone are we to neglect, 
forget, and let slip out of our minds, the glorious truths, and 
precious promises of our Lord ? Then we grow weak in faith, 
dejected in hope, cold in love, and negligent in duty. This is 
not right. It is an offence to our Lord, and uncomfortable to 
our own souls. It is neither a fit frame to live, or die in. When 
a fire burns dead, we stir it, to promote flame and heat. Lord 
grant that our souls may not burn dead, but flame in love to 
thee. (3) ' I stir up.' Could Peter stir up their minds? Doubt- 
less, instrumentally. Beware of that cursed notion, which 
genders to sloth, because you have not the power to do any 
spiritual act effectually, that therefore you may neglect the 
means. Paul calls on Timothy, ' Stir up the gift of God that 
is in thee/ 2 Tim. i. 6. He could, and so we ought, as those 
alive to God, use the means, and look to God's power to bless 
them. This is the genuine actings of a lively faith. (4) The 
manner of doing this. ' By way of remembrance.' Refreshing 
the memory, is stirring up the mind. Says Peter, * f think it 
meet as long as I am in this tabernacle to do this/ We have 
all need of it. We ought also to stir up our own, and one 
another's mind, by word, and epistles, of free grace truths, 
everlasting love, and precious promises of God in Christ to 
sinners : of his finished salvation for them ; the eternal glory 
which awaits them, and which they shall soon enjoy in his 
kingdom. The Lord help us thus to stii up each other's minds, 
while in these tabernacles. 

Come christians stir each others minds, We ought to help each other's faitb, 

Lost slothfulness prevail, And hope and joy in God : 

Oli think and speak of Christ's designs, Attend to what the Spirit saitb, 

Whose grace shall never fail. And spread Christ's fame abroad,, M. 



june 29.] 363 [morning. 

The Lord is in his holy temple. Let all the earth keep 
silence before him. Hab. ii. 20. 

What God's people of old were favoured with in type and 
figure, we now enjoy in reality and substance. The temple of 
old was an eminent type of the body of Jesus. In it Jehovah 
made his presence known. Here troubled consciences sought 
relief. The mercy-seat was set up for poor sinners to approach 
to. Here Jehovah was consulted : from hence he spoke in 
grace and love to his people, and silenced every guilty fear. 
Thus God was in his holy temple : thus God was in Christ 
reconciling the world unto himself. Was this ministration 
glorious in the eyes of spiritual worshippers ? How doth ours 
exceed in glory ! The fulness of the godhead dwelt bodily in 
Jesus. This is the temple in which God delights to dwell. 
Hence grace is dispensed, peace communicated, mercy be- 
stowed, life and salvation freely given. 

Here, christian, believe and adore ; behold and wonder, 
look and admire, admire and love. Jesus is the Lord thy God, 
worship thou him. Hear the gracious w r ords that are spoken 
from this living temple. ' Keep silence,' at the last and 
most joyful words Jesus spoke, ' It is finished.' My Fa- 
ther's work is done, my dear members' salvation is completed. 
Hear this with joy, meditate on it with love, let the voice ot 
pride and self-righteousness be exalted no more, hear the voice 
of Jesus only. So shall words of legal terror and wrath be 
silenced; conscience shall be at peace ; the murmuring cry and 
the lustful desires of the flesh shall cease. Thus attend the 
voice of Jesus. Silence every carnal cavil, every lofty word 
and proud imagination which exait themselves against him. 

Doth the Lord thus speak in and from his temple to his chil- 
dren? Yea more, he dwells in them. Each sanctified member 
of Jesus is also called his holy temple, 1 Cor. iii. 17. What 
exalted honour are believers called to? ' Your bodies are the 
temples of the Holy Ghost:' chap. vi. 19. Most powerful 
motive to holiness ! Be attentive to the voice of Jesus within : 
the temple of thy heart is the throne of his residence. Here 
he speaketh comfort to the troubled conscience ; like as Jesus 
spoke to the tempestuous sea, ' Peace, be still.' And as he 
called to his affrighted disciples, ' It is I, be not afraid :' so to 
the listening soul, who saith, ' I will watch, to hear what he 
will say' — to every waiting heart at his feet, Jesus will speak 
silence to the clamours of the law, the commotions of sin, and 
the accusations of Satan. 

Send comforts down from thy right hand, And in thy temple let us see 

While we pass through this barren land, A glimpse' of love, a glimpse of thee. 



J UN E 20.] 364 1 EVENING 

By one offei ing, Christ hath perfected for ever them 
who are sanctified. H'eb. x. 14. 

We have two remarkable instances of Paul's holy zeal for 
the glory of his Lord. First: Against a gross sin in the church 
of Corinth. This brought a scandal upon the holy gospel of 
Christ. Secondly : Against a legal, self-righteous spirit, which 
obtained in the church of Galatia. This depreciated and dis- 
honoured the finished work of Christ, and perverted the faith 
of his members. It is hard to say, whether Paul's zeal ex- 
ceeded most, in the former or the latter. Hence learn, profane- 
ness and pride are equally contrary to the faith of the gospel. 
As a holy faith brings Christ and his salvation into the heart, 
so it casts out the love of sin, as well as self-righteous hopes. 
Here is a glorious truth for precious faith to fix upon. Oh that 
through the Spirit, it may bring joy and peace to our souls. 
Consider who are said to be ' sanctified' here. (1) Those who 
are separated and set apart by God the Father, according to 
his electing love. Jude i. Separated, set apart and sanctified 
by the holy Spirit, to possess a holy faith in Jesus, and a holy 
life from him. (2) In what sense has Christ perfected them 
for ever. My dear reader, it is for want of faith in this, that 
we feel so much distress in our consciences, so little love to 
Christ in our hearts, and enjoy no more peace with God in our 
souls. Sin causes all this. But Christ has perfected us for 
ever ; that is, he hath taken away all our sins, fully and finally 
from before God. He has so perfectly freed us from all the 
charges of law and justice, that there is now not one condem- 
nation against us, no more than if we had never sinned. (3) 
How has Christ done this? ' By one offering.' Oh the love 
of Christ for sinners who deserved it not : oh the willingness 
of Christ in it ! ' He gave himself for our sins.' Gal. i. 4. Oh 
the pains and agonies he endured for our salvation, and the 
glorious efficacy of his offering upon the cross ! He nade there, 
by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, 
and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for our sins. 
Thus he hath once for all, and for ever satisfied the justice of 
God, appeased his wrath, and perfectly reconciled his holiness 
to us. But (4) How is the comfort of this enjoyed? By faith. 
Is this true ? Yes, says Paul, we have the most infallible evi- 
dence of its veracity, ' Wherefore the Holy Ghost is a witness 
to us,' verse 15. Then, as we value peace of conscience, 
hope and joy of heart, we are bound to honour the Spirit of 
truth by faith unfeigned. 1 Tim. i. 5. 

For ever perfected by Christ, Thy offering once upon the cross, 

To see God's holy face : Through faith doth sanctify ; 

This cheers with love, sin to resist, All else is but as dung and dross, 

And run the heavenly race. Our souls to purify. m 



june 30.] 365 [morning. 

He will guide you into all truth. John xvi. 13. 

Our Lord here gives his disciples a farther exhibition of the 
covenant of grace, and a fuller display of the grace of the cove- 
nant. Here is a full proof of the personality of the Holy Spi- 
rit, and also of his sovereignty in his operations and influences 
upon his members. Christ did not tell his apostles, as some 
ignorantly talk, If ye will but be yielding and tractable, and 
suffer my Spirit to lead you, ye shall enjoy his kind assistance. 
No: this were to degrade the glory of this divine Agent, to 
exalt the pride of the creature, and render the gracious guid- 
ance of the Spirit dependent upon the will of the flesh. As 
though instead of being the cause of life, he was to be only a 
mere auxiliary, to aid and assist man's pious motions and good 
dispositions. Far be such thoughts from our hearts. All glory 
to this heavenly Paraclete : ' he will work, and who shall let 
him ?' He ( will guide 1 into the whole truth of covenant-love 
and salvation by Jesus Christ. This is the adorable person, 
the Spirit is to testify of, and to glorify in the sight, in the 
heart and affections of his people. The apostles themselves 
were at this time in much ignorance about, and strong preju- 
dices against many things concerning Jesus. As to the nature 
of his kingdom, they still dreamed of the grandeur of a tempo- 
ral one. Their prejudices were greatly in favour of their own 
nation, and they thought ' God was a respecter of persons;' 
of Jews above Gentiles ; and were very hardly brought to give 
up the types and shadows, particularly the sign of the cove- 
nant, circumcision, as not fully seeing that Jesus the sub- 
stance was really come, who is essentially the Truth itself. 

There is no hope for poor guilty sinners but in the truth : foi 
when the Lord declares his name to Moses, this is part of it, 
' I will by no means clear the guilty.' Exod. xxxiv. 7. This 
must be very distressing to sensible sinners. I know one who 
has found it so : my poor soul has been sadly distressed with 
this text. But the Spirit teaches that the truth of God is invio- 
lably preserved, while the guilty sinner is perfectly saved in 
the Lord Jesus, with an everlasting salvation. Jesus stood as 
our guilty substitute : the Lord laid our iniquities upon him. 
He suffered, as our surety, all the wrath due to our transgres- 
sions, ' and'with his stripes we are healed.' Isai. liii. 5. The 
reputed guilty died, the real guilty become guiltless. ' His 
blood cleanseth them from all sin.' 1 John i. 7. ■ God is just, 
while he is the justifier of the ungodly sinner, who believes in 
Jesus. ' Rom. iii. 26. Glory to the condescending Lord, who 
leads us out of the destructive paths of natural pride, self-will, 
and self righteousness, ' and gives us repentance to the ac- 
knowledging of the truth,' 2 Tim. ii. 25, ' that we may be sane 
tified through the truth.' John xvii. 19. 



JUNE 30.] 066 [EVENING. 

By one offering, Christ hath perfected for ever them 
who are sanctified. Heb. x. 14. 

' My soul is caught ; 
Heaven's sovereign blessings clustering from the cross, 
Rush on her, in a throng, and close her round, 
The prisoner of amaze. ' 

I beg this plea to be admitted in excuse for a second medita- 
tion on this text. Oh sinner ! If you believe in a crucified 
Saviour, you are born of God, know the love of God, are sanc- 
tified by the grace of God, and are for ever perfected before 
God. All this flows from the one offering of the Son of God, 
borne witness to in the world, and in our Heart's by \he bpirit of 
God. This, like every other blessed truth of Jehovah, the Fa- 
ther, Son and Spirit's love and grace, is to have its use and 
influence upon our hearts and lives. Lord grant it may. Con- 
sider, (S) Hath Christ forever perfected you before God, in 
taking away your sins, and reconciling your person ? Then 
with what holy boldness, and filial confidence, may you draw 
nigh to God. Heaven is open to you, God rejoices over you, 
and he will eternally receive you. (2) Hold the mystery of 
this faith in a pure conscience. Answer every demand, and 
every threatning of the law, with this 'one offering/ Plead 
your perfection by it to divine justice. Thus you will honour 
both the offering, the law which is fulfilled by it, and justice, 
which is perfectly satisfied with it. (3) Seek no other, look 
not to any other matter or thing within or without you, for 
peace with God, and reconciliation to God, than the one offer- 
ing of Christ. Reject, with the utmost abhorrence, that proud, 
popish notion of more justifications than one, perfected for 
ever, by the one offering of the Son of God. For any attempt 
towards it is an act of the greatest dishonour, the highest un- 
belief, and vilest ingratitude to our dear Saviour. (4) As you 
are for ever perfected before God, be ever perfecting holiness 
in the fear of God. While this faith is kept clear and lively 
in the heart, it works by the most generous love of Christ, and 
works in us the most fervent love to him : and love is the very 
life of holiness. Love, and live as you will. Love, and go 
where you will. Love, and you will be dead to all that God 
forbids, and alive to all that he commands. (5) Let not the 
sight of your own imperfection and unprofitableness, as a mi- 
serable sinner, deject your mind, or distress your soul, so as to 
cause you to let go the faith, that Christ hath for ever perfected 
you before God. What thou hast attained, saith Christ, hold 
fast till I come. Be v. ii. 25. 

Amazing mystery ! Oh for faith We are for ever perfected, 

To hold it in my conscience fast ; In Christ our head, from first to Jast. m. 



JULY 1.] 367 MORNING. 

Lei us hold fast the projession of our faith without 
wavering : for he is faithful that promised. Heb. x. 23. 

Poor christian, thy profession is envied by the malice of 
devils ; it is the scorn and ridicule of natural men, and is con- 
trary to thy carnal reason. Hence thou hast the combined 
force of a threefold alliance in arms against thee, if that by any 
means they may rob thee of thy hope. Happy christian, who, 
like thy blessed Master, in the face of every adversary, hast 
' witnessed a good profession.' 1 Tim. vi. 13. What an ani- 
mating exhortation, backed with a most precious assertion, is 
this. Thou must expect to be assaulted by the rage of devils, 
treated with scorn and contempt from wicked men, and often put 
to a stand by the carnal reasonings of the flesh. Here is thy duty: 
' Hold fast' in spite of ail opposition : hold fast the truths of 
God. ' it is written,' is sufficient to silence every carnal argu- 
ment, to support J:hy soul against every attack from the wisdom 
of this world. With this weapon thy blessed Master put Sa- 
tan to flight. Thus defend thyself with the sword of the Spirit 
against every foe : thus encourage thy soul daily to * hold fast 
its profession.' God's revealed truths are faith's objects, faith's 
confidence, faith's security ; for God's foundation standeth 
sure. ' He is faithful that promised.' Why then should thy 
mind at any time waver, agitate, or be tossed to and fro? The 
foundation of God standeth sure. To consider in the word, 
promises, and oath of a faithful, covenant-keeping, promise- 
fulfilling God, is the glory of thy soul, and glorifies thy Lord. 
Is Jesus thy profession ? Is all thy hope in him ; all thy expec- 
tation from him ? Ts he thy all for pardon, for righteousness, 
for sanctification, for wisdom, and eternal redemption? Dost 
thou profess him thy alpha and omega? Then be careful for 
nothing but to please him ; fear thou nothing but what may 
offend him. Whilst thou lookest to him only, thou wilt be of 
good courage. Remember thy foes are his conquered enemies. 
When they oppose, attack, assault, it is to try thy faith, that 
thou mayest glorify him the more. What hast thou already ? 
Hast thou not thy Lords faithful word, his precious promises, 
his solemn oath, all pledged for thy safety and salvation ? 
Hast thou not found peace of conscience, comfort and joy of 
soul in Jesus? Then cleave close to him, hold fast by him. 
Ever.plead, not thy own, but his faithfulness, Attend his sweet 
call from heaven above, to all Iris conflicting members below : 
' That which ye have already, hold fast till I come.' Rev. 
ii. 25. 

The fearful soul that tires and faints, Lord, let not all my hopes be vain, 

And walks the ways of God no more, Create my heart entirely new, 

Is but esteemed almost a saint, Which hypocrites could ne'er attain, 

And makes his own destruction sure. Which base apostates never knew. 



JULY 1.] 368 [EVENING. 

/ am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Rom. 
i. 16. 

Says Mr. Bunyan, ' Of all the men that I met with in my 
pilgrimage, shame, I think, bears the wrong name. This bold- 
faced shame would never have done. I could scarce shake him 
out of my company. He would be continually haunting me, 
and whispering me in the ear. Indeed this shame is a bold 
villain.' Have not you found the same ? Lord, pardon thy 
servant, that this sin cleaves unto me. Lord, I am ashamed 
of myself, that I should ever be ashamed of thee, and thy gos- 
pel. Lion of the tribe of Judah, drive away this shame from 
my heart. Consider, (I) Its origin. It is begot by pride. We 
are proud of our good names, fair characters, our reason and 
understanding, among the men of the world. If we openly 
profess the gospel of Christ, and live and walk under the influ- 
ence of it, we cannot do as the rest of the world does. Hence 
we shall soon get a nick-name : be called a Methodist, and 
deemed a fool, a madman, an enthusiast. Pride cannot bear 
this : it is ashamed of it. Then, (2) It works by fear. Fear 
says, take heed to yourself: do not go too far : keep your gos- 
pel to yourself: you will surely sutler for it : you will lose your 
friends, character, and business : you will set all the world 
against you, and then, how will you live? . Hence, (3) You 
see that pride and fear are the cursed brats of atheism and 
unbelief. They banish the providence of God, and the pro- 
mises of. his grace out of our mind. Hence it is plain, that 
faith, a living faith in the gospel of Christ, will drive pride, 
fear and shame out of the heart, with, get ye to hell, from 
whence ye sprang. Oh consider the dishonour it is to precious 
Christ, to be ashamed of his glorious gospel. Does that bring 
to our souls the glad tidings of the pardon of our sins, peace 
with God, justification before him, and eternal enjoyment of 
him through the salvation of Christ? Did he make himself of 
no reputation for us ? Did he endure the cross, and despise 
the shame of hanging naked upon it, as a cursed malefactor to 
save us? And shall we be ashamed of him? Where then is 
our faith in him, and love to him? It is one thing to be beset 
with shame, and another to give way to it. A lively faith 
begets warm love: then shame durst not shew his base head. 
Without thee, oh Jesus, we can do nothing. Through thy 
strength we can do all things. Lord strengthen our souls in the 
faith and love of thee. Oh suffer us never never to be ashamed 
of thee, and of thy cross. But let us ever glory in thee, and 
of thee. And, dear Lord help us, that we may never be a shame 
to thee and thy gospel, by an unchristian life, and unholy 
walk. 



JULY 2.] 369 [MORNING. 

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit 
will I put within you : and I will take away the stony 
heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of 
flesh. Ezekiel xxxvi. 26. 

What absolute declarations are here ! All display the sove- 
reign will and almighty favour of a covenant God. As God's 
heart of love is towards his people in Christ, so his Spirit of 
power works in them, according to the counsel of his own will. 
Hence they know, love and serve him. By the blood of Jesus 
their sins are pardoned, and their consciences cleansed from 
guilt. By the Spirit of Jesus, they are inwardly sanctified, from 
their filthiness and idols : a new heart and a new spirit is put 
within them ; and they are enabled to walk in his statutes and 
keep his judgments. Thus ' all things are of God, who hath 
reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ.' 2 Cor. v. 17, 18. 
' If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are 
past away; behold, all things are become new.' 

A christian, as Luther says, is a new creature in a new world. 
He has a new heart, he is under a new government, serves a 
new master, obeys new laws, is actuated by new fears, influ- 
enced by new love, animated with new delights and new joys. 
Ah, says a disciple, this is sweet in theory, and true in doc- 
trine ; but in experience I find and feel, to my grief, an old 
nature of sin and unbelief, and groan under a body of death. 
This is also very true : yea it is perfectly consistent with a 
state of regeneration. Saints in all ages have found it so. The 
Lord, in this very text, accounts for it: * I will take away the 
stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you heart of flesh.' 
Naturally thy heart is as hard as a stone. Thou conldst nei- 
ther feel sin, mourn for sin, nor be humbled under a sense of 
sin. But through the blood of Jesus, applied by the Spirit in 
believing the truth, thou hast a soft, tender, yielding heart; a 
heart of flesh, succeptible of impressions, looking to Jesus by 
faith, melted by love, and mourning for sin. Though the king's 
daughter, the lamb's wife, is all glorious within ; though her 
clothing is of wrought gold ; yet she is unhappily allied to a 
base, wretched, churlish Nabal. Hence, though thou hast no 
confidence in the flesh, and in it dwells no good thing; yet thou 
dost delight in the law of God after the inward man ; and hast 
continual cause of rejoicing in Christ Jesus. Phil. iii. 3. 

Our heart, that flinty stubborn thing, And every motion of our souls 

That terrors cannot move, To swift obedience draw. 

That fears no threatenings of God's wrath, 

Shall be dissolved by love. Thus will he pour salvation down, 

And we shall render praise ; 

There shall his sacred Spirit dwell, We the dear people of his love, 

And deep engrave his law, And he our God of grace. 

3 B 



JULY 2.J 37C [EVENING 

Wash me, and J shall be whiter man snow. Psal. li. 7. 



Here is majesty in misery ; a king in penitence ; a monarch 
of the earth, at the footstool of mercy. David as a miserable 
sinner, polluted with the complicated crimes of adultery and 
murder, is here ascribing honour to the blood of the Lamb, by 
the pleading of faith. Had you now asked David, what he 
thought of the pleasures of sin ; he would have read the most 
affecting lecture of its exceeding sinfulness, and the exceeding- 
distress, terror and horror it had brought upon his soul. Though 
invested with the government of a kingdom, yet he could not 
command away its terrors from his mind, its burden from his 
conscience, nor its pollution from his soul He now found the 
words of his Son fully verified, ' Whoso breaketh through a 
hedge, a serpent shall bite him/ Eccles. x. 8 He had broke 
through the hedge of God's law, and that old serpent who 
tempted him, now stings and torments him. But when Nathan 
had convinced David of his transgressions, so that he cried 
out, * I have sinned,' did not the prophet add? ' The Lord 
also hath put away thy sin.' 2 Sam. xii. 13. Yes. Neverthe- 
less, this penitential psalm was wrote after this. From whence 
we may infer, (1) That though sin is put away by the Lord 
Jesus in the court of heaven, yet the poor sinner may not enjoy 
the comfort of this in his own conscience. (2) There may be 
true faith in the blood of the Lamb, that cleanses from all sin, 
and yet the soul be left to cry out under the pollution of sin. 

(3) A regenerate soul is as much concerned to be cleansed from 
the pollution of sin, as to be comforted with the pardon of sin. 

(4) That true faith manifests itself in the heart, by its turning 
away from every thing else, and turning to that blessed foun- 
tain opened for sin and uncleanness. Not my tears of repent- 
ance, but thy precious blood, oh Lamb of God, can wash me. 
Precious word ! ' The blood of the Son of God cleanseth from 
all sin.' ] John i. 7. (5) Faith ascribes the utmost efficacy 
to it : ' Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow/ I shall be 
as free, and as fair, from the least stain of sin in God's sight, 
as if I had never sinned : ' without spot or wrinkle, or any such 
thing.' Ephes. v. 27. Hence learn, first, as you value the sense 
of Gods love and peace of conscience, beware of sin. Next, 
If you sin, flee instantly to the blood of the Lamb to be 
cleansed, and to no other remedy. Lastly, Believe, wait and 
pray. No power can forgive sin, nor cleanse from it, but that 
Lord against whom it is committed. If we confess our sins, 
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us 
from all unrighteousness. 1 John i. 9. 



JULY 3.] 371 [morning 

My sheep liear my voice ; 1 know them, and they fol- 
low me, John x. 27. 



All our mercies in time and eternity, flow from Jesus' know- 
ing us as his sheep. To all such, salvation is certain ; both as 
to present grace and future glory. As a shepherd knowetli 
every sheep committed to his care, so doth our good Shepherd. 
All his sheep were everlastingly beloved of the Father, ' cho- 
sen in Christ before the foundation of the world,' and given to 
Jesus in the eternal counsel. He became surety for them, he 
redeemed them to God by his own blood. Hence he calls them, 
* my sheep;' mine by gift, mine by redemption. Thus he hath 
a distinct knowledge of them, and special property in them. 
For e died Jesus as a fool dieth?' Spilt he his precious blood 
at uncertainty ? Paid he the dreadful debt to law and justice 
at a peradventure, whether any soul would receive the eternal 
benefit or not ? Surely no : for his undertaking was in infinite 
wisdom and counsel, as well as wonderful in grace and love. 
Jesus well knew the natural state of his sheep. They were all 
gone astray, and turned every one to his own way. They would 
all count their shepherd an enemy, and fly from him as a de- 
stroyer if left to themselves. But Jesus saith, I am the good 
Shepherd. He inclines their ears to hear, and their hearts to 
believe in him; to come to him as such, and to follow him. 
They have the properties of his own sheep ; they give evidence 
of it. They live upon his word, and feed upon his love. Alas, 
what deplorable circumstances were we all in, when this sweet 
voice first reached our ears ; when this powerful voice affected 
our hearts. It was a sound of glad tidings, love, and salvation 
to lost sheep indeed. It proved effectual to recal our souls 
from the dangerous and destructive paths in which we had lost 
ourselves. Truly we may also say of Jesus, ' never man spake 
like this man.' The power of his voice begets obedience : and, 
like the blind man restored to sight, we follow Jesus as the 
Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. We know he hath the 
words of eternal life. To whom then should we go but to him? 
And it is the delight of our souls to see the footsteps of our 
Shepherd, that we may tread therein. Though, oh soul, thou 
canst not see whether thy name is written in the Lamb's book 
of life ; yet in the sight of the Spirit thou mayest read thy 
name in the book of grace, if thou hast heard the voice of Je 
sus, and art following him. Thou mayest safely conclude, the 
Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psal. xxiii. 1 . 

The Lord my Shepherd is, He leads me to the place 

I shall be well supplied ; Where heavenly pasture grows, 

Since he is mine, and I am his, Where living- waters gently pass 

What ean 1 want beside J And full salvation flows. 



JULY 3.1 372 [EVENING. 

The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon 
him. He is an unwise son : J or he should not stay long 
in the place of breaking forth of children. Hosea 
xiii. 13. 



Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod 
of correction shall drive it far from him. Prov. xxii. 15. 
Though God's children are made wise unto salvation, yet folly 
is bound up in their nature. Their conduct discovers it, and 
proves the necessity of the rod of correction to drive it from 
them. Here is a threatening — a charge— the reason for it — 
and a most precious promise from the Lord. (1) The threaten- 
ing. God loves his children too well, to spare the rod and spoil 
them. ' For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth ; even as a 
father the son in whom he delighteth.' Prov. iii. 12. Therefore 
painful sorrows, like those of a travailing woman, come upon 
them. Nature's pains prove nature's remedies. The painful 
visitations of love, prove spiritual remedies to the soul : they 
bring forth abundant blessings. Oh ye children of God, beware 
of construing love tokens of afflictions, into black marks of 
hatred. (2) The charge. ( He is an unwise son.' My dear 
heavenly Father, what great reason hast thou for this charge 
against me ? In how many ways have I displayed my folly ! 
Though thy wisdom sees it, yet thy loving gracious heart does 
not disinherit, but thou sayest, .Son, still. Faith works by this 
love, all hope and peace in the conscience, and holiness of life 
(3) See the reason of the charge. ' He should not stay long in 
the place of breaking forth of children.' This was fulfilled in 
the conduct of the disciples. Christ compared them to a wo- 
man in travail ; told them they should ' weep and lament, and 
be sorrowful ;' but adds, ' your sorrow shall be turned into joy/ 
John xvi. 20. Yet they were unwise sons. They staid too 
' long in the place and breaking forth of children.' Instead of 
being delivered of their pains and sorrows, by faith in their 
Lord's death, they indulged them. Hence our Lord upbraids 
them, * Oh fools, and slow of heart to believe.' Luke xxiv. 25. 
Do not you fall under this reproof also? Do you act as a wise 
or an unwise son ? Where are you? Has faith in your Lord 
delivered you of your pains, and brought forth joy ? Or are you 
still staying in the chamber of labour, sighing and sorrowing 
under bondage to fear, instead of rejoicing as children of God. 
This is really the case with many disciples now : they walk not 
in the glorious liberty of the children of God : they do not in 
their minds and consciences stand fast, triumph and rejoice in 
Christ's finished salvation, but are poring upon what they are in 
themselves. (4) Look at the precious promises of your Lord, 
' I will ransom and redeem them.' verse 14. 



july 4.] 373 [morning 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to for- 
give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous 
ness. 1 John i. 9. 



Doubtless there are many confessions of sin made by the 
lips of men, which are vain and fruitless. Yea, a man may be 
under a sense of legal terror and wrath in his conscience ; and, 
like Judas, in the anguish of his spirit confess that he has sin- 
ned, and yet never obtain forgiveness from God. But every be- 
liever is made a priest unto God, to offer up spiritual sacrifices 
by Jesus Christ. And as the high-priest under the law, laid 
both his hands upon the scape-goat and made confession of sins, 
Levit. xvi. 21, so the christian, every anointed one, lays both 
his hands of faith and hope on Jesus Christ, confessing the 
evil of sin, the desert of sin, the sin of his nature, and the sin 
of his life, and pleads for forgiveness. The sacrifice of Jesus 
is the alone object of his faith, and the blood of the Lamb is 
his only hope for pardon. This will be the daily exercise of 
believing souls ; for we have daily need both of pardon and 
cleansing. 

Souls thus confessing sin, are not left in doubtful suspense. 
They do not argue, God is merciful, and perhaps he may for- 
give sin : but through the perfection of the one atonement of 
Jesus, by the word of truth, they are fully assured, God the 
Father absolutely will pardon ; not merely as an act of mercy, 
but because he is faithful and just. ( Faithful' to his own word, 
his oath, his counsel and his covenant promises. ' Just' to 
fulfil the engagements entered into with Jesus, and to bestow 
what the precious blood of his Son hath procured for poor sin- 
ners. The blood of Christ was the stipulated price for all our 
sins. This Christ, as our surety, hath paid to God. To de- 
mand payment for that debt of the debtor, which his surety has 
paid, is not just. But God is just, he doth not this. And thus, 
through the faith of his heart, the sinner is brought to make 
confession of sin with his mouth, with godly sorrow and holy 
shame for sin, and sincere abhorrence and detestation of sin. 
And lest such a soul should be ' swallowed up with overmuch 
sorrow,' God the Spirit is just; he will assuredly ' cleanse hkn 
from all unrighteousness,' will sprinkle his heart from a guilty 
conscience, cleanse his mind from every guilty fear, through 
the application of the blood of Jesus. So that the soul shall 
have, * the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise 
for the spirit of heaviness.' Isai. lxi. 3. 

And now the scales bave left mine eyes, When justice seized God's only Son, 
Now I begin to see ; And put his soul to pain r 

Oh the curs'd deeds my sins have done : 

What murd'rous things they be. Forgive my guilt, oil Prince of peace, 

Nor let me wound thee more ; 

Was it for crimes that I had done Hence from my heart, ye sins, be gone, 
My dearest Lord was slain, For Jesus 1 adore. 



&uly 4.] 374 [evening. 

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. viii. 10. 

This is a precious evangelical chapter: glorious gospel truths 
are here held forth to us. Lord help us to see them, and feed 
upon them. Here is, (1) A solemn observation of the feast 
of tabernacles. This was appointed by the wisdom of God the 
Father. Lev. xxiii. 34. Did God solemnly command the peo- 
ple to dwell in booths for eight days, but to some glorious end? 
No : Christ is the substance of the whole law. Here is a sha- 
dow of him : here is typified, God's beloved Son, who was to 
tabernacle in our flesh, and all the Father's glory to dwell 
in him. (2) ' The people gathered together as one man.' 
So, unto Shiloh, the Messiah, shall the gathering of the people 
be. Gen. xlix. 10. (3) Ezra reads and expounds to them the 
law, in the open street (much such another dreadful crime as 
field-preaching :) the people were convinced of sin and wept. 
The law ministers death and condemnation to them. Here is 
the office of the Holy Ghost in convincing of sin, and comfort- 
ing them by faith. (4) Ezra preaches the gospel to them, and 
says, f Weep not, neither be ye sorry.' No ! Not when their 
hearts were wounded by sin, when the terrors of a broken law 
fell upon them, and when they saw justice armed with ven- 
geance to destroy them ? No : for, says he, ' The joy of the 
Lord is your strength.' How so? A glorious ray of Christ's 
rich love and marvellous grace to poor sinners, beams forth 
here. See what is the joy of the Lord. Our precious Lord. 
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, ' For the joy that 
was set before him,' of saving us miserable sinners, ' endured 
the cross, despising the shame.' Heb. xii. 2. Look unto Jesus : 
meditate on this joy of your Lord. Though he was to suffer 
the most excruciating pains and agonies on the cross, be ex- 
posed to public shame and infamy as a malefactor, hanging 
naked ; yet such was his joy in saving his dear people from 
hell, to be glorified with him eternally in heaven, that he pati- 
ently endured all, and cheerfully despised all this. Oh such 
love, such grace, such joy, never dwelt but in the heart of the 
incarnate God. Sinner, this joy of the Lord is your strength 
and mine. The faith of this creates the highest joy in our souls, 
and this joy inspires our hearts with strength and courage 
against all our enemies. For we are more than conquerors, 
through Christ who loved us, and had such joy in saving us. 
Oh to think, I am a poor, weak, and vile sinner from day to day, 
surrounded by the most subtle and powerful foes, is enough to 
make our hearts faint, our knees feeble, and our hands hang 
down. But, oh the joy, the strength it inspires the soul to 
know, ' The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty/ Zeph. 
iii. 17. 

The joy which cometh from the Lord, It's reaped bv faith in his good word, 

Our'daily strength shall be, Who hung unon the tree. w. 



JOLY 5] 375 [MORNING. 

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, 
if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold tempta- 
tions. 1 Pet. i. 6. 

Though a christian be not always in a joyful frame, yet he 
has abundant causes to ' rejoice always.' Though many things 
may rob him of his frame, yet nothing can deprive him of the 
foundation of his comfort. Happy for us, this is permanent 
and abiding for ever : for it is founded in the love and truth of 
an unchangeable God. These disciples to whom the apostles 
wrote, ' rejoiced greatly/ Why? Was it because they were 
perfectly delivered from a body of sin and death ; that they 
were not like thee and me, oh disciple, sinners ? No ; but the 
matter of their joy, the cause of their rejoicing was, their ■ elec- 
tion according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, sanc- 
tification by the Spirit, the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, 
being begotten to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus,' 
and the assurance of being ' kept by the power of God, through 
faith, unto salvation.' ' Wherein,' in these soul comforting 
truths, ' ye greatly rejoice,' saith Peter. 

Thus, believer, thou seest the streams that make glad the 
citizens of heaven, flow from the ocean of God's everlasting 
love. The more thou drinkest of this water, it will allay the 
thirst of pride and self-righteousness, and make thy soul glory 
and rejoice in Christ Jesus alone. But here is a full convic- 
tion, that these joyful souls were imprisoned in a body of sin- 
ful flesh; they had their heavy seasons, were assaulted with 
manifold temptations — there was a season for them, and a 
need be also. So there is now. Wilt thou not be content to 
go the same path ; canst thou expect freedom from such exer- 
cises? Deceive not thyself. It is all the children's lot; and 
the Father sees it as needful as our food. Yea, he makes it 
profitable also. Whilst thou art in the flesh, sin dwelleth in 
thee, temptation will assault thee, heaviness and affliction will 
bow thee down. Soul-exercises are faith's trials. In the issue 
they are made world-conquering, creature-humbling, Jesus-en- 
dearing, heavenly-longing blessings. ' I am oppressed,' said 
Hezekiah : what then? Doth he sink under it? No ; it called 
forth the exercise of his faith and prayer to the Saviour : ' Do 
thou undertake for me.' So the Psalmist; * I found trouble 
and sorrow.' What was the blessing of it ? Self-despair. He 
saw no help elsewhere : ' Then called I on the name of the 
Lord.' Verily thy faith must be tried, thy patience exercised, 
prayer excited, as well as rejoicing of soul. Thy Saviour loves 
to have it so: the government is upon his shoulders. Here is 
thy mercy, while the wicked, like Saul, seek to the sorcery and 
witchcraft of the world ; Jesus ' the eternal God is our refuge.' 
Deut. xxxiii. 27 



;ULY 5.J 376 [EVENING. 

Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and elec- 
tion sure. 2 Pet i. 10. 

Work for life, say the sons of ignorance and pride. Work 
not at all : Christ has left us nothing to do, say the sons of 
sloth and licentiousness. But, say the sons of wisdom, we 
labour and give diligence in the ways of God ; not in order to 
get life, not to be saved for what we do ; but to enjoy more of 
the life of Christ, the love of God, and the assurance of his Spi- 
rit, that we are his children. To this Peter exhorts. ' Bre- 
thren; ye who profess to believe in the Son of God, and long 
to know assuredly that ye are the children of God, ' give dili- 
gence.' Do .not rest in a few lazy wishes, cold desires, and 
formal duties, but be earnest, be active, be upon the stretch for 
God. As we say, leave no stone unturned. Study the Lord's 
word of grace, dwell upon the rich promises of his love, medi- 
tate upon the finished salvation of Christ, confer with his peo- 
ple, be fervent in prayer, strive against sin, resist Satan, deny 
the flesh, cry for the witness of the Spirit. All this, say you, 
is very good ; but I want power to do this. Have you a will to 
it ? Then the Lord who gave you a will, will strengthen you 
by his power, while you are found in these things. Nay, say 
not you wish to be happy in God, if you neglect to be diligent 
in the ways of God : for what is this but solemn mockery of 
God, and sadly deceiving your own soul ? Consider the end 
of this diligence, ' to make this calling and election sure/ (1) 
Your calling. This is a general call of the gospel, to every 
sinner who is within the sound of it Some rest in this. This 
is not meant ; but a special and effectual call, from a death in 
sin, to life and salvation in Christ ; from a proud hope and vain 
confidence in ourselves, and our works, to a lively faith in 
Christ, and comfortable fellowship with God. (2) ' Your elec- 
tion.' This is a frightful word to many, and they fight strongly 
against it. As they believe there is no election of grace, they 
cannot labour to make their own sure. The apostle leaves such 
to their own carnal notions, while he assures real believers of 
this truth, that some are elect, according to the foreknowledge 
of God, 1 Pet. i. 2, and urges them to diligence, to obtain the 
assurance of their own interest therein. So that you see the 
doctrine of election, so far from encouraging sloth, is the very 
spring of diligence and activity. The Lord give us a' right judg- 
ment in all things ; for this will influence a right walk, and 
godly conversation in Christ Jesus. 

Called to run the heavenly race, My soul, nor tire, look bac' nor faint, 

With Christ my prize in view : Look up to Christ for peace . 

I will he diligent, through grace, He will give joy to every saint, 

With vigour to pursue. From doubts and fears release », * 



july 6.] 377 [morning. 

But 1 say unto you, hove your enemies, bless them that 
curse you, do good to them that hale you, and pray for 
them that despitefully use you and persecute you. Matt. 
v. 44. 



Love is the very badge and characteristic of a disciple of 
Jesus. Love ib of God. All tempers and passions which are 
contrary to love, are ' earthly, sensual, and devilish.' Let no 
disciple say, This is a hard saying, who can obey it? Nay, 
but it is the command of thy loving- Saviour : he practised it, 
he has left thee an example. To this end art thou born from 
above of the Spirit of love ; and art possessed with ' faith, 
which worketh by love.' Therefore, though hard and impossi- 
ble it may seem to carnal reason, and to flesh and blood ; yet we 
are under the indispensible obligation to follow the steps, and 
obey the commands of that Jesus, who loved us and died for 
us, though his enemies. He hath blessed us, and prays for us, 
and does us good though we have rebellious natures, which are 
at enmity and hatred against him. Never, never till thine ene- 
my's hatred and variance against thee, exceed thine to thy 
Lord, art thou at liberty to dispense with this command. It is 
for the health and profit of thy soul. In keeping this command 
of love, verily there is a great reward of inward peace and con- 
solation from the God of love. So shalt thou enjoy the witness 
of his Spirit, of thine adoption. Tell thy Lord of thine ene- 
mies, and pray for them by name. Behold the blessed effects 
of love, upon the heart of a most bitter and implacable foe, 
1 Sam. xxiv. See how David, the man after God's own heart, 
acts; how his faith works by love. When his persecuting foe, 
Saul, was delivered into his hand, love would not suffer him to 
do him any hurt. Yea, love smote his heart for only cutting 
off the skirts of his robe. Hear the pathetic cry of the bloody- 
minded Saul ; struck with astonishment, and melted by love, 
he said, ' Is this thy. voice,' such thy conduct to me, ' my son 
David? And he wept. Thou art more righteous than I: thou 
hast rewarded me good for evil : the Lord reward thee for it.' 
Admire and imitate. Love is the weapon of thy spiritual war- 
fare ; by it thou art sure to prevail against, and conquer thine 
enemy. Therefore, ' If he hunger, feed him ; if he thirst, give 
him drink ; for in so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire, upon 
his head.' So strive to burn up his wrath, and melt him into 
affection. But suppose it hath not this effect upon him ; it 
shall turn to the blessing and comfort of thy own soul. Thou 
shalt enjoy peace and love which is in Christ Jesus. 

Lord, shall thy bright example shine The Lord shall on my side engage, 

In vain before my eyes ? And in my Saviour's name 

Give me a soul akin to thine, I shall defeat their pride and rage, 

To love my enemies. Who slander and condemn. 

3 c 



july 6.1 378 [evening. 

Give diligence to make your election sure. 2 Pet. i. 10. 

Without election there had been no Saviour given ; no sal- 
vation wrought out, no promises made, rio Spirit sent, no sin- 
ners effectually called to be saints, no love in God to comfort 
them, and no heaven open to receive them. Oh how do poor 
sinners fight against their own mercies, wheu they fight against 
the electing love of God. But, says one, I tremble to think, it 
I should not be one of the elect, what a dreadful thing would 
that be. Not at all more dreadful, but just the same, as if there 
had been no election. But what kind of argument is this, 
against any truth ? Suppose a profane sinner says, if there is 
a hell, and I should be one of the damned, what a dreadful 
thing would that be ? What docs this prove ? People are apt 
to stand in nature and self, and judge of the truths of God. 
Hence they have hard thoughts of a God of love. Behold, I 
show unto you a more excellent way : far better to give dili- 
gence, to make your election sure, than to cavil and dispute 
about what is a plain article of christian faith. Disputes sel- 
dom promote love ; but assurance of our election will. Your 
fear and trembling, lest you should not be one of the elect, is a 
sure evidence that you are not stupid and thoughtless, about 
salvation. It is ' with fear and trembling you are called, to 
work out your own salvation, remembering, it is God who 
works in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ' 
Phil. ii. 12. By his grace, study diligence to make your elec- 
tion sure. There is no election to salvation, but in Christ. 
Sinners are chosen, justified, sanctified, and saved in him, 
with an everlasting salvation. The faith of God's elect, cor- 
dially receives and embraces these truths, and lives upon 
Christ, to enjoy the comfort of all this. Such a believing soul 
cannot but breathe out its sighs, and send up its prayers for 
the Holy Ghost to bear witness with his spirit, that he is a 
child of God. Says Peter, prove the sincerity of these, and 
that your heart is in earnest, to enjoy this assurance, by giving 
diligence. Self-love may excite a desire after comfort : but if 
faith works by love to the truths of God, it will make you dili- 
gent in the ways of God. Oh the unspeakable joy, when the 
comforting Spirit bears witness to the soul, of the Father's love 
in Jesus ; that I am a child of God, through faith in Christ ; 
that my sins are pardoned through his blood, and my person 
justified in his righteousness. This is glory begun below, by a 
heaven of love, possessing the sinner's soul. Then he says, I 
live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave 
himself for me. Gal. ii. 20. 

Tliou Life of lives, life of my soul Ob let not sloth my powers cotitroul, 

Me quicken every day ; " To run the heav'nly way. af. 



July 7,] 370 [morning. 

Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of 
entering into his rest, any of you should setm to come 
short of it. Heb. iv. 1. 

Fear without faith enslaves the soul to wrath and bondage ; 
faith without fear tends to licentiousness. But a loving filial 
fear of offending our dear Father and precious Saviour, ever 
accompanies the grace of fear in the heart. Jesus is the rest 
of his people. This rest is by promise ; and therefore it is 
sure to all his spiritual seed. They now enter into it, and en- 
joy it by faith. But, from awful instances of others falling 
away from the hope of Jesus, the apostles ever exercised a 
loving fear and a godly jealousy over their dear converts, lest 
any of them should even seem to come short through unbelief. 
The Lord only knoweth who are his elect, according to the 
covenant of grace. This did not lie open to the eyes even of 
his chosen apostles. It could only be made manifest by their 
faith and its fruits. Hence they were continually exhorting 
disciples, to give all diligence to make their calling and elec- 
tion sure; to work out their own salvation with fear and trem- 
bling ; not with a fear and suspicion of the love and faithful- 
ness of a covenant God, but nothing doubting the finished work 
of Jesus' salvation, or the safety and security of every believer 
in him. These are truths of the greatest certainty, and are to 
be held with the strongest confidence. But so to fear, lest their 
own souls should at any time be so captivated by the devices 
of Satan, so enslaved by the snares of the world, so allured by 
the lusts of the flesh, and the pleasures of sense, so kept from 
Jesus by the workings of unbelief, that their conduct should 
give sad evidence of their state. Lest it should seem, they 
sought other lovers but Jesus, other rest but in him, other hope 
and other comforts beside those which the gospel affords. 

So the apostles were excited to a godly fear over their pro- 
fessing brethren. Blessed also art thou, disciple, who thus 
fearest continually. By this evangelical fear, verily thou shalt 
be kept from the Lord. Count not this fear legal, as though it 
tended to bondage. Nay, but it is a fruit of thy Father's love, 
a grace of the gospel covenant. It is as essential to the health 
of thy soul, as faith is to thy being a disciple of Jesus. t Be 
thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long.' If at any time 
this fear is cast off, thou art that moment in danger of falling. 
But in the fear of the Lord is strong confidence ; and his chil- 
dren shall have a place of refuge. Prov. xiv. 26. 

Praise, everlasting praise be paid Praise to the goodness of the Lord, 

To him that earths foundation laid ; Who rules his people by his word 

Praise to the God, whose strong decrees And there, as strong as his decrees, 

Swav the creation as he please. . He sets his kindest promises. 



JULY 7.] 380 [EVENING. 

Men shall be blessed in him : all nations shall call him 
blessed. Psalm lxxii. 17. 



' Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things, which 
are written in the book of the law to do them.' Gal. iii. 10. 
This curse God hath never revoked. Every man upon the 
earth is naturally under it. But the greatest curse is, men 
neither believe it, feel it, nor care for it. Hence they slight and 
disregard that dear Mau, who was made ' a curse for us,' that 
we might be blessed in him. Says our Lord, ' search the scrip- 
tures ; they testify of me. ' John v. 39. Here is a sweet testi- 
mony for our mind, and precious food for our faith. Jesus, 
master bless me, while I meditate on it. (1) See all blessed- 
ness in Christ. Well might Luther say, ' I will have nothing 
to do with an absolute God ;' that is, God without a Mediator. 
Oh sinner, oh saint, there is nothing but curse and wrath for 
us, out of Christ. There is a hell of sin in our nature. The 
pride of the devil, and the lust of the beast dwell in our flesh. 
Spirit of God, give us to know this more and more, to the hum- 
bling of our hearts, and to the prizing of our dear Immanuel : 
for in Christ there is nothing but blessedness. We are blessed 
in him. Blessed be his God and Father, who hath blessed us, 
with all spiritual blessings in Christ, according as he hath 
chosen us in him before the foundation of the world. Ephes. 
i. 3. Here are precious foundation truths of our blessedness. 
Faith receives them, and works by the love of them. (2) Not 
only blessed in, but blessed by Christ. As our covenant head, 
he hath every blessing for time and eternity to bestow upon 
his members. W^e have not only a notion of this, but the enjoy- 
ment of it. Christ is the author of our faith : he gave us faith, 
that we might feed on him in our hearts, have fellowship with 
him in our spirits, and have all things in common with him, 
which our Father's love can bestow, to make us blessed and 
happy. (3) Men, miserable, sinful men, shall not only be 
blessed in and by Christ, but shall bless themselves in him. 
This is a sweet art. Holy Spirit, teach it us from day to day. 
Though we find ourselves vile, miserable and cursed, yet let us 
bless ourselves in the Lord: boast of him, glory in, and rejoice 
for what Christ of God is made to us. Lastly : men shall call 
Christ blessed. The most blessed object their eyes ever saw, 
or their hearts ever knew. The paper fails. Lord make up in 
spirit what is wanting in letter. There is no end of speaking, 
dear Lord, of thy blessedness. 

In Christ I am for ever blest, Faith lifts me out of nature's views, 

Tho' sin and law condemn me still : And judges not by carnal sense : 

Christ is my refuge and my rest, When on Christ's love I sweetly muse, 

Let carnal sense say what it will. It drives all slavish terrors hence. h 



JULY 8.] SSL [morning. 

Hear now, ye rebels ; must we fetch you water out of 
this rock? Numb. xx. 10. 



It is most probable that this harsh, severe speech of Moses, 
cut many of God's dear children to the very heart, and struck 
terroi to their souls. Here we see the true nature of the holy 
law. It demands attention with power and authority, ' Hear/ 
Its voice is of terror ; it speaks nothing but wrath to poor sin- 
ners conscience ; it calls them by their proper name, 'rebels.' 
And what can the poor guilty trembling soul do to appease its 
terror, and escape the wrath to come ? Nothing. Alas, it ' con- 
cludes him under sin,' and leaves him as much without hope 
of mercy, as he has of drawing liquid streams from a barren 
rock. But by the gospel eye of faith, we see that spiritual rock 
Jesus whom the law struck, and thirsty souls in all ages drink 
living water from this rock of their salvation. Jehovah loves 
his people ; from the affection of his heart, notwithstanding 
their murmurings, he commands his servant to procure drink 
for them. But meek Moses reproves the children in wrath, 
and in anger strikes the rock twice. The Lord resents his con- 
duct and expressions toward them. Because the dear Lamb 
stood up in their behalf, and spoke in effect to what Paul wrote 
to Philemon concerning Onesimus : ' What my people owe to 
law and justice, put that to my account; I will pay all.' 
Therefore the sword of divine justice i awoke against him ; ' 
he was struck by the severe rod of the law ; and hence cooling 
streams of mercy, refreshing streams of peace, reviving streams 
of love, richly gushed out to parched, thirsty, dying souls. 
Yea, the water of this rock follows believing souls, as it did 
the children of Israel, all the way through the wilderness of 
this world. They all drank the same spiritual drink at the 
hands of the Spirit. What consolation to disciples, to consider 
that our spiritual rock ever stands stedfast and unmoveable ; 
that all who are built upon it are safe and secure from every 
danger. The storms of temptations, the waves of corruption 
may dash against them ; but can never prevail. Jesus sustains 
them ; and even justice and truth are engaged in their defence. 
Yes, poor believing soul, though the law rates thee a ' rebel,' 
and speaks in wrath against thee as such ; though thou dost 
exceedingly quake and fear; yet ever remember, precious Je- 
sus hath received gifts for the rebellious. Waters of salvation 
flow plenteously from Jesus. It is thy mercy, daily to ' drink 
of this spiritual rock.' 1 Cor. x. 4, 

Rebels, we broke our Maker's laws ; The law proclaims no terror now, 

He from the threatning sets us free, And Sinai's thunder roars no more . 

Bore the full vengeance on his cross, From all his wounds new blessings flow. 

And nailed the curses to the tree. A sea of joy without a shore. 



JULY 8.] 388 [EVENING. 

God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain sal- 
vation by our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. v. 9. 

Here is a precious negative, a glorious positive, and happy 
souls. Lord help us to meditate upon them to our profit. (1) 
The negative. c God hath not appointed us to wrath.' St. Paul 
has in his eye, what our proud nature cannot bear to hear of, 
the sovereignty of God. It is as though he had said, we are 
all by nature children of wrath, we have all by practice de- 
served wrath. Here is myself, the other day I did not know 
the Son of God, but persecuted him and his servants. If God 
had dealt with us according to our just deserts, we should suf- 
fer his eternal wrath in hell. Is your conscience convinced of 
this ? Do your eyes see it ; does your tongue confess this ; 
does your heart fear this ? Rejoice with wonder. That just 
God, who had a sovereign right, yet will not appoint you to 
wrath for your sins. If you have trembled under a sense of 
wrath, now rejoice at the sound of everlasting love. For, (2) 
Here is a glorious positive. ' God hath appointed us to obtain 
salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.' Ye poor, short-sighted 
beings, who talk of possible salvation, of being brought into a 
sal vable state ; of a conditional salvation, cast upon certain 
terms we are to perform, and of one knows not what unscrip- 
tural jargon. Behold, and stand reproved. For ye weaken 
faith, deject hope, and damp love, in an absolute, sure, and 
certain salvation ; appointed by God, for those who deserved 
wrath ; even the salvation, the finished salvation of our Lord 
Christ. This, this is the blessed foundation for faith, the spring 
of hope, the source of love. But, (3) Who are appointed to 
obtain it? I hope we will allow the Lord of all, the liberty 
which we mortals take, of appointing whom he pleases to live 
with him. ' Us,' whom God hath pleased to appoint. ' Us,' 
for whom Christ died. ' Us,' who are not in darkness. { Us,' 
who are the children of light, and of the day. These characters 
stand in the context. Are they yours? Has God, who com- 
manded the light to shine out of darkness, shined in your heart, 
to give you the knowledge of the g^ory of God in the face of 
Jesus Christ? Have you seen such glory in the face, the offices, 
the work of Christ, that you choose him for your Saviour, and 
trust him for your salvation? Oh fall down and adore sove- 
reign love and free grace ! God has as surely appointed you 
to salvation, as he did Paul or any of the apostles. Who shall 
disappoint God? If God be for us, who can be against us? 
Rom. viii. 31. 

We all deserve eternal wrath, Then what shall disappoint our God, 

As the just wages due to sin, Or ever, frustrate his intent ? 

But, God appoints to all who've faith Oh magnify his name abroad, _ * 

Jn Christ, salvation to obtain. And love and praise him every saint. 



july 9.1 -383 [morning. 

But faith which worketh by love. Gal. v. 6. 

In the religion of Jesus, every hope of salvation is excluded, 
but what springs from faith ; for faith receives every blessing of 
covenant love of a gracious Lord. The faith of God's elect 
hath Jesus for its author, his truths for its object, his word for 
its warrant, his power for its support, his glory for its aim, and 
love for its inseparable companion. Thus the faith of the gos- 
pel is ever distinguished from natural notions. But it is natu- 
ral to us all, to mistake error for truth, fancy for faith, the heat 
of animal passions for love ; yea, and also to be very confident 
herein. But true faith ever worketh by love, even that ' love 
which rejoiceth in the truth.' 1 Cor. xiii. 6*. Jesus is essenti- 
ally the truth. All the love which God hath to us centres in 
in him, and flows to us through him. Hence, * God hath chosen 
us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should 
be holy, and without blame before him in love ; having predes- 
tinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to him- 
self, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of 
the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in 
the Beloved, and hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings 
in heavenly things in Christ. Ephes. i. 3 — 6. We are also 
made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. v. 21. 

Thus faith hath truth for its foundation ; and from the know- 
ledge of the truth it worketh by love. Love to the God of truth, 
and to our. brethren, not as being of this sect or that party, but 
'for the truth's sake that dwelleth in them/ 2 John I, 2. 
There is no fellowship in love, but what consists in the light 
of the truth. Thus our Lord and we ' have fellowship one with 
another.' 1 John i. 7. Take away any part of God's truth, and 
you subvert the foundation of faith, and prevent the operations 
of love. If we reject the truth, that we are elected to salvation 
in Christ, redeemed by the blood of Christ, righteous by the 
righteousness of Christ, and safely kept by the power of God 
through the faith of Christ to eternal salvation, faith is made 
void. Then love ceaseth to exist. Truth and love are equally 
precious. ' The belief of the truth,' is the precious love of a 
christian. Love, is the blessed fruit of faith. Herein consist 
thy blessedness, oh christian. What God hath joined together, 
let no man put asunder. Therefore we are exhorted, ' Hold 
fast the form of sound words, in faith and love, which is in 
Christ Jesus.' 2 Tim. i. 13. So by ' speaking the truth in love, 
we grow r up into him in all things, who. is the head, even Christ.' 
Ephes. iv. 15. 

Happy the heart-where graces reign, This is the grace that lives and sings, 

Where love inspires the breast : When faith and hope shall cease, 

Leu e is the brightest of the train, Tis this shall slrike our joyful strings 

And strengthens all the rest. In t lie sweet realms of bliss. 



JULY 9. J 384 [EVENING. 

One mediator between God and man, the man Christ 
Jesus. 1 Tim. ii. 5. 



Oh my fellow sinners, I heartily congratulate your soul and 
my own for this blessed truth. Lord help us to live upon it in 
our consciences from day to day ; for it is not a speculative, 
hut an experimental truth. It enters into the very essence of 
our faith, is the very life of our hope, lies at the foundation of 
our peace, and is the very source of every blessing and com- 
fort. If we are not continually looking to this one mediator 
Jesus, we lose the peace of faith, the comfort of hope, the fel- 
lowship of love, and get into perplexity of mind. Then, we do 
not draw nigh to God with confidence, stand before him with 
boldness, nor cheerfully walk with him in love and holiness. 
Consider, (I) A mediator stands as a middle person, interpos- 
ing between two parties at variance, to make peace and recon- 
ciliation. This Christ hath perfectly done : he hath for ever 
made peace by the blood of his cross. Col. i. 20. Sin was the 
cause of variance between God and us : but Christ hath put 
away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Heb. ix. 26. Thus the 
work of reconciliation is finished respectingGod. But, (2) Je- 
sus hath a work to do with us. We are naturally alienated 
from God, and enemies to him in our minds : this is manifest 
by our wicked ways. But says the apostle, ( you hath he now 
reconciled/ Col. i. 21. Is it so with you? Has Christ by the 
persuasive eloquence of his tongue, the affecting oratory of his 
love, and the sweet power of his Spirit conquered the rebellion 
of your will, subdued the stubborn pride of your heart, and 
gained your affections for God ? Yes, say you. But I am such 
a miserable sinner, I fear God will not receive me. I have so 
much sin in me, I think he cannot be reconciled to me, and be 
at peace with me. Nay, but if Jesus had not been a mediator 
for miserable sinners full of sin, Paul had been damned, all the 
apostles in hell ; and every saint now 7 in glory, would have 
been in endless torment. All the comfort of Christ's mediation 
is enjoyed by faith. (3) Christ lives to keep up a perfect recon- 
ciliation between God and us. Oh that is a most precious 
word : ' for if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to 
God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we 
should be saved by his life.' Rom. v. 10. Look back to the 
atonement of Christ on the cross ; look up to the intercession 
of Christ at the right hand of a reconciled God ; look forward 
and see heaven open to receive you, and the arms of a loving 
Father to embrace you. 

When sin and Satan me assault, Christ ever stands before the throne, 
And strive to break my peace : Flis precious work to plead ; 

I dure not say, I have no fault, Hence guilt and wrath from ine are goTne 
But Christ shall me release. Christ brings the peace I need. m. 



july 10.] 385 Lmorning, 

1 will not leave you comfortless. John xiv. 18. 

We are born into this world crying, we live in it complaining, 
and we go out of it sorrowing, for any comfort it can yield us! 
When cardinal Woolsey was cast off by his king, he said, 
f Had I served my God as faithfully as I have my prince, he 
would not have treated me thus.' The more we know of this 
world, the more we see of its folly and vanity. The more we 
enjoy of its smiles and friendship, so much the more sorrow 
and reluctance we have in leaving it. But with our heavenly 
friend it is quite otherwise. ' He never leaves nor forsakes : 
whom he loves, he loves unto the end.' Nor will he ever leave 
his dear disciples in a comfortless state of sorrow and dejec- 
tion : like poor orphans, cast upon a wide world of sorrow and 
woe, without any kind heart to pity them, or kind hand to re- 
lieve them : for when all other comforts forsake us, still Jesus 
abides by us. His Spirit comforts us, by showing what he 
is to us; what he has done, is doing, and will do for us. The 
apostles had full experience of the promise of their gracious 
Lord. ' He comforteth us in all tribulation/ 2 Cor. i. 4. ' In 
me ye shall have peace.' And why doth our Lord also assure 
us, f In the world ye shall have tribulation?' John xvi. 33. 
Truly he loves us too w^ell to suffer us to take up our rest in it. 
If with Paul at Ephesus, ( after the manner of men, we fight 
with beasts;' all this is suffered, to render the world more in- 
hospitable ; to make us lothe swine's food, the husks of this 
w r orld ; that the bread of life, the comforts of Jesus, may be 
more sought after and enjoyed. Why is sin suffered to dwell 
in us, and to make us groan and distress us ? To make it more 
hateful to us ; to put us out of conceit of ourselves, and our 
own righteousness, and to endear the atonement and righte- 
ousness of Jesus to our souls, that all our comfort should 
spring from him. Why is Satan suffered to harrass and per- 
plex us? That as the sheep of Christ's pasture, we should keep 
close to our shepherd ; or like frighted children, when surly 
dogs bark at them, fear keeps them near their father's protec- 
tion, and within the bounds of his habitation. So we find the 
comforts of living near our Saviour. Do we carry about a 
w T eak disordered oody? Here is our comfort, ' We faint not, 
knowing that the outward man decayeth, yet the inward man 
is renewed day by day.' 2 Cor. iv« 16. Thus, glory to our lov- 
ing Lord, ' he comforts us concerning our faith, and causes us 
to rejoice in hope of the glory of God ; and to glory in tribula- 
tions, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, patience ex- 
perience, experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, be- 
cause the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy 
Ghost.' Rom. v. 5. 



3 D 



JULY 10.] 380 [EVENING. 

Fear ye not. Stand still and see the salvation of the 
Lord. Exod. xiv. 13. 



Now were the people of God in a great strait, even at their 
wits end. Perish they must, to all human appearance. A wide 
ocean is before them, inaccessable mountains surround them, 
an enraged monarch pursues them, death in various shapes- 
presents itself to them. Yet, for all this, says Moses, ' feat 
not/ Peevish unbelief and carnal reason might suggest, what ! 
not be afraid, when inevitable destruction must be our doom ? 
Why will Moses talk to us after this mad, enthusiastic rate? 
But in the view of apparent destruction. Moses tells them of 
certain salvation, and commands them to stand still and be- 
hold it. We do not hear one word from Moses to soothe their 
fears, or comfort their minds, from any consideration of what 
they were in themselves, what good works they had done, what 
terms and conditions they had performed, to entitle them to 
the Lord's favour. No : but they were at this very moment 
indulging carnal reason, and the murmurs of unbelief. * Why 
hast thou brought us forth ? Better to serve the Egyptians, 
than to perish here/ Hence observe, (1) In times of difficulty, 
in seasons of distress, when sin rages, conscience accuses, the 
'aw condemns, carnal reason suggests, unbelief prevails, and 
we poor sinners are at our wits end, seeing justice pursuing, 
all hope and help failing and despair at the door ; then the 
salvation of Jesus is to be looked unto. In such seasons, how- 
doth this quell our fears, compose and comfort our minds. 
But, (2) Y^hat is it to ' stand still,' and see the salvation of 
the Lord ? Is it to cease from prayer, and all other means of 
grace ; and as some say, be still, stir not hand or foot in the 
way of duty? No : for contrary to this, the Lord ordered the 
people to ' go forward.' What is it then, but in the midst of 
fears, in the sight of dangers, and in the dread of destruction, 
to cease from all self confidence, to attend to the voice of the 
Lord, to rely upon his gracious promises, and quietly to hope 
for his great deliverance. For, oh precious word, says Moses, 
' The Lord shall fight for you :' and what then? B Ye shall 
hold your peace.' How soon, how effectually did the Lord do 
this ! He both destroyed their enemies, saved them, silenced 
all their unbelieving fears, and unreasonable murmurings. 
They saw their enemies no more for ever. Stand still, oh soul, 
admire, adore, love, and confide in, a gracious, wonder work- 
ing, sinner saving Lord. Look on thine enemies as the foes of 
thy Lord : he has promised their destruction and thy salvation. 
Rejoice to think of that day when thou shalt see thy Lord in 
glory, and thine enemies no more for ever. 

Stand still, my son], salvation view, Tlejcct thy fears, believe anew, 

As h'nished by thv Lord, Thy Lord's supporting word. 






JULY 11.] 367 [morning. 

We know that all things ivork together for good to 
them that love God, to them who are the called accord- 
ing to his purpose. Rom. viii. 28. 

A poor sensible sinner would naturally be ready to make one 
exception here, and say, How can sin, which I know and feel 
to be the very worst of all evils, work for any good ? But the 
Holy Ghost hath not excepted even this. Will any one say, 
Then let us do evil that good may come ? St. Paul makes a 
terrible application to such, saying, ' whose damnation is just/ 
Horn. iii. 8. Therefore such cannot be the language of a be- 
liever's heart, for his salvation is sure : ' he that believes shall 
be saved/ Such, and only such, most assuredly know that all 
things work together for good. They love God, and this love 
inspires them with hatred to sin. But yet they are sinners, 
both by original sin and actual transgression; nevertheless, 
through the all-wise overruling power of a gracious covenant 
God, even the worst of evils, sin, shall work for his glory and 
their good. Is the art of a chemist able to extract the most 
salutary medicine from noxious and poisonous ingredients ; 
and cannot the infinitely wise Jehovah, who at the beginning 
spoke chaos and confusion into beauty and order, and dark- 
ness into light, make evil to work for good? He hath done it : 
he will do it. Canst thou think of that world of sin and evil 
which was produced by the fall of man ? Dost thou not know 
the still greater good which it has been made to work for man, 
by Jesus Christ ? If man had not sinned, the glorious attributes 
of Jehovah had not been so eminently displayed. As this is 
true of a world of sin in general, so also of every sin in parti- 
cular. Sin is natural to man : to make it work for good is the 
supernatural power of God. Sin should never have entered 
into the world, nor should it continue in God s people, was it 
not to magnify his grace, and advance the glory of his name. 
Judas delivers Christ to death for gain, the Jews for envy, Pi- 
late for fear. The devil provokes each through enmity. God 
makes all work for the spiritual good and eternal salvation of 
his people. Peter's fall shall be made to work for his humility 
and self-diffidence, and to strengthen his brethren. 

/ Sin, saith St. Austin, first wrought sorrow; and now godly 
sorrow works repentance unto salvation, not to be repented of, 
to the death of sin ; so the daughter destroys the mother/ Oh 
the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of 
God ! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past 
finding out. Rom. xi. 33. 

Sin for ray good does work and win, For all my sins my heart is sad, 

Yet 'tis not gcod for me to sin : Since God's dishonoured ; yet I'm glad, 

My pleasure issues from my pain, Though once I was a slave to sin, 

My losses still increase my gain Since God doth thereby glorv win. 



JULY 11.] 388 [EVENING. 

/ will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be 
joyful in my God, for he hath clothed me ivith the gar- 
ments of salvation, fie hath covered me with the robe of 
righteousness. Isai. lxi. 10. 

It would be surprising to see a malefactor going to execu- 
tion, singing and rejoicing all the way. But if, when he came 
to the fatal place, he should produce the king's free pardon, 
with royal promises of being admitted into his presence, and 
appearing at court, in the richest robes of the king's providing, 
our wonder would cease. We should own that he really had 
abundant cause for joy. Come my fellow condemned malefac- 
tors, though sin has stripped you of your innocent dress of 
righteous clothing; though you are under the sentence of death ; 
yet behold, here is a pardon for you, the best robe to put upon 
you, and a sure promise of admission into the king's presence 
in it. Read it and rejoice. ' Grace reigns through righteous- 
ness unto eternal life/ Rom. v. 21. The God of righteousness- 
clothes us naked sinners, with the garments of salvation, and 
adorns us with the robe of righteousness, which our heavenly 
Bridegroom wrought out for us. This is the blessing of being 
married to Christ by faith ; this is the joy of faith. This causes 
joy of soul, and great rejoicing in ' the Lord our righteousness/ 
When all sense of comfort, and feelings of joy, in nature are 
dead, yet, in Jesus our covenant head, we have a nevci failing- 
source of comfort, and an inexhaustible spring of joy. Faith 
leaves nature behind, with all its sins and mercies. It looks 
neither to works, nor worthiness in self, but considers what 
Christ is to the soul, and what the soul is in him, righteous, 
perfectly and everlastingly righteous. Then* joy, great joy, 
springs up. See the claim of faith, ' my God.' Though faith 
doth not cause the Lord to become our God, nor adopt us into 
his family ; yet it claims that peculiar and precious interest in 
him, which the w r ord of his grace reveals. The Father draws 
us by his Spirit, to his Son for righteousness. The Spirit bears 
witness that we are righteous in his Son. Then faith makes 
the claim, boasts of it, and glories in it. Then Jesus has our 
hearts and our hopes. Our affections are placed on him, our 
hopes centre in him. Then we find our God in Christ. We 
call him ' my God :' Abba, Father. We are at peace with, 
and joyful in him. We proclaim our joy in our God. What ! 
clothed with the garments of salvation, which we wrought 
not ; covered with the robe of righteousness, which we spun 
not, and not be joyful ? Oh believers, be ashamed of your un- 
belief. It damps your joy, and withholds the glory of your 
heart. 

Rejoice mv soul, thy Jesus praise. When naked, poor, and destitute, 

And walk before him all thy days, lie fed and clothed thee"vith rich suit. 



iuly 12.] 389 [morning, 

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities. Rom. 
viii. 26. 



How reviving* to the soul, how encouraging to the mind of a 
disciple, is it to hear the experience of his brethren and com- 
panions in the faith of Jesus. To this end, the blessed Spirit 
hath caused the saints of old to leave on record his dealings of 
love with their souls, Thus is the word of God most valuable 
for our instruction, edification, and comfort. Let no poor fol- 
lower of the Lamb think he is singular in feeling an insupport- 
able pressure of infirmities. No; the children of God in all 
ages knew and felt the same. Whether prophets or apostles, 
none were perfectly free from inward distresses, temptations, 
fears, and dejections. All these arise from our still possessing 
a fallen nature, which subjects us to these sensations and feel- 
ings. They are our burdens: we cannot but feel them, and 
groan under them. Oh sad and dreadful fall, which has so ter- 
ribly maimed and bruised the royal offspring of God. Though 
we are kings sons, yet like Mephibosheth, we are lame in our 
hands and feet. Our infirmities are the effects of our fall. 
Shortly we shall be perfectly freed from them : this is our glo- 
rious hope. 

But alas, how oft doth present distress deject our hopes ; 
infirmities bow down the soul, faith grows languid, love de- 
clines — hope seems at the last gasp, just as if giving up the 
ghost. And indeed all would end in gloomy dejection and 
melancholy despair, if the Lord was entirely to forsake his new 
creation. But that never can be, while the Father loves, the 
Lamb pleads, and the Spirit hath power to help. Therefore 
when the Spirit sees the souls of his charge pressed above 
measure in themselves, and ready to sink under their burdens, 
he reaches forth a tender hand of assistance ; helps against in- 
firmities, by enabling the soul to look to the adorable Jesus, to 
an everlasting covenant, to precious promises, to a reconciled 
God, and puts this sweet cry in the heart, Abba, Father. Then 
confidence revives, hope springs afresh, love is excited, the 
power of prayer breaks forth in the heart, and ascends in sweet 
fervour from the soul. Whatever flesh and blood may allege 
to the contrary, infirmities are made profitable to the soul ; or 
St. Paul would never have declared it, ' most gladly therefore 
will I glory in my infirmities.' Why? Is there any good in 
them for which they should be desired? No; but ' that the 
power of Christ may rest upon us.' 2 Cor. xii. 9. 

Eternal Spirit, we confess Thine inward teachings make as know 

And sins; the wonders of thy grace ; Our danger and our lefugeloo. 

Thy power convex s our blessings down 

From God the Father and the Son, The troubled conscience knows thy voice, 

Thy charming views awake our. joys : 

Enlightened by thy heavenly rav, Thy words allay the stormy wind, 

Our shades and darkness turn to day ■ And calm the surges of the mftld. 



JULY 12.] 390 [EVEN IMG. 

12 very one ivko useth milk, is unskilful in the word of 
righteousness, for he is a babe. Heb. v. 13. 

This is a sharp reproof. As then, so now there are many 
who need it. The word rendered * unskilful/ in the margin of 
our bibles is, hath ' no experience.' Christian experience is 
much talked of, too little understood. Many furnish out a long 
detail of experience which they have had of one thing and 
another, but you can find nothing of the word of righteousness 
in it. It all begins in self, ends in self, and tends to exalt self. 
There is a great deal of self-seeking, self-soothing, and self- 
complacency, in what is called christian experience. But real 
christian experience is that inward proof or trial, which our 
minds have of l the word of righteousness;' how the belief of 
it has brought relief to our guilty consciences, ease to our trou- 
bled souls, and rest to our weary minds. From hence, Christ 
the sum and substance of the word of righteousness becomes 
precious, sin hateful, ourselves vile, our righteousness filthy 
rags, the world contemptible, the path of duty pleasant, the 
way of holiness delightful, and fellowship with God most 
highly estimable to our souls. This is christian experience 
indeed. But all experience which is talked of, that does not 
arise from the word, is not agreeable to the word, and is not 
supported by the word of righteousness, is fancy, whim and 
delusion. Many use milk, and are babes. They are unskilful, 
have no experience of the word of righteousLess ; God's ever- 
lasting, electing love and covenant grace to sinners in Christ ; 
his full and free justification of them without their works, by 
the righteousness of Christ ; yet saving them to all good works 
by the grace of Christ ; the sovereign efficacy of the Spirit in 
bringing them to Christ; and their certain perseverance, and 
sure salvation, being kept by the power of God, through faith 
in Christ. Though the word of righteousness holds forth these 
glorious truths, as plainly as though wrote with a sun beam, 
yet such babes cannot bear them ; their stomachs heave against 
them, their spirit rises with indignation at them. They only 
feed upon milk and pap like babes. They wrangle, and cry, 
and puke like babes, if you put strong meat into their mouths. 
Therefore they cannot, they do not grow strong in the Lord Je- 
sus Christ : they are content with the first principles of Chris- 
tianity : they are not going on to perfection, and growing up 
into Christ Jesus in ' all things.' Oh get beyond such babish 
experience. Prize highly the word of righteousness, bring all 
your experience to it, draw all your comfort from it, judge of 
your state by it. Be clothed with humility : fight not against 
Gods sovereign purposes, council and covenant. Put on that 
Spirit, and pray to the Lord, ' That which T see not, teach thou , 
me.' Job xxxiv. 32. 



JULY 13.] 391 jjMORNLNG. 

The Lord thy God will circumcise tltine heart, and the 
heart of thy seed, to love the Lord thy God with all thine 
heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. Deut. 
xxx. 6. 



Even Moses, who delivered the fiery law of wrath ana ter- 
ror, preaches like a Barnabas, a son of consolation. In this 
chapter we have a precious enumeration of new-covenant bless- 
ings and evangelical promises, all settled in the eternal coun- 
sels between Jehovah, Father, Son and Spirit ; all founded in 
infinite wisdom, everlasting love, and immutable faithfulness ; 
therefore sure to all the seed, ' who are chosen in Christ Jesus 
before the foundation of the world.' Such is the solid founda- 
tion of gospel faith and hope. The happy heirs of it, the Lord 
God sets a special mark upon. Hereby he owns them as his 
peculiar ones. This is also an evidence to them of their spe- 
cial relation to him. As the Father loved his people before 
time, and gave them to Jesus, to be redeemed in the fulness of 
time ; so also, at the appointed time, the Lord the Spirit per- 
forms his office upon them ; he circumcises their hearts. This 
power belongeth to God only. This St. Paul calls ' the circum- 
cision made without hands.' Col. ii. 11. Outward circumci- 
sion was a painful operation to the flesh : by it was signified, 
the cutting off all carnal hope and legal confidence in the flesh ; 
and was a sign and seal of new-covenant blessings by Jesus. 
The circumcision of the heart brings the experience and en- 
joyment of hope in Jesus, peace and joy in Jesus, and a long- 
ing expectation of the full enjoyment of Jesus in glory to the 
soul. 

When -the callousness and hardness of the heart is cut off, 
then it gladly hears and receives the love of God its crucified 
Saviour. This love, known and believed, begets love to God 
in a circumcised heart. And though there is all comfort in 
love, yet there is a painful sensation attends loving souls. This 
is the fruit and evidence of love. They mourn and grieve, at 
feeling the sins and corruptions of their natures; they are 
pained at the sight of them, groan under a sense of them, are 
filled with shame for them, and detestation against them. Oh 
how do they strive against them, and cry to Jesus for victory 
over them. To ' love the Lord with all their heart and with all 
their soul,' this is their own desire on earth ; that they may 
be in love, wholly devoted to him, who bought them with his 
blood. Of all such souls the Spirit of inspiration declares, 
' Happy art thou, oh Israel : who is like unto thee, oh people 
saved of the Lord.' Deut. xxxiii. 29. 'We are the circumci 
sion, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesutf 
and have no confidence in the flesh. Phil. iii. 3. 



3LLf 13.1 392 [EVENING. 

Saul said to David, thou art not able to go against 
this Philistine, to fight with him : for thou art but a 
youth; and he a man of war from his youth. 1 Sam. 
xvii. 33. 



We frequently use the phrase, * carnal reason :' what do we 
mean by it? Just what Saul here uses to David : it is the 
reason of the flesh. It consults the nature and appearance of 
things only. It judges of and determines events, according to 
human probability entirely. It looks to no other, or higher 
cause, than nature and sense. Now had David listened to and 
obeyed this sort of reasoning, he would have brought no ho- 
nour to his God, nor wrought deliverance for his people. But 
observe, oh my soul, David opposed faith to this carnal rea- 
soning, and by faith overcomes it. There is not one word of 
the Lord in SauFs mouth. But David introduces, ' The Lord, 
the deliverer/ Like Paul, ' he conferred not with flesh and 
blood.' Gal. i. 16. But being valiant in faith, he goes forth 
against his gigantic foe in the name, and relies upon the power 
of an omnipotent Lord ; and thus he obtains a glorious victory. 
Most excellent lesson for us. Christian, ever consider your 
carnal reason as a home bred enemy, a domestic foe, that op- 
poses your Lord's truths, with, how can these things be? It dis- 
putes your Lord's commands, with, hath the Lord forbid this? 
Doth he require that ? It dares cavil against the mysteries of 
grace, and wants them to be explained to the judgment of car- 
nal conception, or else cries, reject them as absurdities. How 
often has this enemy put you to the stand, when you should 
have followed your Lord. How often caused your hands to 
hang down, when they should have been lifted up to the Lord. 
How often caused you to lay aside the weapons of your war- 
fare, when you should have fought the good fight of faith. Treat 
it as an enemy to your Lord's glory, and your soul's comfort. 
Refuse it audience : remember, the antidote against it is, sim- 
ple faith in divine truth. This brings the enjoyment of God 
into the heart, engages his power in one's defence, arms the 
soul with fortitude against every enemy, which carnal reason 
represents as too formidable to stand against. Yea, faith takes 
up this triumphing cry, ' More than conquerors, in all these 
things, through Christ who hath loved us.' Rom. viii. 37. And 
boldly challenges, ' who shall lay any thing to the charge of 
God's elect?' Oh that little word 'elect,' how does carnal 
reason fight against it I 

My reason proud resists my faith, This is a sin, we should confess, 

And oft dejects my heart: And cry unto the Lord, 

Instead of trusting what God saith, With strengthening failh our souls to bless,, 

Our souls at dangers start, And courage from his word. * 



july 14.1 393 [morning. 

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for 
sin, for ever sat down on the right hand of God Heb. 
x. 12. 



The cross of Christ is the christian's glory. Yet the small 
share that Jesus hath in the christian's affections, is his shame. 
Really, disciples of Jesus do not love their Saviour as they 
ought- Why ? Because they are slow of heart to believe his 
love to them, and his sufferings for them. How little are our 
hearts in meditation upon the labours of love, the toils of sor- 
row, and agonies of soul, which Jesus in our nature sustained 
on our account. If a friendly arm is reached forth, and snatches 
a poor mortal from the jaws of approaching death ; how does 
it call forth love to his kind deliverer. When he reflects on his 
danger, how does it excite his gratitude ! He cannot think of 
his preserver, but he remembers his mercy. But where is our 
warm affection, our fervent love to that precious Man, whose 
heart was as a flame of love to us, and who willingly offered 
himself as a sacrifice for our sins ? How was he straitened till 
his baptism was accomplished ? How did his soul long till it 
was finished ? But alas, we think too little of our danger. We 
are too prone to look upon sin as a matter of small moment ; 
because the sacrifice of Jesus is not so constantly upon our 
hearts. Disciple, dost thou not see cause of mourning tor this ? 
Hast thou not cause to pray daily for more heart-affecting 
views of Jesus, by the Spirit? Oh the infinite value of this 
one sacrifice ! Sin, how malignant its nature ; how deep its 
stain ! Nothing but blood divine could atone for it. How pre- 
valent this one sacrifice: it hath for ever put away all our 
sins. 

' Behold the Man ! Gaze, wonder, adore, and love, Jesus 
on the cross, fully atoning for sin. This work being for ever 
done , behold, this man for ever sat down on the right hand 
of God. There he pleads the sinners cause, and presents the 
perfection of his sacrifice. What singular consolation is this ! 
A sense of sin is distressing to the converted soul : but oh when 
the one sacrifice by this one Man is beheld by the eye of faith, 
how does it revive the drooping heart, give peace to the trou- 
bled conscience, and excite joy in the sorrowful mind ? Poor 
sinners have nothing else to look to for hope. Pardon and 
peace can be had from no other object, but the blood of Jesus. 
Of this we can never glory too much ; nor can our confidence 
be too strong, our expectations too great, our triumphs in Je- 
sus over sin, Satan, the law and death, be at any time unsea- 
sonable. These precious truths are our never-failing springs 
of consolation. ' The blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin. 
If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father.' 1 John ii. 1. 

Our faith adores tliy bleeding love, We hope for heavenly crowns abce 

And trusts for life in one that died, From a Redeemer crucified. 

3 E 



july 14.] 394 [evening. 

Who is this thai comeih up from the wilderness, lean- 
ing upon Iter beloved? Song viii. 5. 

Who ! The wonder and joy of angels, the envy of devils, 
the contempt of the world, because a miracle of grace : upon 
whom shines the glory of God's justice, the riches of mercy, 
the abounding of his love, and the. efficacy of his power, It is 
a poor sinner, hopeless, and helpless in himself, coming up from 
a dismal, dreadful, dangerous state, leaning upon one who is 
mighty to save. Some overrate christians : they paint their 
characters so very strong and perfect, as though they forgot 
that they are in themselves nothing but poor sinners, whose 
nature is only evil continually. And these people also under- 
rate them, not considering what they are in Christ; new crea- 
tures, perfectly righteous, without spot of sin, infinitely glori- 
ous, and comely in Gods sight. Consider, (!) This ' wilder- 
ness/ You are in it, and will be coming up out of it, till you 
get out of the body. It is your fallen nature, called flesh. It is 
inhabited by none but beasts of prey and devils of destruction ; 
cursed sins, and devilish lusts. There is no path in it to life, 
only to death and damnation. Though you are oat of it, as to 
your state, you are really in it, as to your experience. There- 
fore you are still coming up from it. How ? (2) Consider this 
posture: ' leaning.' It implies weakness, weariness, languor, 
fainting: yet aspires to ascend, to get on and get out. Do not 
you find this exactly your case? You are weary of the wilder- 
ness of nature and sin, and long to get out of it; yet find not 
strength in yourself to ascend. Bless your soul, that you have 
a Beloved to lean upon. He is your beloved, if you take him 
as such. You will find him the beloved of your soul indeed, if 
you lean upon him. (3) What is it to lean upon Jesus ? It is to 
cast yourself, the whole weight of yourself, sin and misery 
upon him, as having undertaken to support and sustain you. 
To join and cleave to him, and associate with him, refusing 
all other props and supports but him. To rejoice and delight 
your soul in him, and in fellowship with him. To strengthen 
yourself in him, and get strength from him ; just as a weak per- 
son does by leaning upon a staff in his journey. Jesus is all this 
to the mind by faith. Well then is he called our beloved. 
What remains, but that we prove his love by the faith of our 
hearts? So let us glory of him, and honour and serve him as 
the Beloved of our souls ; till leaning upon him all our jour- 
ney through, we come to enjoy him in heaven. 

I'll trust, and lean, and sweetly sing 1 have no strength, support or hope, 

Of my Beloved dear : But what from Christ doth spring, 

Though weak, in want of every thing, His love does keep my spirit up,. 

He doth my spirits cheer. While faith's kept on the wing, m . 






JULY 15.] 395 [MORNING, 

And lo, an horror of great darkness fell on him. Gen. 
xv. 12. 



There is somewhat very gloomy and awful in what is called 
a total eclipse of the sun. When the earth is darkened, crea- 
tion puts on a melancholy aspect, and seems to mourn in silent 
sadness. But the surprise and astonishment which naturally 
affect us on these accounts are greatly abated, as these are not 
uncommon appearances in nature, and as they are foretold and 
accounted for. As in the natural, so it is in the spiritual world. 
The children of God in all ages have experienced darkness of 
soul: therefore none -should think this peculiar, when they are 
exercised thus, ' as though some strange thing had happened 
to them.' 1 Pet. iv. 12. We see Abraham, the friend of God, 
and father of the faithful, under an eclipse of the bright shining 
of the Sun of righteousness. The consequence of this darkness 
was an horror, yea an horror of great darkness fell on him. 
And this too, after an extraordinary appearance of the Lord 
to him, who called him by his name, bid him ' fear not' — and 
assures him, * I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward/ 
Then he gives him the comfortable promise of the seed that 
should spring from him. Upon which, Abraham ' believed in 
the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness ;' and he 
offered a sacrifice as the Lord commanded. But alas, how soon 
did his bright sun of comfort disappear ? How soon did dark- 
ness and horror fall upon him ? How changeable are our frames? 
Extraordinary manifestations of comfort and joy are often suc- 
ceeded by darkness of soul and trials of faith. So it was with 
our dear Saviour, after the Father's declaration, ' This is my 
beloved Son.' After the visible descent of the Holy Ghost upon 
him, he was led into the wilderness, to undergo the most sharp 
and trying temptations. Then again St. Paul, after he had 
been caught up to the third heavens, a messenger of Satan was 
sent to buffet him. 

Hence, oh believer, under spiritual darkness and distress of 
soul, write not bitter things against thyself. Think not that 
God ceaseth to love thee, and visits in wrath. No : God ever 
rests in love ; he changeth not, his love is ever the same. Thou 
art equally as safe in his hands in the dark, though not so com- 
fortable as in the light. Nay, love itself enquires after souls in 
such a state, and gives precious advice to them. See and study 
Isai. 1. 10. Now the Lord teaches his sovereignty, instructs us 
in humility, excites patience, shows thee thy nothingness, cuts 
off all glorying in thyself, strengthens thy trust in him, draws 
out thy hope, from thyself to him, and shows thee that all the 
promises centre in Jesus, and shall be fulfilled in God's own 
way and manner. Saith Jesus, ' He who followeth me shall 
not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' John 
viii. 12. 



july 15.] 396 [evening 

But the body is of Christ, or is Christ. Col. ii. 17. 

There is not a greater instance of the depravity of the human 
mind, and the corruptness of the judgment, than its seeking 
happiness in the shadow of things, instead of the substance. 
What is all created good, but the shadow of him who created 
it ? Yet we are prone to grasp at the shadow, and seek to be 
satisfied with it, while we neglect God the substance. But all, 
like a shadow, eludes our embraces. Still we are restless and 
pursuing. It is just the same in spiritual things, without the 
body, which is Christ. Yea, so foolish are we, that unless we 
are kept, even after we have known the substance and fulness 
of Christ, and see that we are complete in him, we turn again 
to trust in the shadow of our own works and duties. This is 
awful. ' But the body is Christ.' (i) Jehovah, Father, Son 
and Spirit, have put the glory of every attribute and perfection 
of the Godhead, in the body of Christ. ( In him dwelleth the 
fulness' — no, that is not right — ( ail the fulness of the God- 
head bodily.' Col. ii. 9. God the Father says, • Behold mine 
elect, in whom my soul delighteth.' Isai. xliii. 1. God's soul 
can delight in nothing but where his glory is. Again, e This 
is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him.' 
Matt. xvii. 5. God cannot be well pleased with any one who 
is not like himself, perfect in holiness, righteousness and truth. 
These, not one of all the human race is possessed of. There- 
fore, God is so far from being well pleased with us, as we are 
in ourselves, that he hates and abhors us. But, (2) Here is 
our special mercy, God loves us, he hath chosen us, and 
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the body of Christ. 
By Christ's body we are redeemed from all our sins : ' For he 
bare our sins in his own body on the tree.' 1 Pet. ii. 24. In 
Christ's righteous body, we are justified and sanctified. ' We 
are sanctified through the offering of the body of Christ, once 
for all.' Heb. x. 10. Yea, ' By this one offering he hath for 
ever perfected them who are sanctified,' ver. 14. Therefore, 
(3) ' Whereof the Holy Ghost is a witness to us,' verse 15. 
This is his blessed office, to glorify Christ to our view and in 
our hearts. The Father calls on us to ' behold' Christ, and to 
r hear him.' The Holy Spirit enables to this, and fills us with 
all joy and peace in believing in the body of Christ. Here then 
things are brought to one single point. All our righteousness, 
holiness, peace, comfort and joy, are in the body of Christ. 
Are God and we agreed ? Has God put all his glory there ? 
Then let us seek all our happiness there. 

Oil my friends, let us remember, Each believer is Lis member, 

That Jesus is oar loving head, And shall on sin and Satan tread. K. 



.iuly 16.] 397 [morning. 

No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the 
Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. xii. 3. 

As the heavens declare the glory of the Lord, and the firma- 
ment shovveth his handy-work ; so every page of his sacred 
word proclaims his grace to his people, reminds them of the 
insufficiency of their natural power and free-will to any saving- 
purposes. Formal professors say, that Jesus is the Lord. The 
confession is easy. It is common to the open profane, and the 
most decent pharisee; but is no more profitable to salvation, 
than the true declaration from Satan, ' Thou art the Holy one of 
God/ But a saving confession of Jesus with the lips, proceeds 
from inward believing on Jesus with the heart ; and this from 
spiritual discoveries to the mind by the Holy Ghost. Oh be- 
liever, know thy distinguishing blessing. Esteem not this a 
common privilege, but special grace, that thou canst see, canst 
own, canst come to, trust in, and call the despised Nazarene, 
the once sin-bearing, sin-atoning, curse-sustaining Jesus, thy 
Lord and thy God ; in whom is all thy hope, and from whom 
is all thy salvation. This is truly the faith of God's elect. 

Hear what thy Master proclaims of such a confession ; I bless- 
ed art thou ; for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto 
thee, but my Father which is in heaven/ Matt. xvi. 17. This 
is the mystery of the Father's kingdom ; this is given only to 
his children to know; therefore the Holy Ghost is sent into 
their hearts to make it manifest. Most blessed confession. May 
it be ever uppermost in our minds, in our lips, and evidenced in 
our lives, that Jesus is Jehovah. That Jesus is the Lord, 
the Saviour, the man, and Mediator; our atonement on the cross, 
our righteousness in his life, our intercessor at the right hand 
of glory ; this, this is our plea, to all that are against us. We 
are sure it is a godly righteous plea, for it is given us by the 
Holy Ghost, in the word of truth. By it the Father is glorified, 
Jesus is honoured, drooping, fainting hearts are revived and 
comforted ; faith is established, hope confirmed, love increased, 
holiness advanced, Satan vanquished, sin subdued, the law 
answered, the world overcome, death conquered, and we sharers 
in the triumphs of glory and immortality. 

Christian soul, cheer up. With this truth in thine heart, with 
this confession in thy mouth, go on thy way rejoicing ; nor men 
nor devils can harm thee. Jesus thy Saviour is the Lord al- 
mighty to protect, ever-loving to save. Only fear to offend 
against love itself. Never suffer a doubt of Jesus' love in thy 
mind. Grieve not the Holy Spirit. Come, a few more days to 
prove thy allegiance to Jesus thy Lord on earth, and thou shalt 
reign with him in glory. Ever remember thy Lord's blessed 
promise, f Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will ] 
confess before my Father which is in heaven.' Matt. x. 32. 



july 16.] 398 [evening. 

A flam begat a son in his own likeness, after his image. 
Gen. v. 3. 



Not in the image of God, in which Adam was created, but 
after the likeness ofhimself, an apostate spirit, fallen from God, 
into all the cursed, proud, wrathful tempers of a wicked devil, 
and all the vile, filthy lusts of a brute beast. Awful difference 
between God's creation, and man's procreation. Where can 
we turn our eyes, but we see the dreadful effects of it? The 
Holy Ghost hath left this truth upon record for our instruc- 
tion. Consider, (1) That we are begotten sinners, not created 
such by God. David confesses this : ' Behold I was shapen 
in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.' Psal. li. 5. 
He does not charge his sinful nature to God, and impiously 
demand, why hast thou made me thus ? Ever beware of such 
doctrines, which have the least tendency to make a holy God 
the author of sin. (2) See whence you sprung. Boast not of 
your high birth and noble pedigree. You are born a sinner, 
under wrath and the curse, and must shortly turn to ignoble 
dust. e Be clothed with humility.' (3) Trace the filthy streams 
up to the corrupt fountain. Look not only at your sins, but 
consider your sinful nature also. These are only the fruits ; 
that the root from whence they sprung. Says our Lord, ' That 
which is born of the flesh, is flesh,' John iii. 6. Earthly, sen- 
sual, and devilish. I know, says Paul, in my flesh, or fallen 
nature, dwells no good thing. Rom. vii. 18. The flesh is part 
of you. Never expect the old man to be exchanged into a new 
one, or flesh into Spirit. Be content to leave it as you find it, 
an enemy to the Spirit : treat it as such, crucify its lusts, resist 
its motions, subdue its desires, put off the old man from day to 
day. (4) View the glorious method God has taken, for your 
recovery from your fallen state : oh love and adore him for it. 
Does he repair, alter, and amend what is amiss in the old crea- 
tion ? No, this very notion is a species of deism. But a new 
creation, making l one new man.' Ephes. ii. 15. Even the 
Lord from heaven becomes the Son of man, that we might be 
the sons of God in him : The Spirit begets us again into him : 
we are new creatures in him. Thus we are born again into a 
new creation. Here we live holy and happy, in perfect accept- 
ance with God, and enjoy fellowship in his love, as our hea- 
venly Father. As we see our own vileness, we are commanded 
to put on this ' new man' by faith, day by day. And behold- 
ing his glory, we are changed into his image from glory to 
glory, by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. iii. 18. 

Born into Christ the second man, Hence holy strife in us began, 

We have a nature new ; Which proves us christians true. m 



JULY 17.1 399 [MORNING. 

Jesus said, will ye also g(, away? John vi. G7. 

This, .oh soul, is the voice of thy Beloved. Thy friend put 
this question to his own disciples. Our captain keeps no pres- 
sed men in his service ; all his subjects enter as volunteers. 
They are made willing to come to him, believe on him, and 
greatly esteem the day of his power to follow and cleave to him. 
Force, restraint, and compulsion act not on their ingenuous 
minds. But what they find in Jesus now, present peace ; what 
they expect from Jesus hereafter, glory and salvation, endears 
him to their souls. 

Daily observation furnishes with instances of many who pro- 
fess to own Christ, and to follow him for a season ; but anon, 
through not understanding his doctrine, not seeing their own 
misery and wretchedness, and not knowing his love, they are 
offended, forsake Christ, his truths and his ways. They go 
back again to the world, to the enjoyment of their lusts, and 
take up with carnal preachers, who cry peace unto them. Thus 
they make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, which 
they professed to have ; and the last end of such is worse than 
the first. They forsake their own mercies, by turning their backs 
upon precious Jesus ; and are left to perish without hope or 
remedy. 

But a true disciple, who knows Jesus in spirit and in truth, 
our Saviour keeps from such folly. The sight of others falling 
off and leaving him, is made of blessed use to such. It excites 
humility and gratitude, quickens to holy jealousy and godly 
watchfulness. Such a tender expostulation put to the soul, 
' Wilt thou also go away ? ' Oh how it kindles a spark of fire, 
and blows up a flame of love in the poor sinner's heart. As 
when a tender indulgent parent says to his dear little child, 
Wilt thou go away and leave me ? How does it draw forth the 
love and affection of its heart ; and the little thing, with eager 
embraces, clings the faster to its parent. By this question our 
dear Saviour has often roused my sluggish heart, and called 
forth a holy fear ; and excited an earnest cry, Lord keep me : 
oh never, never let me forsake thee ! 

When the aged Polycarp was joyfully going to seal the truth 
of faith with his blood, being threatened by the proconsul with 
death in various shapes", answered, ' Why tarriest thou ? Bring 
forth what thou wilt; we christians are fixed in our minds not 
to change from good to evil.' Then the proconsul promised 
him liberty, if he would reproach Christ. Oh the affecting re- 
ply ; how ingenuous ; how full of love ! ' Eighty and six years 
(said he) have I served my Lord Christ, and he has never done 
me the least wrong: how then can I blaspheme my King and 
my Saviour V Bow victorious is faith ; how powerful is love ! 
Lord, increase our faith. Jesus inflame our Love ! ■ To whom 
should we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.' John 
vi. 68. 



ULY 17.] 400 [EVENING, 

Of whom I am chief. 1 Tim. i. 15. 

What a mighty change does grace make. Paul was once in 
his own eyes, the chief of saints. If but two went to heaven, 
he had no doubt but he should be one. Now he is really an 
eminent saint in Christ, he confesses himself the ' chief of sin- 
ners/ Why so? Did he love sin, lie down and wallow in sin, 
and glory in sin ? No, far from it : he was now saved from all 
his sins. But he now sees the exceeding preciousness of Christ, 
his Saviour; the exceeding sinfulness of sin, which dwelt in 
him ; and the infinite holiness, spirituality, and perfection of 
the law of God. Therefore he makes this public declaration : 
not I have been, but I now am the chief of sinners. He as it 
were, stands forth and challenges the whole race of sinners, 
and says, 1 will give place to no one : of all of you, I will be 
the first rate, and stand foremost in the rank. But is not this 
glorying in sin, which was his shame ? Self-righteous hearts 
think sc. They cannot come into it. When any sinner adopts 
Paul's language, and says, e of sinners I am chief/ they igno- 
rantly reply, there can be but one chief. Who then is that 
one? Why every one, who drinks into the same spirit with 
Paul, has the same views of himself which he had. For, (1) 
they see sin, not only in its fruits, but as a root : not only its 
actions, but as a nature, in which dwells no good thing. Such 
feelin their nature, the vile lusts of the beast, and the cursed 
tempers of Satan. Though sin has not the dominion over them, 
yet sin dwells in them. When they look at their past sinful 
actions, they take into view their present sinful nature also, 
and therefore rate themselves according to their views of them- 
selves. They have done with self-admiration and self-justifi- 
cation. I am the chief of sinners. I see myself such. I think 
no one has so wicked a heart, and so bad a nature as I have. 
(2) Such from their hearts give glory to the holy blessed Tri- 
nity. Oh how is God the Father glorified for his everlasting 1 
rove to such sinners. How is God the Son's gract exalted 
in dying" to save them, living to fulfil the law for them. 
How is the Holy Spirit's kindness magnified, in convinc- 
ing them of sin, bringing them to Christ to be saved from 
sin, and sanctifying them by the faith of Christ, over the power 
of sin. (3) Such, all such, and none but such, do cordially em- 
brace and comfortably live upon this faithful saying, and wor- 
thy of all acceptation. With the deepest humility, and the 
most inflamed joy, they exalt and say, ' Christ Jesus came into 
the world to save sinners.' Therefore as they are not under 
the power of sin, so they are delivered from the pride of their 
own righteousness. A sinner's righteousness! They are now 
ashamed that they should ever be so arrogant and ignorant to 
talk of it, trust in it, or expect to be justified by ft, in whole or 
in part. 



JULY 18.] 401 [morning. 

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is 
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for 
instruction in righteousness : that the man of God may be 
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. 
iii. 16, 17. 

The poor sinner who writes this, being in a dangerous illness, 
was in a very dark and comfortless frame of mind for two days. 
The third day, light, peace and joy, overspread his soul by these 
words being brought to his mind : f After two days he will re- 
vive us, in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live 
in his sight.' On this, he called for a bible. Oh how was his 
inexpressible joy encreased, when he read these words in Ho- 
sea vi. 2. On being asked, If he had done with the bible ; he 
answered, with a flood of joyful tears, No : never, never shall 
I have done with that blessed book, till I change time for eter- 
nity. The Spirit of inspiration ever honours his own word of 
truth. All peace, comfort and joy are derived from it through 
faith. We shall suffer no loss, if we suspend judgment on com- 
forts, till we have tried them by this touch-stone of truth. Be 
on your guard against the flatteries of false peace, and the delu- 
sions of unscriptural joys. 

Revealed truihs are inspired of God ; they are the objects of 
faith. By the knowledge of them the Spirit consoles the soul, 
lovingly reproves and corrects what is amiss, profitably instructs 
in the fundamental truths of Jesus' righteousness unto justifica- 
tion of life, and the believer's obedience unto righteousness. 
No one doctrine of God's word should be slightly regarded. In 
this sense, he that rejects one point of truth is guilty of all. This 
is to impeach the wisdom of the Spirit, as though he had made 
known any one needless and insignificant doctrine. This, in- 
stead of being doers of the word, is to judge and condemn the 
word. Jesus is the sum and substance of the scriptures. All 
the promises are in him, all the doctrines of grace lead to him, 
and centre in him. These are the furniture of faith, while Je- 
sus is the chief object of the soul. So disciples go on to perfec- 
tion in knowledge, love and holiness; therefore they should 
prize the scripture as their companion, consult it as their fami- 
liar friend, and pray over it as their constant guide. To these 
ends they are given of God : when thus received by us, we shall 
also be edified, and walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the 
comfort of the Holy Ghost. Acts ix. 31. 

Laden with guilt and full of fears, The volume of my Father's graee 
I fly to ihee, my Lord, Does all mv grief assuage ; 

And not a glimpse of hope appesi?, Here I behold my Saviour's face 
But in thy written word. Almost in every pn^e. 



3 F 



iiiLY 18.] 402 [evening. 

Let the lying tips be put to silence, which speak griev- 
ous things* proudly and contemptuously against the rig It 
leous. Psalm xxxi. 18. 



The language of natural reason is, if I am righteous, God 
will love me. It is the language of faith, though I am a sin- 
ner, yet God loves me. And because he loves me, therefore 
he makes me righteous. How ? The pen of inspiration an- 
swers. David describing the character of a sinner, renewed by 
grace, and made meet to dwell with God, saith, ' He shall re- 
ceive righteousness from the God of his salvation.' Psal. xxiv. 
5. Here we see plainly, that righteousness is a gift; that it 
is received, not worked out by the sinner ; that it is given by 
the God of our salvation. It is the glorious robe which our 
elder brother Jesus wrought out for us : our heavenly Father 
imputes it to us, and puts it upon us. God the Holy Spirit 
enables us by faith to receive it, to rejoice in.it, and boast of it ; 
and we see ourselves made infinitely and everlastingly righteous 
in it. Here observe, the gift of righteousness, to make poor sin- 
ners righteous, is an Old Testament doctrine. Lord establish 
our hearts in this fundamental truth of thy blessed word. Je- 
sus, Master, enable us to take comfort in thy one righteous- 
ness, and to give thee the glory of this inestimable blessing. 

Is it so, that thou art thus righteous in God's sight ? Then 
thou hast righteous hopes, righteous fears, righteous joys, a 
righteous heart, and a holy life : yea, and proud contemptuous 
foes too. Their lying lips will be opened against thee. The 
adversary of all truth will bring lying accusations against the 
truth thou believest, as sure as he brought them against Jesus 
Christ the righteous, who is the truth. Stirred up by him, mar- 
vel not if men charge thee with being an Antinomian, an ene- 
my to all righteousness ; that they say ' grievous things ' of 
thee, speak ' proudly ' against thy faith, * contemptuously ' 
sneer at thy confidence, saying how absurd the notion, that 
thou who art a miserable sinner in thyself, should yet be per- 
fectly righteous in Christ ! And, in opposition to Christ's glo- 
rious righteousness, they will set up the sinner's filthy rags; 
and assert that we are to be justified first or last, or some- 
how, by what we do. What is thy duty here? Imitate David. 
Give thyself unto prayer. ' Let the lying lips be put to silence.' 
How ? By the grace of Jesus teaching thee to deny all ungod- 
liness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and 
godly in this present world. So is the will of God, that with 
' well doing ' ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish 
men. I Pet. ii. 15. * We are of the circumcision, who worship 
God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confi- 
dence in the flesh.' Phil. iii. 3. 



JULY 19.] 4i)3 [MORNING. 

We have not an high priest who cannot be touched 
with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was in all points 
tempted like as we are, yet ivithout sin. Heb. iv. 15. 

•' Without sin.' Ob, cries the sanctified soul, that this was 
my happy state. And verily, as sure as the word of God is 
true, thou shalt enjoy this perfect freedom from thy worst enemy. 
But thou must be content to wait God's time, and live in God's 
way; that is, by faith upon thy best friend Jesus. Thy present 
blessedness is to understand and rejoice in this great mystery, 
that Christ who knew no sin was made sin for us. Therefore, 
by faith we glory, knowing that God looketh on us, blesseth us 
as righteous in Christ, and doth not impute sin unto us. As the 
head is without sin, so are all the members, viewed and beloved 
in the sight of God. And this is the evidence, that we are born 
of the Spirit, and have the mind of Christ, that we hate all sin, 
and long for entire deliverance from it, and aspire after full con- 
formity to the image of God. But. this we cannot enjoy in the 
body : we must first sleep in Jesus, ere we awake up after his 
perfect likeness. 

In the mean time we have a loving, sympathizing High Priest 
before the throne of God. This is our comfort. That very hu- 
man nature in which our sins were expiated on earth, is now 
crowned with glory in heaven. This is very refreshing. Christ 
can as soon forget his own glory, as any part of his suffering 
body. He feels for them ; he is touched with the most tender 
concern and affection towards them. He knows what sore 
temptations mean, for he hath felt the same. Temptations, 
even though most violent, cannot harm us : nay, they do not 
defile us, unless we enter into them. Therefore, they should not 
deject us. And need we ever be overcome by them ? Doth not 
Jesus live? Have we not free and familiar access to him, as 
the glorified man and mediator ? Is not all power in heaven 
and earth given unto him? Believest thou this, oh soul? Think 
on Calvary's proof of his love. Remember Bethany's proof of 
his resurrection. Call to mind his tender love to, and affection- 
ate care for his sheep, when Saul was worrying them. Oh he 
called, ' Why persecutest thou mu.V Thou canst not hurt them, 
but 1 feel it. He ever lives at the right-hand of glory to inter- 
cede for and save us poor sinners. And let thy distress be what 
it may, his loving advice suits it. * Call upon me in the day ot 
troubie, 1 will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorifv me.' Psal. 
1.15. 

With joy we meditate the grace And in his measure feels afresh 
Of our high priest above ; What every member bears. 

His heart is made of tendernes?, 

His bowels melt with love. Then let our humble faith address 

His mercy and his power ; 

He in the days of feeble flesh We shall obtain delivering grace 
Pour'd out his cries and tears, In the distressing hour. 



JULY 19.] 404 [evening. 

Save yourselves from this untoiuard generation. Acts 
ii. 40. 



Some, from a warm zeal for free will, and a strong opposi- 
tion to salvation by grace, have been weak enough to cite this 
passage to prove, that we have a hand in our own salvation ; 
because we are here called upon to save ourselves. They might 
with equal propriety have inferred, that we are here exhorted to 
new create ourselves. But there is a sense in which this exhor- 
tation is peculiarly applicable to every saved sinner, every 
justified believer in Christ. For the honour and glory of our 
Saviour, and for the peace and comfort of our souls, let us at- 
tend to it. Wisdom informs us, ' There is a generation that 
are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their 
filthiness. Oh how lofty are their eyes ; and their eyelids lifted 
up.' Prov. xxx. 12, 13. Now these are at enmity against ' that 
seed that serve the Lord, and are counted to him for a genera- 
tion.' Psal. xxii. 30. Itwas so from the beginning: it is so now. 
It ever will be so, as long as two seeds, or generations, are in 
the earth. Therefore we are called upon to save ourselves 
from this generation ; for it is untoward. The men of this gene- 
ration may have fine parts, profound learning, and shining abili- 
ties; they may occupy high stations in church and state; yet 
they are perverse. They deride the glorious gospel, set at 
naught the precious Saviour : his perfect atonement, and one 
righteousness, they see no need of: they ridicule the operations 
of his Spirit, and call all who pretend to them enthusiasts. 
Glad are they when they can show the untowardness of their 
nature, and the vexatious disposition of their spirits against 
them. From such, oh christian, save yourself. How ? Refrain 
their company, escape their deistical notions, abhor their proud, 
free-will, self-righteous tenets. Defile not yourself by reading 
their works: it is like trying the effects of poison upon a healthy 
body. Separate from them, come out from among them ; so 
shall you save yourselves from partaking of their evils and 
judgments. Know your dear Lord's enemies, and save your- 
selves from them. Know his friends, and associate with them. 
Bless your precious Lord for saving you from their untoward 
state : it was of bis unmerited mercy and distinguishing grace. 
When you read of them, and see them, reflect, such was I once : 
who made me to differ? Thus you will get good by them, if it 
sinks your soul in humility, and causes you to exalt, the riches 
of God's grace in Christ Jesus. 

Dangers beset on every side, Born from above to walk vviih thee 

From men profane, and sons of pride : By faith that 1 may holy be : 

Oh keep me Lord, by grace divine, Then let it be my constant care, 

And make mc know I'm ever thine. Of men untoward to beware. 



july 20.] 405 [morning 

Holding the mystery of the faith, in a pure conscience. 
\ Tim. iii. 9. 



From a seeming- zeal and regard to the ark of God, when it 
shook, and as he thought was in danger of falling, Uzzah put 
forth his hand to save it. It seems a very rational act, but it 
argued distrust of God's power, to preserve what was for his 
glory and honour; therefore the Lord highly resented it. 

If the displeasure of Jehovah was thus displayed in regard to 
the type of the covenant ; how jealous is the Lord of hosts of 
his own glory, contained in the truths of the everlasting cove- 
nant, laid up in the sacred ark Jesus, for his people? If a 
trembling ark, touched by an officious hand, was death, one 
should fear and tremble to attack the revealed truths of God's 
everlasting love to his people ; his power to preserve them, and 
grace to enable them to persevere in the faith unto eternal 
fitfory. Human efforts often spring from unbelieving hearts. 
The hand of nature is often stretched forth to assist, when it 
only counteracts divine purposes. Carnal reason ever opposeth 
the mystery of the gospel, but faith is supported by God's truths. 
The conscience can only be purified by Jesus' blood. This mys- 
tery of faith is only known to enlightened minds. To hold 
by it, and to hold it fast in the conscience, is the life and joy of 
our souls. So the Holy Spirit maintains vital, living union be- 
tween Jesus and his members. So love is excited to him, and 
a life of dependence maintained on him. A throne of grace is 
delightful to such. Sin becomes more and more hateful to their 
sight, and the fruits of righteousness are increased to God's 
glory. This is an amazing mystery of our faith, that we, who 
are guilty sinners in ourselves, yet are in Christ pure and free 
from all sin ; u-nrighteous in ourselves, yet in Jesus clothed with 
perfect righteousness; filthy and polluted by nature and prac- 
tice, but in Jesus, all fair, without spot, beautiful and comely 
in God's sight. In ourselves, no right to God's love, no title to 
his inheritance; but in Jesus our right is clear, our title legal, 
our enjoyment of it infallibly certain. Hold fast this mystery 
of faith: all thy peace and comfort depend on it. Thus, disci- 
ple, fix thy steady eye on Jesus ; daily view the promises in him, 
look constantly for the Spirit's power through him. So shalt 
thou have ' the answer of a good conscience towards God by 
the resurrection of Jesus.' 1 Pet. iii. 21. ' Hold thou me up, 
and I shall be safe ; and I will have respect unto thy statutes 
continually.' Psal. cxix. 117. 

Wh} does your face, ye btrnble souls, Avake, our hearts, adore the grace 

Those mournful colours wear ? That buries all our faults, 

What doubts are these that waste your faith, And pard'ning blood that swells above 

And nourish your despair. Our fellies and our thoughts. 



^ULY 20.1 406 [EVENING 

Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom. Pro v. 
iv. 7. 



In Joseph's visions, the sun, moon and stars made obedience 
to him, and all the sheaves bowed to his sheaf. Gen.xxxvii. So 
wisdom is honoured and exalted above and beyond every thing 
besides. This wisdom is the Son of God, ' to whom every knee 
shall bow/ Jesus, under the character of wisdom, is said to 
cry, to utter his voice — behold I will pour out my Spirit unto 
you ; and it is said to enter into the heart. Prov. i. 20 — 23. ii. 
10. All this can be applied to none other but Christ, who is ot 
God, ' Made unto us wisdom.' 1 Cor. i. 30. He cries after us 
miserable sinners, he utters his voice of love to us, he pours out 
his Spirit upon us, he enters into our hearts, and dwells there 
by faith. This truly is the principal thing. This, infinitely 
above all others, demands the whole of our attention, labour 
and diligence. Get what we may, yet without this we are not 
wise, and cannot be happy. We shall be only foolish, deluded 
and miserable. There will always be a vacuum in the heart, 
and a cry, what lack I yet? ' Get wisdom.' What, get an in- 
terest in Christ? What can we poor miserable sinners do to 
get that? It is a foolish phrase, it is unscriptural advice. Solo- 
mon reproves it when he asks, ( Wherefore is there a price in 
the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he has no heart to it ?' 
xvii. 16. As though he had said, none but a fool thinks his own 
works and doings the price of wisdom, and that by these he is 
to purchase an interest in Christ, and a title to his kingdom. 
Such have no understanding of the grace of Christ, no real love 
of heart to Christ. He cries, ' Come without money and without 
price.' Isai. Iv. 1. This is the way to buy and to get wisdom. 
Seek to enjoy the knowledge of an interest in Christ, labour 
after more and more experience of his grace, and fellowship 
with him in your souls. Be not satisfied, not a day nor an hour, 
without tasting his sweetness, and feeling his preciousness. 
Oh Jesus, I am foolish, be thou my wisdom. I am sin, be thou 
my righteousness. I am poor and miserable, be thou my riches 
and consolation. I have many wants to be supplied, many mise- 
ries to be relieved, many corruptions to be subdued, many 
enemies to be conquered. Oh may I possess thee in all thy 
fulness to night and for ever. This is the principal thing, the 
one thing needful. ' Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly 
in all wisdom.' Col. iii. 16. 

Jesus, thou my wisdom ait, Wliat are all things here bc'ow ; 

Make ami keep me wise of heart : Foolish toys and empty show ; 

Thee to prize above all things, May I live above with thee, 

Who to me salvation brings. And thy glory daily see. m. 



july 21.] 407 [morning 

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our 
Father, which hath loved us* and given us everlasting conso- 
lation, and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts y 
and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thess. ii. 
16, 17. 



Believers in Jesus know that the remembrance of sin is griev- 
ous, and the burden intolerable. A sight and sense of sin affects 
their conscience with sorrow and distress. There is daily need 
that their poor hearts should be comforted; and also that they 
should be established in every good word and work. But from 
whence shall they derive this ? From striving to forget, palliate, 
or excuse their past sins? By promising to be more stedfast 
for the future in the truths of God, and obedience to his will? 
Alas, he who truly knows what a sinful nature is, who is really 
acquainted with his own weakness and insufficiency to that 
which is good, and his proneness to all evil, will not, cannot 
thus deceive his own soul. But the converted soul will inge- 
nuously confess his sins to his God and Saviour ; will lay them 
open with their aggravating circumstances, mourn over them 
with a godly sorrow, own his just deserts for them ; and in the 
exercise of faith, look to the Lamb of God, who taketh away 
the sin of the world. Here is the everlasting spring of conso- 
lation which God hath given us : ' the blood of Jesus Christ his 
Son cleanseth us from all sin.' Here is our good hope: 
through the grace of Jesus we are completely righteous in 
Christ. "We stand perfectly accepted in God's beloved Son. 
Faith and hope are inseparable. We believe the truth, as in 
Jesus; we hope daily for more of its consolations. In this way, 
disciple of Jesus, thou canst never believe nor hope too much. 
May, is it not thy distress and evidence that thy faith is weak, 
thy hope languid, and thy love so cold ? But why is this? Not 
for want of a foundation for faith and hope ; for ' our Lord Je- 
sus Christ himself, and God even our Father hath loved. us.' 
Who? Only the prophets, apostles, holy men of old, righteous 
persons? Nay, but sinners of mankind : such was the charac- 
ter of all those whom the apostle includes in the pronoun us. 
And as the consequence of this love ' he hath given us everlast- 
ing consolation.' Not the effect of time, not subject to mutabi- 
lity ; but solid, perpetual, and eternal. Founded in the ever- 
lasting covenant, established in everlasting righteousness, issu- 
ing in everlasting salvation, revealed in .the everlasting gospel, 
and applied to the soul by the everlasting Spirit. Consolation 
and comfort are enjoyed, in stability in the good word of God, 
and in the good works of faith, ' to the praise of the glory of 
God's grace,' 



JULY 21.] 408 [EVENING. 

Kiss the Son Psalm ii. 12. 



A short command. For brevity, like the poesy of a ring- ; 
but comprehensive, like the book of God ; for it compriseth all 
that the scriptures require of us, and promise to us. It means, 
that we live in holy love, and walk in sweet friendship with the 
Son of God. (1) A kiss is a token of reconciliation. Kiss and 
be friends, is acommon proverb. f The kisses of an enemy are 
deceitful. 7 Prov. xxvii. 6. Christ experienced this, by (he kiss 
of Judas. Though sinners against Christ, yet he loved us : 
though enemies to him, yet he died for us. The belief of this 
love slays our enmity, the breach between God and us is made 
up. We are reconciled to God, and have peace with him, through 
Jesus Christ. How did reconciling grace operate upon the 
heart of that vile sinner Mary. She kissed her Lord's feet, 
while with tears of penitential sorrow she washed them. Luke 
vii. 38. Oh give the reconciling Son of God, this love-token of 
your reconciled hearts. (2) A kiss denotes congratulation. 
When Samuel anointed Saul, he kissed him and said, is it not 
because the Lord, hath anointed thee to be captain over his in- 
heritance? 1 Sam. x. 1. Thus congratulate Christ, who is 'the 
captain of our salvation.' Heb. ii. 10. (3) ft is a salute of joy. 
By a kiss we welcome a dear friend, on his return from a long 
journey, or a dangerous voyage. What a journey did Christ 
take ; what a voyage did he embark in for us ? After all his 
agonies and sorrows for our salvation, he is arrived at his king- 
dom and glory ; and shall we not w r elcome and salute him with 
a kiss of joy. (4) It is a token of great honour. Not every one 
may presume to kiss the hand of an earthly monarch : some 
are permitted, on being appointed to. some place under him. 
Behold we are made ( kings and priests unto God, by Jesus 
Christ.' Rev. i. 6. What an honour to kiss the King of kings ! 
Lastly : it is a love token of consanguinity. Loving relatives 
express their mutual affection by a kiss. Is Christ the loving 
bridegroom of our souls? Let us arise, shake ourselves from 
the dust, and stir up our hearts to give him every possible token 
of love and affection. May we live nearer to him, enjoy more 
of him, and be indulged with more spiritual communion with 
him. May our souls ardently long to be with him, that with 
rapture we may kiss those dear feet that travelled, and were 
nailed to the cross for us ; those blessed hands which were 
stretched out in prayer, and nailed to the accursed tree ; and 
bless that loving heart which was pierced for our sins and sal- 
vation. 

With sweet afl'ection let us kiss The more we think upon Christ's lore, 

The Son of God our Lord, While in this vale of tears, 

And own it is our highest bliss, The more our hearts will soar above. 

To live upon his word. And hanish all our fears. m 



july 22.] 409 [morning. 

This is the true God and eternal life. Keep yourselves 
from idols. Amen. 1 John v. 20. 21. 

It is a common objection with the men of this world, against 
the ministers and members of Jesus: 'You can preach and 
talk of nothing but Jesus.' Truly we consider him as ' the ena 
of all our conversation.' Heb. xiii. 7. Conscious of what he 
hath done for us, of what he is to us, and what he hath done in 
us; verily, Jesus is all in all to our souls. We know that the 
Son of God is come in our flesh. We are sure, that by the blood 
of his cross ' he hath made an end of sin, finished trans- 
gression, made reconciliation for iniquity;' and by his holy 
life ' hath brought in an everlasting righteousness.' Dan. ix. 24. 
All this we poor sinners wanted : nothing short of this could 
save us. Tea, eternal life, we have in our * wonderful' Friend, 
the God-man, Christ Jesus. Blessed be his infinitely precious 
name; he hath given us an understanding heart to know him. 
We desire to be eternally indebted to his name, his grace, his 
love ; for we see our union to him, and oneness with him, 
Marvel not then, that we speak so highly of our Beloved; 
' for if we should hold our peace, the very stones in the street 
would cry out against us.' Say, ye firstborn sons of light; 
say, ye children of grace, of whom should we glory, if not of 
Jesus our true God and eternal life? We disclaim all other 
gods. We know and believe that the Father is in him, and he 
in the Father. John x. 38. He teacheth us the Father's love in 
him to us ; and he sends the Comforter, which proceedeth from 
the Father, to shed his love abroad in our hearts. 

But alas, bow did we live before we knew Jesus, the only 
true God? Truly, though we talked of God, though we knew 
God, worshipped and feared him ; yet we were all the while, 
like the rest of the whole world, ' lying in wickedness,' fast 
asleep in the arms of the wicked one. For we were ' without 
Christ,' atheists ; l without God in the world ; and consequently 
had no hope;' .Ephes. ii. 12. How deluded are the wise and 
learned of this world with their notions and worship of an un- 
known God ; while little children are truly wise, and best learned 
who know Jesus as their Lord and their God, and abide in him. 
The truth of their faith, the uprightness of their hearts, and the 
sincerity of their love, are best evidenced by keeping themselves 
from the ensnaring vanities and bewitching idols of time and 
sense, adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 
Looking for that blessed hope, the gloiious appearing of the 
great God, even our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself 
for us. Tit. ii. 10, 13. 

Jesus my God, 1 know bis name, Nor will lie put mvsoul to shame, 

J-Jis name is all my trust ; Nor let m\ hope be lost 



JULY 22.] 410 [EVENING. 

By the word of truth, by tkepoiver of God, by the armour 
of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. 2 Cor. 
vi. 7. 



What sign showest thou ? Show us a miracle, and we will 
believe you are inspired, says an evil and adulterous generation. 
A sign and a miracle ! Why, every regenerate soul is both a 
sign and a wonder to carnal men. They are born from above, 
they live above ; their views, end and aims, are to things above. 
These words, though peculiarly applicable to ihe ministers of 
Christ, yet are true also of every disciple of Christ. He studies 
to approve himself, (1) by the word of truth. What is that ; 
where is that to be found? In God's book, the bible. Oh the 
bible, say some weak heads, and deceived hearts, the letter of 
scripture is not God's word. Find a testimony of God, and 
from Gc«d, if you can. We will be content to fix our faith upon 
this word of truth, for it testifies of our Beloved, who is the 
truth. He therefore bids us ' search the scriptures/ and we 
find them lively oracles to our souls. As we rind Christ in the 
word of truth, so we live upon him according to the word of 
truth, and desire to frame our whole conduct by the word of 
truth. Its doctrines we submit to, its threatnings we fear, its 
precepts we obey. (2) ' By the power of God.' That it is 
which accompanies the word of truth to our hearts, causes it 
to be believed, brings joy and peace in believing the word, and 
fills our souls with a hope full of immortality, promised in the 
word. It is reserved for us, and we are kept by the power of 
God through faith unto salvation, according to the word. 1 Pet. 
i. 5. (3) ' By the armour of righteousness, on the right hand 
and on the left.' What is this? Not a fancied righteousness 
of our own : that is at best but filthy rags, a wretched armour, 
either on the right hand or the left. None but fools would ap- 
pear in such an armour ; those who do are the sport of fools, 
and the contempt of devils. Not an inherent righteousness 
which some talk of. What is within, cannot be an armour for 
without, on either hand. This righteousness has never fulfilled 
the law of God, therefore cannot defend from the face of our 
enemies. But the perfect, spotless righteousness of the Son of 
God has: therefore that can defend from every assault and 
every accusation, from every quarter on either side. This is the 
cry of faith, this the armour of the soul ; ' that I may be found 
in Christ, not having on my own righteousness which is of the 
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteous- 
ness which is ot God by faith.' Phil. iii. 9. Take the sword 
of the Spirit, the word of God in one hand, aud the shield of 
faith, the righteousness of the Son of God in the other; and 
what shall stand against you? 



JULY 23.] 411 [MORNING. 

Oh wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from 
the body of this death ? Rom. vii. 24. 

Spiritual sense and feeling are peculiar to regenerate heaven- 
born souls. While in a carnal state, * dead in trespasses and 
sins;' though the law thunders out its dreadful curses against 
us, we hear not. Though by nature children of wrath, and de- 
serving of hell, yet our danger we see not. Though our sins are 
gone over our heads, and are like a sore burden, too heavy for 
us to bear, yet we feel them not. But when the soul is alive to 
God, we groan, being burdened with a body of sin, and pant 
after deliverance. This was the experience of holy Paul, and 
such is the experience of saints in all ages. But thanks be to 
our God, though ever so deeply distressed and greatly depressed 
with sin, we sorrow not as without hope. We are not ignorant 
of our Deliverer, but know him, even Jesus Christ. A one but 
Jesus is able; and he hath, he doth, he will deliver. He hath 
delivered from the curse of sin by his death. He doth deliver 
the soul perfectly from the being of sin, when the body of flesh 
is * sown in dishonour, to be raised in glory.' The last enemy, 
death, is not destroyed yet. None are so perfectly exempt from 
that which brought death into the world, Sin. But present de- 
liverance thou hast, oh believer: and perfect deliverance thou 
canst not but pant after and long for. 

Think not, that feeling a body of sin, which, like thy natural 
body, consists of many parts and members, groaning under it, 
inwardly breathing out ardent desires for deliverance, inscribing 
* wretched man ' upon thyself, like a criminal who is compelled 
to carry about a dead, putrified, stinking carcase ; think not all 
this to be inconsistent with a blessed state, and being blessed 
' with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.' No: thou art not 
singular ; it was once the lot of all thy brethren now perfect in 
glory. It is the lot of all thy companions in the faith and pati- 
ence of Jesus on earth. When Paul, in such spiritual ecstacy 
and joy, was caught up to the third heavens, that he did not 
know whether he was in the body or not ; he might then think 
he was entirely freed from his burden, that he was perfect; 
but a htt'e time after, experience convinced him to the contrary ; 
and we find him, ' as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.' 2 Cor. 
vi. 10. Blessed be our compassionate Saviour, who reaches 
out reviving cordials of consolation and refreshment; these 
cheer our drooping spirits under our burden ; this favour no 
kind hand administered to him, when worn out and sinking un- 
der the ponderous load of our sins on the cross. Oh the joy of 
faith! Sin; though felt, grieved for, mourned over; yet * there 
is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.' Rom. 
'iii. 1. 



JULY 23.] 412 [EVENING. 

Much more then, being justified by his blood, we shall be 
saved from wrath through him. Rom. v. 9. 

All heresies are founded in pride, and spring from ignorance, 
and unbelief of the Lord's word. Some strike at the glory- of 
the free grace of God ; others at the divinity of the Son of. God ; 
others at his atonement and righteousness, whereby our sins 
are pardoned, our persons justified, and final perseverance to 
eternal glory is secured to every believer. Paul, under the in- 
fluence of that Spirit who foresaw every heresy which would 
spring up, pester the church, dishonour Christ and distress his 
members, here sets himself against that pernicious heresy, that 
souls once justified and pardoned by the blood of Christ, may 
afterwards perish under the wrath of God. (1) What is meant 
by being justified by the blood of Christ? Just the reverse of 
being condemned for sin, which is the cause of condemnation. 
Christ's blood, shed at his death, was the finishing stroke, and 
includes his whole work as our Saviour. He made that full 
satisfaction to law and justice, for which sinners are freed from 
condemnation by the one, and pronounced just by the other. 
They are once for all, and for ever, justified in God's sight: for 
though God sees sin in them, yet they are for ever justified from 
it, in his beloved Son. (2) Who are thus justified ? Sinners 
who believe on the Son of God ; whether they have the sense 
and comfort of it in their own conscience, or not; for they now 
receive the atonement of Christ into their hearts by faith. Faith 
urges them to plead, and not rest satisfied, till they find the 
peace of God in their consciences, flowing from justification in 
Christ's blood. But, (3) May not such perish at last under the 
wrath of God ? No, says Paul, that is impossible. * Much 
more,' mind those precious words, ' being now justified by his 
blood, we shall be saved.' As though he had said, what, did 
the Son of God shed his blood in vain ? Has he called us, and 
justified us before God, through faith in his blood ; and has ho 
now no love to us, nor care for us ? Will he after all his grace, 
leave us to perish under wrath ? No : as we are actually jus- 
tified by his blood, we shall be eternally saved from wrath 
through him. His precious blood can never lose its ecstacy, hhi 
gracious heart can never abate in love, his almighty arm can 
never lose its power. As Christ died to redeem from all sin, 
so he lives to save from all wrath. This is the faith of God's 
elect. This faith works by love of the truth, and in rejecting all 
self-righteous errors. And as the soul is comforted by this 
love, so love inspires to all cheerful obedience. 

When Jesus on llie cross did bleed, And they in him were justified, 

He represented all his seed, And this by faith's to them applied. 



JULY 24.J 413 [morning. 

Cast thy burden itpon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee : 
he shull never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm lv. 
22. 



The soul having lost its innocency by the sin of the first 
Adam, can never be happy till it knows righteousness is re- 
stored to it again by Jesus, the second Adam. Sensible sinners 
would be truly miserable when they see their nakedness, and 
feel their w r ant of righteousness, was not righteousness revealed 
as God's unspeakable gift by Jesus Christ. By him, a glorious 
robe of righteousness is wrought out and imputed to naked and 
destitute sinners. Grace reigns through righteousness. All the 
mercy and favour we receive from God, is in a way of righteous- 
ness. We enjoy the knowledge and comfort that we are righ- 
teous before God through faith. If this point is not clear and 
settled in the mind, it is because the clouds of ignorance and 
unbelief are not chaced away; the Sun of righteousness hath 
not arisen upon such hearts ; therefore they are perplexed and 
distressed touching the hope of salvation. For this is the essen- 
tial and leading point in Christianity. We may toil all the days 
of our life to get righeousness, but wo shall go to bed in the 
dark without it, unless we are made righteous in Christ. Infi- 
nite are the blessings, most precious the promises, which abound 
in God's word to the righteous. When we read of the righ 
teous in scripture, we are ever to remember Jesus, and give 
glory to him, who is our righteousness by faith. 

God will never suffer the righteous to be moved from their 
hope. There is also a holy boldness and sweet familiarity be- 
tween a righteous Lord, and such righteous souls. As he has 
clothed them with the garments of salvation, they have always 
a sympathizing friend in their hours of trouble to ilee to. This 
is the hope that supports them ; Jesus will support their weak 
souls, and sustain their heavy burdens; they cannot sink, 
though they may be often ready to faint. But why is this? 
Truly we are apt to struggle with this difficulty, and toil with 
the other load upon our poor minds, instead of casting all upon 
Jesus who careth for us. Sense opposeth faith, hence Jesus is 
forgotten, and the mind remains troubled. But here is the wis- 
dom and glory of faith ; whenever we feel our souls are bowed 
down on any account, to refer all our griefs, and cast or roll ail 
our burdens off from our own minds upon Jesus, and simply to 
cry out with Hezekiah, l oh Lord, I am oppressed, undertake 
for me.' Isai. xxxviii. 14. 

But I, with all my cares, His arm sliall well sustain 

Will lean upon the Lord ; The children of his love ; 

I'll cast my burdens on his arm, The ground on which their safety stands 

And reat upon his word No earthly power can move. 



july 24.] 414 [evening. 

That in all things Christ might have the pre-eminence 
Col. i. 18. 



We cannot be happy, till this truth is brought into the expe- 
rience of our hearts. The regenerate soul is ever at war with 
the flesh, for it opposes the pre-eminence of Christ ; and is also 
at war against the proud notions of profane, as weli as self-righ- 
teous men, who reject Christ our precious head, from having 
the pre-eminence, in the salvation of the body. They put him 
in subordination in many things, instead of giving him the pre- 
eminence in all things. When our Lord says, ' My Father 
worketh hitherto, and I work,' some poor sinners become bold 
intruders, and add, ' Lo we work also; and our works must 
have some part in our salvation.' Well, it will be so, till the 
law of works, which has the pre-eminence in their hearts, kills 
their legal hopes and self-righteous confidence. Soul, can you 
say with Paul,/ I through the law, am dead to the law. Gal. ii. 
19. Are you married to Christ by faith? Then you have seen, 
that you are totally destroyed in the old creation ; and a mere 
cypher, an insignificant nothing, in the work of a new creation. 
Here Christ is all in all. As a chaste and loving bride, you 
will glory in, and exalt your beloved Bridegroom above all 
things. (I) You will give him the pre-eminence in your heart. 
It is said of king George II. when he chose to keep his nobles at 
a distance, he used to say, * the king is at home to day.' So 
whenever any bold intruders from the world, the flesh, or the 
devil, solicit admittance, you will say, King Jesus is on his 
throne to-day. He has the pre-eminence within, my affections 
are set on him, there is no room for you. (2) Of your hopes. 
Does Satan accuse? We overcome him by the blood of the 
Lamb, and by our testimony of Jesus. Rev. xii. 11. Does the 
law condemn ? * Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the 
law, being made a curse for us.' Gal. iii. 13. Is conscience 
distressed ? 'Bis blood sprinkles our hearts from an evil con- 
science.' Heb. x. 22. His work { makes perfect, as pertaining 
lo the conscience.' 'His blood purges our conscience from 
dead works, to serve the living God.' Thus Christ has the pre- 
eminence in all things pertaining to our conscience, and our 
hopes : for we are fully assured, ' God hath made us accepted 
in the beloved."* Ephes. i. 6. (3) In our lives. We are not 
under the law ; therefore we have done with all legal striving 
to fulfil it, that we may be justified by, and saved for what we 
do. But we arc under the grace of Christ. This has the pre- 
eminence over our walk. We live under the influence of love, 
we walk with Christ's salvation in our hearts. 



july 25.] 415 [morning. 

I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling 
of God in Christ Jesus. Phil iii. 14. 

By effectual vocation the soul is called from a death in sin, 
to a life of righteousness. By spiritual illumination, the most 
desirable objects are discerned ; the faith of God's elect mani- 
fests itself to be an operative grace in the heart, by the conduct 
of the life. Blessed Paul, though such a zealous champion for 
sovereign operations and free-grace truths, though so averse to 
the pride of free-will and the confidence of human righteousness 
in his writing and preaching, yet his life and exhortations are 
equally opposite to all licentious practices and unchristian 
sloth. He had a race to run, a prize to win, the end of his call- 
ing to attain. Thus is it with all who are partakers of like pre- 
cious faith ; folding the hands, sitting down contented, resting 
in ease and indolence, may suffice when doctrines are only re- 
ceived as notions in the head. Truth may be assented to in the 
judgment as dry speculations, so as to engage the tongue, 
without warming and influencing the heart, and producing the 
fruits of holiness in the life. If sitting still and talking, or walk- 
ing contrary to the hope of the gospel, be to imitate the apostle's 
blessed conduct, followers of him abound greatly everywhere; 
but the truth received in the love of it, excites to activity. 

Says the christian, ' I press forwards,' like a racer who con- 
siders the mark before him, turns his back upon the place he 
set out from, and is solicitous so to run that he may obtain the 
prize. Jesus is the christian's mark, he presses towards him, he 
is solicitous to enjoy much of Christ below, he longs for the full 
enjoyment of him above ; this is our glorious high calling. What 
can be put in competition with it? The world, with all its sin- 
ful customs, vain pleasures, and carnal delights ? No, we for- 
sake these, and leave them behind us. We fear being entangled 
with the objects of time and sense, preferring Jesus above all. 
Earthly things grow more and more mean and contemptible to 
us. The more we see our all in Jesus, and expect all from him, 
so much the more we press towards him. Hence means of grace 
are prized, ordinances attended to, Christ's word is precious, 
the prize is glorious. Thou man of God, ever exercise a godly 
jealousy of being brought into bondage to the world or the flesh. 
Remember how unloving, how dishonourable thou actest when 
any object engages thy attention, and rivals thy Saviour. ' So 
run that you may obtain.' 

How vain are all things here below Dear Saviour, let thy "beauties be 
How false and yet how fair ! My souls eternal food : 

Each pleasure'hath its poison too, And grace command my heart away 
And every sweet a snare. From all created good. 



JULY 25.] 416 [EVENING. 

Not by works of righteousness which we have clone, but 
according to his mercy he saved us. Titus iii. 5. 

Show us a miracle, and we will believe you are inspired, say 
carnal men. We can, but they have not eyes to see it. Blessed 
be God, miracles are not ceased : the Lord works miracles of 
grace daily. Every regenerate sinner is a miracle of God the 
Father's mercy, of God the Son's grace, and of God the Holy 
Spirit's power. His humble language proclaims it. I stand 
forth and declare, that I was a vile sinner, condemned by the 
law of God, and justly deserving the damnation of hell; yet 
full of the pride of my own works, and confident of salvation by 
my own righteousness ; but God, by an act of sovereign mercy, 
has saved me from the power of sin, and a vain confident hope 
in my own righteousness. ' Not by works which we have done.' 
Our works are out of the question : for all boasting is excluded. 
Yet the notion of absolute mercy in God to any sinner, without 
respect to works of righteousness performed by man, to fulfil 
the law of God, is absurd and unscriptural. It is to be rejected 
as contrary to the attributes and perfections of the Godhead. 
Therefore, we are saved by mercy, according to works of righte- 
ousness; but not by those which we have done. No: but by 
what Jesus our law-fulfilling head hath done for us. He hath 
fully obeyed the commandments of the holy law, and perfectly 
satisfied the demands of strict justice : hence the mercy of the 
Holy Spirit flows to us. Jesus saves us from the curse of the 
law, and the wrath of justice : hence the mercy of the Holy Spi- 
rit flows to us. Jesus saves us from the curse of the law, and 
the wrath of justice. The Spirit saves us from the blindness of 
our understanding, the rebellion of our will, and the carnality 
of our affections. Pause, oh my soul : fall down and adore his 
rich mercy that snatched thee from hell, and saved thee to hea- 
ven. Yes, into the heaven of the love of the Father, Son and 
Spirit. My soul is formed for it. I have suitable dispositions 
to it. How? ' By the washing of regeneration and renewing 
of the Holy Ghost.' As water separates the filth from the thing 
washed, and makes it clean ; so the Spirit separates us from 
the love of sin, our pride, self-righteousness and aversion to 
Christ and his salvation; begetting us again from our old natu- 
ral false hope, to a new and lively hope of salvation, by the death 
and resurrection of Jesus, by the word through faith ; renewing 
us hereby in the Spirit of our mind, making us new creatures in 
Christ. So that salvation is not by reforming and amending 
our old nature: that is left just as it was. But begetting us 
anew in Christ, that we might live and walk in him to the glory 
of God. Our old nature is subjected to grace. * Christ js in 
us the hope of glory.' Col. i. 27. 

No works of oars have any share, It's all by grace, we're what we are 

Coil's mercy to procure, Saved now and shall endure. m. 



july 26.] 417 [morning. 

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is 
not in him. 1 John ii. 15. 



The voice of carnal reason cries, God hath created passions 
within ns, therefore gratify them. At this bar, inconsistency is 
pronounced upon scripture; but the voice of inspiration pro- 
claims, ' The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride 
of life, are not of the Father;' therefore it teaches us to crucify 
them. Let no disciple of Jesus think this a hard saying-: the 
soul can find no happiness but in the love of God. If other 
objects attract our affections to seek happiness in them, as they 
stand in competition with, so they will keep us from the sense 
of the love of God ; where the treasure is, there will the heart 
be also. When the love of God lives in the heart, the love of 
the world dies. If the love of the world gain the affections, the 
love of the Father subsides. We can no more love two such 
contrary objects with a supreme love, than we can exist in 
time and eternity, in heaven and on earth at one and the same 
time ; one will necessarily give place to the other in experience 
and enjoyment. The carnal gratifications of the flesh, vain in- 
dulgences of pleasing the eye, with whatever promotes the pride 
of nature ; the riches, pleasures, honours of this perishing world, 
are all contrary to the love of God in the heart, which is the 
essence of all true holiness and real happiness These things 
war against the soui. Alas, awful instances we may see of 
many professors being bewitched and ensnared by the enchant- 
ing allurements of the world, to forsake Jesus and the hope of 
the gospel. Melancholy complaint of St. Paul : i Demas hath 
forsaken me, having loved this present world.' 2 Tim. iv. 10. 
Saints are delivered from this evil world ; they are redeemed 
from a vain conversation by Jesus; they are forbid by his Spi- 
rit to be conformed to the world. Oh it is a blessed thing to die 
to the world before we die in it. The men of this world are de- 
clared enemies to God's children ; it is our wisdom ever to be 
on. our guard against them; though it is our duty to behave 
with all kindness and courtesy, to do them all the good in our 
power, yet let us beware that they do us no harm. ' Can a man 
take fire in his bosom, and not be burnt?' Prov. vi. 27. Close 
intimacy with carnal friends exposes to danger ; alluring smiles 
from them often wound deep, where opposition could do no 
harm. What is all the gain of the world to the happy sense of 
God's love? He who buys a fine suit of clothes, though ever so 
cheap, infected with the plague, hath no great bargain. 

The brightest tilings below the sky Our dearest joys and nearest friends, 

Give but a flattering light ; The partners of our blood, 

We should suspect some danger nigh, How they divide our wavering minds, 

Where we possess delight. And leave but half for Cod. 



3 H 



JULY 26.1 418 [EVENING. 

This is his commandment, that we should believe on the 
name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another. 1 John 
iii. 23. 



When a weary traveller has lost his way, what joy must the 
sight of a directory afford him. How most his joy be increased, 
if it informs him he is near a dear friend's house, who will kindly 
receive him, Weary pilgrim, look at this directory and rejoice. 
You are near a dear friend, who will kindly receive, and heartily 
welcome you. Obey this command, and enjoy the comfort. 
Consider, (1) Who commands. God the Father; that God 
against whom you have sinned, and by sin are become misera- 
ble. He would have you both holy and happy. You can be 
neither without believing: both are enjoyed in faith. (2) The 
command: e believe.' By the ten commandments you are con- 
demned; you are brought in guilty by them ; the law ministers 
nothing but wrath and condemnation. God be merciful to us 
miserable sinners. God shows us mercy. Oh the love and 
grace of the lawgiver ! He here gives us one command, which 
ministers life and salvation to our guilty souls. Only believe. 
You mourn under a sense of sin, are dejected for want of peace, 
and distressed for want of comfort. You look one way and 
another ; you strive to do this and that ; you pray, read, hear, 
communicate; still your soul is not happy and joyful. Why 
not? Because you do not obey your Father's command, ' be- 
lieve. ' (3) Consider the object of faith. ' The name of his Son 
Jesus Christ.' God the Father doth not command, believe on 
me, come to me, but only as he is in Christ. Therefore he says, 
'hear my beloved Son.' Matt. iii. 17. Believe on him, go to 
him, receive him, look to him, venture your souls on him, con- 
stantly and continually exercise your minds on him, for all sal- 
vation: so shall you enjoy my peace, my favour and my love. 
All centres in his name, Jesus: your sin-bearing, sin-atoning, 
curse suffering, law-fulfilling Saviour. Christ, anointed, sent 
and appointed by God the Father, to do and suffer his will ; to 
finish your salvation, and to save and make you happy every 
moment, in the sense of the Father's reconciled love in him. 
(4) Who are commanded thus to believe? Sinners, lost and 
perishing sinners, who have no righteousness to justify, no 
strength to save themselves. This is your character and mine, 
and will be so all through life. Therefore this command is ever 
to be obeyed by us. Are you in a doubting, fearing, condemned, 
dark, distressed frame? Your Father's loving command just 
suits you. Obey him, believe in his Son, for light, joy and peace, 
and they shall spring up in your conscience. Then love shall 
prevail in your soul to God and to his children. This is the 
prayer of faith, ' Lord increase our faith.' Luke xvii. 5. 



july 27.J 419 [morning 

In the way of judgment, oh Lord, have we waited for 
thee : the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remem- 
brance of thee. Isai. xxvi. 8. 

Herein appears the wisdom and glory of our Lord : he hath 
ordained the way wherein his people should walk, as well as the 
end which they shall surely enjoy, salvation. Thus is it mani- 
fest, by perseverance in grace and holiness, that any sinner is 
effectually called to the knowledge of Jesus, and salvation by 
him. 

Though in regeneration the carnality and corruption of our 
nature are not destroyed, yet by the word and Spirit, the soul is 
possessed with a desire after Jesus, and the sweet remembrance 
of his name is fixed in the heart; he is all their desire, and all 
their salvation ; they know and feel themselves to be poor and 
lost; they are humbled in soul; hope from every object but 
Christ is cut off. But yet some cannot speak of such manifesta- 
tions of joy and tokens of comfort which others tell of. Hence 
they distress and disquiet their minds, are ready to question 
whether they can have any true knowledge of, love to, and inter- 
est in the Lord. But this is not right ; for it is plain and evi- 
dent, where there is a desire of soul to the name of Jesus, and 
remembrance in the heart of his salvation, as our only hope, 
this ariseth from a degree of knowledge and faith ; and love 
also in proportion is drawn out after precious Christ. Such 
will be found waiting upon the Lord, for they see his grace. 

There is something in the name of Jesus that is attracting, 
something in the nature of his work and salvation which suits 
their desperate state, and which they love to hear and wait for. 
The secret power of the Spirit inclines the heart in the way of 
God's judgments, in the ordinances of his house, in private du- 
ties, secret meditation and reading, &c. Yea, though in distress 
and affliction, still they wait upon, yea -wait for the Lord, for 
more knowledge, stronger faith, greater love. Therefore such 
who lightly esteem, yea, speak contemptibly of such good de- 
sires, speak unadvisedly with their lips : they make sad the 
heart of the righteous, whom the Lord would not have made 
sad. Jesus doth not despise i the day of small things ;* he loves 
the weakest lamb in his flock, h Q delights in the smallest work 
of his own Spirit, he doth not despise the least desire of the soul 
towards him; his loving heart will not f break the bruised reed, 
nor quench the smoking flax, till he send forth judgment unto 
victory.' 

God is my all-sufficient good, I bless tby grace, that e'er my soul 
My portion and my choice ; Had one desire to thee ; 

In him my vast desires are filled, No name so sweet whereon to liope ; 
And all my pow'rs rejoice. As Jesus is to inc. 



JULY 27.] 420 [EVENING. 

But ye have not so learned Christ. Ephes. iv. 20. 

Believe and live as you will ; love and walk as you please. 
Will any say, this is fine licentious doctrine? We answer, such 
do not know, nor consider, the power of faith, nor the influence 
of Christ's love. They are strangers to his teaching. Christians 
are his scholars. Christ is our one master : he graciously con- 
descends to teach us. He kindly says, ( learn of me, for I am 
meek and lowly of heart' to instruct you, Matt. xi. 29. Our 
grand business is to sit at his feet. We have no just ideas of 
the sinfulness of sin, the vileness of our nature, nor the preei- 
ousness of his person, hut what we learn of him. Christian, 
what hast thou learned of Christ this day? If thou hast not 
learned somewhat of the heinous nature of sin, so as to abhor it, 
and of the preciousness of Christ's person and salvation, so as 
to cleave to him, verily, thou hast lost a day. Thou didst not so 
learn Christ ; for this is his word daily to thee : ' Come unto me.' 
(I) When the pleasures of sin invite, when these trinity of idols, 
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, 
demand to be gratified, what is your answer? Is it not, My 
soul abhors them, my life shall be prevailingly free from them. 
[ have not so learned Christ as to indulge them. I have learned 
so much of his precious love as to desire to be wholly, solely 
and eternally, devoted to his glory. (2) Have you been bearing 
your sins, and carrying your sorrows to day ? Verily you take 
too much upon you : ye have not so learned Christ. Surely, 
he hath done this for you, that you should be eased of their bur- 
den, and find rest in him. ' All ye that are weary and heavy 
laden, come unto me, and I will give you rest' Matt. xi. 28. 
This is his sweet voice : Let not your hearts be troubled.' This 
is his precious command : 'Believe in me.' John xiv. 1. (3) 
Have you been this day folding your hands in dejection, full of 
doubts and fears, and your hope at the last gasp? You have 
not so learned Christ; for he saith to the fearful heart, '. Be 
strong: fear not.' Isai. xxxv. 4. Again, fear not, for I am with 
thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen 
thee ; I will keep thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right 
hand of my righteousness.' xli. 10. Daily learn to exalt Christ's 
words against all your sins, his salvation against all your deme- 
rits, his promises against all your fears, and his truths against 
all Satan's lying suggestions. See the blessedness of thus 
learning Christ, ( Great shall be thy peace : in righteousness 
shalt thou be established : fear and terror shall not come near 
thee.' Isai. liv. 13,14. 



july 28.] 421 [morning. 

/ am with you, saith the Lord of hosts. According to 
the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of 
Egypt, so my Spirit remaineth among you : fear ye not. 
Haggai ii. 4, 5. 

When the Lord calls his people to great work, or to grievous 
sufferings, he animates them with strong consolations ; for as 
their day is, their strength shall be- This passage shines bright, 
as it manifests the most comforting views and clearest disco- 
veries of covenant grace and love to saints of old, engaged in a 
very arduous work of Jehovah. ' Whatever things were written 
aforetime, were written for our learning, that we might have 
hope.' Rom. xv. 4. Our hope is established and strengthened 
through patience and comfort of the scriptures ; and as they 
encourage our hope, they also forbid our fears ; as if salvation 
was precarious and uncertain, as though the foundation of hope 
rested upon conditions we fulfil to secure it. Biessed be God, 
faith hath, a surer anchor hold, even the word, the covenant, the 
oath of Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit. The knowledge of 
this, under all the discouraging views of natare and sense, lifts 
the believer above himself, and makes him triumph in the ever- 
lasting, unchangeable love and sovereign grace of the glorious 
Trinity. So children of God, in every age, feed upon one and 
the same bread of life, Jesus. He is the Logos, the Word, with 
whom the Father covenanted for sinners. According to this, 
the love of the Father is towards us, even while we are in our 
natural state, in Egyptian bondage; yea the love of the Lord 
of Hosts is the cause of our deliverance from it, and conversion 
to his blessed self; so also his Spirit remaineth with us. By his 
sweet agency and power, our blind eyes are enlightened to see 
the glory and suitableness of Jesus, our deaf ears opened to 
hear the loving voice of this dear charmer, and an understand- 
ing heart is given us to disclaim all other hope, and to know 
and choose Jesus, believe in and love him as our only precious 
Saviour. What blessed confidence is this ! We are exhorted 
to * hold it fast.' ' Fear ye not, saith the Lord, I am ever with 
you/ Fear and distrust are most unreasonable, pride and self- 
glorying most abominable, sin and disobedience most hateful ; 
love, humility, and gratitude most powerfully operate upon 
such highly-favoured hearts. Hence faith in a covenant God, 
and his loving declarations, ever excite the most generous ex- 
pressions from the heart. ' What shall 1 render unto the Lord 
tor all his benefits towards me ? Thou hast delivered my soul 
from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I 
will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm cxvi. 



july 28.] 422 [evening. 

Saul answered, I am sore distressed ; for the Philistines 
make war against me, and the Lord is departed from me. 
1 Sam. xxviii. 15. 



A more awful speech is scarcely to be found in th e Bible ; a 
more dreadful state a soul cannot be in, on this side of hell. To 
have potent enemies in battle array, to have the guilt of abomi- 
nable sins staring one in the face, and to be sensible that the 
Lord is departed from one ; how horrid to think of. Oh come 
here, and see the terrible effects of trifling with God, and dis- 
obeying his commands ! For we read that the Spirit of the 
Lord came upon Saul ; that God gave him another heart ; that 
he was turned into another man, and that he prophesied. 1 Sam. 
x. 6. And yet, such was his dreadful conduct, as to bring upon 
himself such sore distress. How does he act under it? Does 
he humble himself, as heretofore before the Lord ? No : but 
adds this evil to all his abominations. He seeks to the witch 
of Endor, and desires her to raise up Samuel to him. The form 
of Samuel appears, and tells him of his sudden destruction by 
the Philistines. Learn hence, (1) That as the Lord's mercies 
are sure, so also are his judgments. Though he may delay for 
a season, yet a day of vengeance will surely overtake every im- 
penitent, sin-hardened soul. Though it was long before, that 
Saul disobeyed the Lord's commands, in not totally destroying 
his enemies, the Amalekites ; yet the Lord had neither forgotten 
it, nor forgiven him. (2) See how a sin-hardened soul acts. 
Not like David, who goes to the Lord with a humble heart, a 
broken spirit, and a sorrowful cry, * Oh Lord pardon mine ini- 
quity, for it is great;' but like Saul, who applied to the devil 
for relief. (3) We do not hear one word from Saul, of the cause 
of his distress, sin. His eyes were so blinded by it, that he saw 
not the evil of it ; his heart was so hardened by its deceitful- 
ness, that he felt no sorrow in his soul on account of it : for the 
Lord was departed from him. Oh that we may dread and de- 
precate this. But let not any sin-distressed, broken-hearted 
sinner, write bitter things against himself, from hence. For, if 
sin causes sorrow of heart, and mourning of soul, and excites 
a cry, God be merciful to me — save Lord Jesus, or I perish : 
the Lord is not departed from that soul. It is not hardened 
through the deceitfulness of sin : Oh love the Lord for that. 
Praise him for his grace which keeps you from that, and that 
his promises still invite and encourage you. ' For if any sin, 
we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righte- 
ous, and his blood cleanseth from all sin.' 1 John i. 7. 

Willi jealous heart and godly fear, May others evils warn my soul, 

Oh mav 1 walk hefore the Lord : The dang'rous paths of sin to flee : * 

This will prevent, the falling tear, Let generous love my soul controul, 

And love and joy and peace afford* In sweet obedience Lord to thee. m. 



july 29.] 423 [morning. 

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we 
are the children of God. Rom. viii. 16. 

These words dropt not from the pen of a saint in a state of 
sinless perfection ; nor is this invaluable privilege, this heavenly 
blessing, peculiar to the experience of Paul the apostle, but to 
Paul, ( less than the least of all saints, and the chief of all sin- 
ners/ as he confesseth himself to be. It hath been enjoyed by 
poor sinners, through faith in Jesus, in all ages ; it is the com- 
mon privilege of all christians. We may well cry out in asto- 
nishment with Solomon, ' But will God in very deed dwell with 
men on the earth ? Behold heaven, and the heaven of heavens 
cannot contain thee.' 2 Cbron. vi. 18. Amazing condescen- 
sion. Lord, what is man, sinful, hell-deserving man, that thou 
shouldest thus visit him with thy comforting presence ! Delight- 
ful to think of. There is a sweet relation subsists between the 
High and Lofty One, and wretched miserable sinners. In Jesus 
they both unite. The fulness of the Godhead, and the misery 
and curse of the manhood state of his people meet in him. From 
the head Jesus, the Spirit proceeds ; and like the oil on Aaron's 
head descends to all the members. To their spirits he bears 
witness, agreeable to the word of truth, of their covenant rela- 
tion as children, adopted sons of God by faith in Jesus Christ. 
Let no believing soul be distressed or deluded by the deceiving 
of others, so as to expect a vision, manifestation, or revelation 
that may be seen, heard, or felt by the outward senses. No, the 
Spirit bears witness to our spirits, not to our senses ; even as 
the law bears witness to the conscience that we are sinners, and 
works wrath there ; so the blessed Spirit bears an inward wit- 
ness to the mind, that we are the righteous children of God, by 
faith is Christ Jesus, that he died for our sins and rose again 
for our justification, that in him we are chosen, beloved, ac- 
cepted, justified, pardoned, and shall be glorified with him. 
Thus saith Jesus £ He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of 
mine, and shall show it unto you.' John xvi. 14. See, oh be- 
liever, the riches of covenant grace. Admire and adore the 
wonderful love of the Trinity. Hast thou received the witness 
of the Spirit of Jesus in the word, through faith? Happy, 
highly favoured art thou among men. Art thou waiting and 
longing for the promise of the Father ; the joyful testimony 
and assurance of the Spirit to thy heart that thou art his child ? 
It is sure ; not because of any good thing naturally found in 
thee, but because Jesus intercedes before the throne. Therefore 
thou mayest pray in the assurance of faith, having this promise 
to all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus, ' Your hea- 
venly Father will give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him. 
Luke xi. IB. 



july 29.] 424 L EVENING « 

The answer of a good conscience towards God, by the re- 
surrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter iii. 21. 

The grand business of faith is, to give being and subsistence 
to divine truths in the mind. Heb. xi. 1. Hence, conscience 
gets relief and peace, and the soul is made happy. Consider, 
(1) What is conscience? Science is knowledge: prescience 
is foreknowledge. Conscience is something joined with know- 
ledge. Some have their ' conscience defiled.' Tit. i. 15. With 
what? The guilt of iheir sins. Some are said f to be sprinkled 
from an evil or guilty conscience/ Heb. x. 22. With what' 
The blood of Christ. Therefore, in respect to a good or bad 
conscience, something must be joined with the science or know- 
ledge of the mind to determine it by. In this sense, the word 
conscience is used in scripture. Hence, (2) We may easily 
see what is the answer of a good conscience before God. Join 
the law of God with your science, or knowledge of yourself. 
What report will conscience make? The law condemns, con- 
science pleads guilty, it has got evil in it : hence you fear and 
tremble. But faith joins with our science, or knowledge, * the 
righteousness of Christ.' Then we have a good conscience, 
not troubled with the guilt of sin ; for Christ died for our sins. 
He atoned for them all on the cross ; they are all buried in his 
sepulchre. He rose again for our justification : hence we are 
fully discharged from all condemnation for sin. Thus we have 
a good answer, from a good conscience towards God, by the re- 
surrection of Jesus Christ. Now r this is what Paul calls ' the 
mystery of faith.' 1 Tim. iii. 16. it is a mystery, known only 
by the experience of the faithful. Carnal reason cannot com- 
prehend it ; the judgment of sense rejects it. Natural men think, 
a good conscience arises from their being good in themselves, 
and doing no harm. They have a stupid conscience and a de- 
ceitful heart: they believe a lie. And such, from a notion of 
their own righteousness, think they have a good answer there- 
from, towards God. Such is the ignorance, blindness, and un- 
belief of nature. This nature is part of us. This flesh, with 
all its carnal reasonings and corrupt notions, opposes the mys- 
tery of faith in the conscience. Therefore this mystery is to be 
held in a pure conscience. The resurrection of Christ is to be 
held fast, as that truth by which conscience can maintain peace, 
the heart be made happy, and the life influenced to all holiness, 
while God justifies us. This is the peculiar glory of faith. 
Hence, ■ the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace in be- 
lieving.' Rom. xv. 13. This is our resurrection blessing. 



july 30.] 425 [morning. 

And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their 
enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor 
them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with 
them; for I am the Lord their God. Levit. xxvi. 44. 

Can any child of God read his Fathers awful threatnings in 
this chapter, and think light of sin? Can he count it a small 
thing to walk contrary to God's revealed mind and will ? Indeed 
one would think it impossible ; nor can we hardly believe any 
one who has known the true grace of God, could read this verse 
and ever dare open his mouth, and shoot his arrows of bitter 
words against the doctrines of everlasting electing love, sove- 
reign grace, and the certain salvation of every redeemed soul, 
But alas, when the mouth of proud man is not held in by the 
bridle of humility, what awful, what horrid speeches will he 
dare to utter, even against the plain and express declarations of 
Jehovah himself. The rank weeds of natural notions are offen- 
sive to gracious souls. Pride, unbelief, and corrupt reason, mu- 
tually strengthen each other, in carnal hearts, in enmity and op- 
position to free-grace truths. But what is a bone of contention 
to such, is wholesome comfortable food to self-emptied and 
humble souls, through the faith of Jesus. 

To every self-abased soul, who has no hope but in the word 
of the Lord, no confidence but in the covenant love of Jesus, 
our Mediator, the Lord our God speaks thus comfortably : 
* Though in the land/ yea as thou often fearest, in the hand and 
under the power of thine enemy, oh hear and rejoice : thy Lord 
saith, * I will not cast away, abhor, utterly destroy.' Though 
thou hast broken the covenant, yet God will not. It is firm as 
the mountains, unshaken as the rocks. God will visit for sin, 
chastise for provocations, and correct for backsliding. All this 
is covenant love ; but to cast away his children he will not ; to 
abhor them he cannot ; to destroy and punish them in hell is 
contrary to his truth, his justice, his promise, his oath, his cove- 
nant, established in love, and ratified by the blood of Jesus, his 
Son, our Saviour. What tongue saith, Is it so? Come then, 
let us sin with a high hand ? Poor soul, thy speech betrayeth 
thee. The sound of grace has only reached thine ear ; but where 
it is known and felt in the heart, it speaks otherwise. God's 
free, loving, absolute declarations attract to love and obedience. 
The grace of God that brings salvation, teaches to deny all un- 
godliness. Titus ii. 11. 

The promise of my Father's love To this dear cov'nant of thy word 

Shall stand for ever good ; I set my worthless name ;« 

He said, and gave his soul to death, 1 seal th' engagement to my Lord, 

And sealed the grace with blood. And makemv humble claim. 



3 i 



july 30.J 426 [evening 

I have remembered thy name, oh Lord, in the night. 
Psalm cxix. 55. 



Hebrew names express the nature of the things, to which 
they are applied. Whatever name the lord makes himself 
known by to us, is expressive of his nature, and of his covenant 
of love and grace to us. Hence there is no name so sweet to us 
sinners, as that which he hath assumed, the name jesus. The 
Lord, the self-existing Jehovah, Jesus. All the glorious perfec- 
tions of wisdom, love and power, shine with the greatest lustre 
in that name : the great God, even our Saviour Jesus. Tit. ii. 13. 
All the attributes of Jehovah are magnified and glorified in that 
precious name. To remember the name of the Lord, is to me- 
ditate in faith, upon what he is to us, hath done for us, and hath 
promised to bestow upon us, as the Lord our Saviour. Oh what 
a wide field for meditation is here. But David remembered the 
Lord in the night. While others are sleeping, or doing worse, 
he was meditating: in the night, when all nature is in profound 
silence. This is a blessed season for meditation upon the Lord 
of creation, providence and grace. But by the night may also 
be understood, (I) The night of affliction, pain, and sickness 
of body. Oh how sweet, to remember the Lord's name in it : 
to see the rod of love in the hand of a covenant God and loving- 
Father. Or (2) a night of bereaving; the loss of a near rela- 
tive, or a dear friend. Oh blessed to remember, ' the Lord gave, 
and the Lord hath taken away ;' and to remember the name of 
the Lord, to sanctify the loss, that we may be enabled to say, 
■ blessed be the name of the Lord.' Or (3) the night of temp- 
tation, when all appears dark and distressing. Then how joyful 
to remember the name of him who was tempted for us, the love 
of him who sympathizes with us, the power of him who is able 
to succour us, and the compassion of him who says his grace 
is sufficient for us. Or (4) the night of desertion. This is a 
black night indeed : but yet, how animating to remember the 
name of the Lord, who declares, ' In a little wrath I hid my 
face from thee, for a moment ; but with everlasting kindness 
will I have mercy upon thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.' 
Isai. liv. 8. Lastly, How sweet to remember the name of the 
Lord, against the night of death. Dear Lord, familiarize that 
solemn night to our souls. Let us meditate on it with compo- 
sure, and look for it with joy. When we think of its awful 
solemnity, let us remember thee, who hast swallowed up death 
in victory ; took away its strength and sin, so that in faith we 
may joyfully cry out, ' Oh death, where is thy sting? Oh grave, 
where is thy victory. Thanks be to God, who giveth us the vie- . 
tory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.' 1 Cor. xv. 57. 



july 31.] 427 [morning. 

They shall put you out of the synagogues. John xvi. 2. 

So it must be in all ages ; the scriptures cannot be broken. 
But what are the crimes of the ministers of Jesus, to deserve 
such usage? Is it for a life of intemperance and lewdness, of 
sin and folly in frequenting playhouses, card] tables, routs, as- 
semblies, horseracing? No, friends of the Lamb have done 
with all such vain paltry matter. Their hearts feed upon infi- 
nitely higher delights, and their time is too precious to be devo- 
ted to sacrifice upon the altars of heathenish vanities. For these 
things they might gain no censure, but keep their places in the 
synagogues, and their characters in the world as good honest 
orthodox preachers, and stand free from the charge of mopish 
dreaming enthusiasts ; chief priests themselves being judges. 

But they stand arraigned of crimes of the highest nature, even 
of inverting the very order of things; i turning the world upside 
down;' ' preaching one Jesus who was hanged upon a tree,' 
Acts x. 39, as the sinner's only hope and salvation. That hence 
glory is given to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good 
will to men is proclaimed ; that the whole of salvation is ot 
God's free grace and unmerited love. From this charge, faith- 
ful ministers of Christ will not desire to be acquitted. Love to 
their precious Master, to his blessed truth, to his dear people, 
inspires them with boldness. It is the highest honour, the great- 
est glory Jesus puts upon them, when they are called to suffer 
for this. i Yea, saith our Lord, the time conieth, that whoso- 
ever killeth you, will think he doth God service.' Zeal for God. 
is a pretence for persecution. But what is our Lord's reason ? 
* These things will they do unto you, because they have not 
known the Father nor me.' But he observed, that on hearing 
these things, sorrow filled his disciple's hearts. Sympathizing 
Lord ! he instantly gives them a promise — of what? Power to 
call fire from heaven to destroy their adversaries ? No, quite 
the reverse ; of a blessed, inward comforter, the Dove. He 
was to teach them to act with meekness, and in patience to 
possess their souls. See the Spirit's influence in the conduct 
of Peter and John, and their courage and constancy to the cause 
of their dear Master. Acts iv. Their very enemies, who com- 
manded them not to preach in the name of Jesus, saw their 
boldness with wonder, and were silenced with their reasoning. 
Admire and imitate, oh ye suffering servants of a once suffering 
Lord. ' How forcible are right words.' Job vi. 25. How pre- 
vailing is a meek spirit Peter and John said, ' Whether it be 
right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unSo 
God, judge ye. ' And the apostles departed from the council, 
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his 
name.' Acts v. 41. 



JULY 31.] 428 [EVENING. 

Peter was grieved, because he said unto him the third 
time, Lovest thou me? John xxi. 17. 



Peter had grieved his Lord by three denials of him : now his 
Lord grieves Peter, with three questions of his love to. him. 
We may often read our sin in our punishment. Peter's Lord 
suffered him to fall, to lower his pride and self-confidence. Now 
he has got him down in the valley of humiliation, he keeps him 
there. A little while ago, he boasts of his superlative love to 
Christ, above all the rest of his disciples. c Though all men 
shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 
1 am ready to go with thee, both to prison and to death. Though 
I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.' Brave words ! 
who can doubt of the sincerity of Peter's heart in all this ? 
Hence learn, (1) The warm frames of young converts are often 
attended with great self-confidence. There is much of nature's 
fire in them. My heart has often rejoiced, and has been warmed 
with love, to hear the ardour and energy with which some in 
their first love have spoke of precious Jesus. But I have thought, 
a sifting time would come. The Lord keep your poor hearts 
humble before him. (2) See the unchangeable love, and sove- 
reign grace of Christ to his dear disciples. He told Peter of 
his fall, and warned him against it : yea, set before him every 
particular aggravation of it. How blind are those, who see not 
here the divinity of our Lord? Notwithstanding this, Peter 
abates nothing of his self-confidence. Must his fall cure him ? 
Not that, but Christ's grace, raised and restored him. Falls into 
sin naturally harden through the deceitfulness of sin. Take 
heed of looking to saints falls, to make you think little of your 
own. Peter's fall was a damnable sin: he deserved hell for it: 
Christ snatched him as a brand out of the fire. His grace brings 
good out of the evil of sin. Let us glory of grace, but beware 
of sin. For (3) souls raised by the grace of Christ, are grieved 
for their base sins and falls. Though the subject between Christ 
and Peter was love, yet it grieves. No threats of hell and dam- 
nation wound new-born souls like love. ' Lovest thou me V 
saith the Lord. Look back, soul, to thy past conduct; say, was 
there warm and generous love to thy Lord in it? Oh the thought 
of past unkindness to Christ, grieves the soul before him. As 
Christ repeats the question, grief is enlarged. (4) Never think 
you are truly raised from your falls, and restored to the love of 
Christ, if you have not grief of heart for them. Christ's grace 
melts into love. Love sinks into humility, while it kindles the 
fire of joy, and excites a godly jealousy. 

There's grief in love which none can tell, Humble me, Lord, unto the dust, 
At the affecting sight of sin ; And make me for my sins ashamed, 

But those who know they're saved from hell, Save me from all self-righteous trust, 
And feel Christ's precious love within And every thing that may he blamed, m 



AUGUST l.J 429 [morning. 

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole 
world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in 
exchange for his soul? Mark viii. 36, 37. 

Hast thou heard the voice of thy Beloved ; and art thou a 
willing disciple of a despised Master? But does the flesh 
shrink from, murmur and reason against, taking up the cross 
daily, and suffering the loss of all things? Listen, oh soul, to 
the reasonings of wisdom. Though the followers of the Lamb 
are counte 1 fools and madmen, yet their dear Master here 
teaches them such reasoning and argument, drawn from the 
nature and fitness of things, as will in a dying hour, and at the 
judgment day, silence the tongue of every adversary. Ever 
use thy Master's weapon. Reason daily, oh christian, upon 
thy spiritual gain, by the knowledge of Jesus. Study to look 
with contempt upon thy trilling worldly loss. What is all the 
wisdom of this world but folly ; the righteousness of the whole 
world, but filthy rags ; the hopes of a fallen world, but misera- 
ble delusion; the pleasures of a gay world, but vanity; the 
riches of the world, but deceitfulness ; the honours of the 
world, but an empty sound ? All these, though possessed and 
enjoyed, cannot profit the soul. 

Nay rather, like Job's friends, they often only prove misera- 
ble comforters ; distress the mind, but can never bring comfort 
to the soul. Though often set by the enemy before our eyes, 
in the most conspicuous view and advantageous light, as Satan 
tempted our Lord, yet is there any comparison between an eter- 
nal gain, and a temporal loss ? Verily, one moment's commu- 
nion with Jesus by faith, infinitely transcends a whole life of 
threescore years and ten, spent in all the glory and happiness 
this whole world can yield. Oh this one word, ' thou fool, this 
hour thy soul is required of thee, ' is a death stroke to all worldly 
enjoyments. 

What then can be placed in competition with an ' exceeding 
and eternal weight of glory?' How great is the worth of the 
soul. It is immortal. How rich the love of God. It is ever- 
lasting. How transcendent the love of Jesus. It passeth know- 
ledge. How amazing the grace of the Holy Ghost. It proceeds 
from both. It is through- his power, any poor sinner is able to 
say, ' What things were gain to me, those I count but loss for 
Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the 
excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord ; for whom 
1 have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but 
dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him.' Phil. iii. 
7,-9. 

When 1 survey the wond'rous cross Were the whole realm of nature mine, 

On which the Prince of glory died, That were a present far too small ; 

My riches* gain 1 count but loss, Love so amazing, so divine, 

And pour contempt on all beside. Demands my soul, my life, my all. 



AUGUST 1.] 430 [EVENING. 

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace, to the 
end that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Rom. 
iv. 1 



Men come to earthly inheritances, either by heirship, -gift or 
purchase. Each one can tell how he came by his estate, and by 
what right he holds it. Come christian, examine thy heavenly 
inheritance to night. See how thou earnest possessed of it, and 
by what means thou dost hold and enjoy it. (1) It is thine by 
purchase. Not that thou didst ever contribute one mite to buy 
it ; but Christ thy elder Brother paid the full price for it. There- 
fore it is called ' the purchased inheritance.' Ephes. i. 14. (2) 
It is thine by gift : ' it is your Father's good pleasure to give 
you the kingdom.' Luke xii. 32. (3) It is thine by heirship : 
thou wast born to inherit it : not by thy natural, but by thy spi- 
ritual birth. Now thou art ' an heir of God, and a joint heir 
with Christ/ thy elder Brother. Rom. viii. 17. (4) How dost 
thou hold it? By faith-. Mind this: faith is thy title to it. 
Thou hast that by purchase,, heirship and gift. Faith receives 
it, takes possession of it, and enjoys the comfort of it. We 
receiving a kingdom. Heb. xii. 28. (5) The Spirit is the 
earnest of this inheritance. He first makes thee an heir, then 
bears witness to it, by possessing thee of the graces and 
gifts of the kingdom. So he trains thee up for the full en- 
joyment of it in glory. (6) It is by faith, ' that it might be by 
grace.' Works have not the least hand at all in the matter: 
they neither procure right, nor give title to it. It is a gift of the 
free favour of God. Adoption to heirship, and purchase of it, 
are all of free grace ; and faith to enjoy it, is a gift of grace also. 
Well then, oh soul, does not this inspire thee to give all the 
glory to a gracious God ? But mind again, lastly : It is by grace, 
to this end, ' that the promise might be sure to all the seed, ' 
even the promise of eternal life. The promise is by grace, there- 
fore it is absolute, sure and certain, else God's truth would fail. 
If it was suspended, but upon the smallest condition of works 
(whatever some may say) every soul would forfeit his title to 
heaven, and fall into hell. But it is ' sure to all the seed.' For 
God, who cannot lie, promised eternal life, before the world 
began. Tit. i. 2. To whom ? To Christ; for, and in hehalf of 
his spiritual seed. Therefore in Christ our title is sure. Living 
upon him by faith, we enjoy both present comfort and full as- 
surance, that we shall live and reign with him in his kingdom of 
glory. Thus poor sinners' hearts are made happy in faith, joyful 
in hope, obedient in love, while Father, Son and Spirit have all 
the glory. 

Grace freely s;ixc?, and faith receives, The woman's seed, the seed of Christ^ 
The promise of eternal life ; Are heirs, by promise sure, 

Hence all our joy of hope revives, 1» sweet experience now they're blest, 
Conscience is freed from strife. And shall bee\ermore. 



AUGUST 1.] 431 [MORNING. 

God forbid that I should glory, save ffi the cross of our 
Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, 
and I unto the world. Gal. vi. 14. 



Satan is very busy to hinder the christian's glorying in Jesus 
only. As an adversary to the truth, he objects, by the men of 
the world, and it is frequently suggested to the believer's mind, 
that Jesus is ever uppermost in your heart and tongue ; you 
ascribe no glory to God the Father, and to the holy Spirit. But 
this is vain and ignorant ; for in our crucified Jesus we behold 
the great love of the Father. Our glorying in the cross of Christ 
alone, is by the grace and teaching of the Holy Spirit, whose 
office it is to testify of Jesus only, and of salvation by none 
other ; so saith our Lord, ' He shall glorify me ; for he shall 
receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.' John xvi. 14. 

God forbid that any man upon earth, all the devils in hell, all 
the lusts in our nature, or unbelief of our hearts, should corrupt 
our minds from the simplicity of Christ, or prevent our glorying 
in our ever dear, ever lovely Jesus of Nazareth ; for he hung 
on the accursed tree, with all our guilt, and sin, and shame, in 
his naked exposed body. Was he ashamed to own our vile cha- 
racters, or love our sinful persons ? No : shall we be ashamed 
to own and confess his innocent person, his glorious name, his 
gracious words, his accursed death, his perfect salvation? Surely 
then the very stones in the street would cry out against us. 
And Jesus says, ' whosoever shall be ashamed of me and my 
words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him shall the 
Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his 
Father and his holy angels.' Mark viii. 38. To expect salva- 
tion from no other, and all salvation from this man Jesus, this 
fellow, this malefactor, as the Jews accounted him, as suffer- 
ing, dying on the cross, a gibbet, a gallows ; this is the very 
essence of the gospel, the glory of God's grace, the wonder of 
angels, and the envy of devils ; this the only hope of a poor 
humble sinner, and the triumph of faith. 

Who can fully describe the blessedness of Jesus-glorifying 
souls. As they find and feel new life from his cross, they ex- 
perience a crucifixion and death to all legal hopes and vain 
confidence, which a self-righteous world glory in. From the 
cross of Jesus they view the world with all its pomps and plea- 
sures, riches and honours, glory and happiness, as accursed, 
sentenced and devoted to destruction. Therefore, as crucified 
persons by the faith ot Jesus, we die daily to the world. * Christ 
is our life.' Col. iii. 4. 

Our faith adores thy bleeding love, Let the vain world pronounce it shame, 

And trusts for life in one thatdied ; And fling their scandals on the cause ; 

We hope for heavenly crowns above, We come to boast our Saviour's name, 

From a Redeemer crucified. And make our triumphs in his cross, 



AUGUST 2.] 432 [EVENING 

Moses endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Heb. xi. 27. 

What a paradox : ' seeing him who is invisible/ Is not this 
deemed the very height of enthusiasm ? I dearly love that word. 
It signifies, being in God. And I love it, in the very sense car- 
nal men use it too, for they mean, one who has got the zeal and 
fire of godliness in his soul. Give me that man for my compa- 
nion, who is cast off by the world as an enthusiast. Is it any 
marvel that scriptural, experimental truths, are foolishness to 
the spiritually blind; and that they can neither endure the per- 
sons, nor the language of the children of faith ? Consider (1) 
What did Moses endure? What you and I, and every enlight- 
ened soul is called to endure, ' the reproach of Christ, and suf- 
fering affliction with the children of God.' Now this is opposed, 
by ' enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season.' So that if you 
wiH but enjoy the pleasures of sin, with the men of this world, 
you may escape the reproach of Christ, and avoid suffering 
affliction from them. Now which is your choice ? If Christ is 
in your eye, you cannot hesitate one moment: Moses' choice 
will be yours. Give me Christ — welcome reproach — afflictions 
I embrace for him. Oh let me have Christ within me, and his 
mark upon me. Faith makes all easy, love makes all pleasant, 
hope makes all joyful. Well, but how could Moses endure the 
reproach of Christ, before Christ was born in the flesh ? Why, 
the promised Messiah was the object of his faith, his hope, his 
love, and his joy. So he was of all those heroes of faith, re- 
corded in this chapter. c Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, 
to-day, and for ever, ' is the one only object of every sinner's 
faith, since the fall of Adam to this day. Take away Christ, 
and faith has no existence. But, (2) How did Moses endure? 
Just as you and I must. ' Seeing.' This implies a continued act 
of the mind, constantly fixed upon an object. We cannot be 
stedfast in faith, joyful in hope, abounding in love, and endur- 
ing reproach for Christ, unless we are continually ' looking unto 
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith ; who for the joy that 
was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and 
is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Heb. xii.2. 
Though he is invisible to the eye of sense, yet we see him by 
the eye of faith. See him as our forerunner entered into the 
heavens for us, removing all things out of the way that hindered 
ns, ever living to pray for us, ever ready to keep us, and wait- 
ing to receive us to himself, that where he is, there we may be 
also. Oh this constant looking makes hopeful, holy, joyful liv- 
ing, and comfortable dying. 

Faith is a sight unfo the soul, Bless God for Christ, and Christ for faith, 
To see an unseen Christ, To see such hlessed things : * 

Which does our sinful powers controul, Oh take more heed to what God saith, 
And makes us truly blest. This daily comfort brings. 



AUGUST 3.J 433 [MORNING. 

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will 
rejine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is 
tidied. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them. 
I will say it is my people ; and they shall say, the Lord is 
my God. Zech. xiii. 9. 

Oh give me comforts or I die, saith the soul : for surely was 
I a child of God, I should not be thus tried, afflicted, and dis- 
tressed. Nay, saith the Saviour, ' ye know not what ye ask.' 
Dost thou forget the exhortation which speaketh unto you as 
unto children ? ' My son despise not thou the chastening of the 
Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.' Heb. xii. 5. 
Did I bid thee believe on me ? Believe also my words : It is 
through much tribulation thou must enter my kingdom. Acts 
xiv. 22. This profitable lesson, though grievous to the flesh, 
must be learned. Like Peter, we pray to be excused, being 
washed by our Lord. But we consider not his love, nor our 
own advantage. ' If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with 
me, 5 saith Jesus. ' If ye are without chastisement, then are ye 
bastards and not sons.' ' I will bring thee through the fire; 
I will refine thee; I will try thee.' Why? Because thou 
art not reprobate silver, nor counterfeit metal ; therefore I will 
take pains with thee. I will purge away thy dross and thy sin, 
and purify thee in the furnace. Verily, graces shall shine 
brighter, thy faith grow stronger, thy love burn more fervent, 
and thy obedience be more cheerful. Therefore f I chasten whom 
1 love,' saith the Lord. 

Nothing can reconcile souls to afflictive allotments, but look 
ing on them as covenant dispensations. The loving Father's 
promise is the beloved children's portion : ' I will never turn 
away from them to do them good.' Jer. xxxii. 40. Such is the 
covenant love of our covenant God. Here faith fixes its hold, 
and waits the promised blessing. Though saints desire to be 
passive, yet they cannot be silent; f for they shall call on my 
name,' even the name above all other names, Jesus the precious 
Saviour. Saith the Lord, ' I will not only hear, but answer.' 
t It is I,' saith Jesus to the terrified disciples, e be not afraid.' 
It is my dear people that call, saith the Lord. As the affection- 
ate mother knows the voice of her own dear child, she listens, 
she runs to its relief. So the Lord speaks with affection and 
love, ' My people.' So souls reply in faith, with Thomas, my 
Lord, my God. Oh happy to live, not so much on comforts, as 
on « the God of all comfort.' 2 Cor. i. 3. 

Blest is the man thy hands chastise. Bat God will ne'er forsake his saints 

And to his dirty draw ; Nor his own promise break ; 

Thy scourges make thy children wise, He pardons his inheritance 

When they forget thy law. For their Redeemer's sake 



<* K 



AUGUST 3.1 434 [EVENING. 

Whose names are in the book of life. Phil. iv. 3. 

How did Paul know that? Had he seen the book of life, 
when caught up to the third heavens ? No, but he very plainly 
and evidently saw the work of God's Spirit upon these persons 
souls, by their fruits of faith, and labours of love, to the- glory 
of the Lord Jesus: hence he speaks so confidently of them. 
This furnishes us with these glorious truths ; (1) That the 
names of all God's chosen people are registered in the book of 
life, called the Lamb's book of life. Rev. xxi. 27. This implies 
the eternal love of God to them, choice of them, personal know- 
ledge of each of them, value for them, care over them, and their 
certain enjoyment of God in heaven and glory. For, * Says the 
Lord of hosts, they shall be mine in that day when I make up 
my jewels.' Mai. iii. 17. But may not the name of a believer 
in Christ be blotted out of this book of life, and be suffered to 
perish? No, saith the Lamb, I will not blot his name out of the 
book of life. Rev. iii. 5. It is his book : they are too dearly 
loved, and too dearly bought to be blotted out. Not all the 
powers of sin, earth and hell, can make him a liar. He hath 
said, ' I give unto my sheep eternal life, and they shall never 
perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. ' John x. 
28. Say, believer, what hadst thou done to deserve thy name to 
be enrolled in the annals of eternal love ? What canst thou do 
to merit its continuance in the book of life? Methinks thy ge- 
nerous, loving soul, recoils at these thoughts. Love did the 
mighty deed : grace reigns : salvation from first to last is all of 
free gift to God's glory. (2) Those whose names are written in 
the book of life, may attain to a comfortable knowledge of it. 
How ? Not by seeing this book, not by any voice, visions, or 
fresh revelations from heaven. But, says Paul of these, c They 
laboured with me in the gospel.' This implies, faith in the Lord 
Jesus, love to him, delight in him, and in the gospel of his grace, 
When the gospel is indeed good news to us miserable sinners ; 
when we see the glory of Father, Son and Spirit, shine in it ; 
when it captivates our affections, enlivens our hearts, invigo- 
rates our minds, animates our hopes, brings peace to our con- 
sciences, and subdues the whole man, to give up all for it, and 
to live under the influence of it, we may be well assured our 
names are written in heaven. For the power of God hath 
effected this upon our heart, as a consequence of it, and a sure 
evidence to prove it. Hence, (3) You see the genuine effects 
of God's electing love. * We are chosen from the beginning to 
salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the 
truth.' 2 Thess. ii. 13. Without a holy faith in Jesus, a holy 
lite from him, and a holy walk before him, we can enjoy no com- 
fort from electing love. But these are evident tokens of the sal- 
vation of God. Phil. i. 28. 



AUGUST 4.] 435 [morning. 

And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he 
should do this great thi?tg? 2 Kings viii. 13. 

Oh the treachery of the human heart. Both scripture and ex- 
perience prove this melancholy truth, that it is ' deceitful above 
all things, and desperately wicked.' Who can fathom the 
depths of its deceits ; who can understand the mystery of ini- 
quity which lies concealed in the nature of sinful man ? Alas, 
presumptuous confidence, that our nature is not so totally cor- 
rupt and abominable, too, too oft deceives and betrays even the 
children of God. This wretch Hazael, who had premeditated 
rebellion and murder in his heart, yet starts at the prediction of 
those crimes which as yet had no real existence. Doubtless he 
thought Elisha judged very hard of him; he could almost stare 
the prophet out of countenance ; and, as though he charged him 
with degrading the dignity of human nature, he demands whe- 
ther he looked on him no better than an unclean beast, a fierce 
devouring dog, that he should commit such abominable wick- 
edness? His very nature even shuddered at the thoughts. But 
the history assures us, ' lust had conceived, and it brought forth 
sin ;' which ended in the murder of his royal master. Hazael 
fully verified all the prophet's prediction. 

Boast not of thyself, oh christian. Say not, J am a converted 
man, a believer in Jesus, not an unclean wretch like this Ha- 
zael ; therefore I shall not fall into that and the other sin. Be 
not high-minded, but fear. Thou standest not by thine own 
strength, but by faith. This grace ever leads out of self to its 
object, Christ. Flatter not thyself, that thy corrupt nature is in 
anywise better than another ; know there is no difference. De- 
ceive not thyself with conceits of perfection in the flesh, or with 
the deluded dream, that the root of sin is entirely destroyed in 
thy nature. Ever remember that ' in the flesh dwells no good 
thing;' that it is and ever will be prone to evil continually. 
Happy for thee that thou art new-born, new-created in the spi- 
rit of thy mind. It is thy privilege to live under the influence 
of grace and love. But still thy fallen nature is ever the same, 
the old man is still alive ; there is the tinder of corruption, which 
may take fire from the devil's sparks of temptation. What thou 
art least suspecting, yea when thou art most confident of stand- 
ing, thou mayest be in the greatest danger of falling. What 
thou fearest not to day, to-morrow may overcome thee. Think 
not more highly of thyself than thou oughtest to think. Be so- 
ber ; watch unto prayer. God resisteth the proud, but giveth 
grace to the humble. 1 Pet. v. 5. 

Si j i hath a thousand treacliVons arts She pleads for all the ]ov she brings. 
To practice on the mind ; And gives a fair pretence ; 

With llatt'ring looks she tempts our hearts, But cheats the soul of heav'nly things. 
But leaves a sling behind. And chains it down to sense 



AUGUST 4.] 436 [evening. 

And ye are complete in him. Col. ii. 10. 

Holy Paul has but one object in view. He aims to bring all 
Christians to one point, even to be happy, and joyful in one Sa- 
viour. As in Christ all the fulness of the godhead dv\elt bodily, 
so his disciples should see, that they are complete in him. Oh 
how do we labour and toil, vex and perplex our poor hearts 
from day to day, for want of clearly seeing, and simply believ- 
ing this. Consider the assertion. Paul does not here exhort, 
be ye complete, but affirms, ( ye are complete.' Not ye shall 
be complete hereafter, when you have got stronger faith, greater 
love, and more good works ; but, ' ye are complete' now, at 
this present moment. Do not think you want any thing in your- 
selves, to make you complete, but know and. rejoice, ye are full, 
complete and perfect in Christ your head. For ye are members 
of him ; and being one in him, all his perfection is yours. This 
is the glory of faith : here is the comfort and joy of faith. And 
thus faith gives glory to Christ, its author and object. It leaves 
all works behind : it finds all perfection in Christ, and it works 
by love to all good works : not to get perfection by them, but 
to glorify Christ, in whom we are already perfect and complete. 
But in what sense are all believers complete in Christ? (1) In 
righteousness. They are perfectly righteous in Christ, there- 
fore they are perfectly accepted, and fully justified before God, 
in him. Ephes. i. 6. They never can be more complete in righ 
teousness, than they are in Christ. (2) In the abolishing of sin. 
They are presented in Christ without spot or wrinkle, or any 
such thing. Christ hath by one offering perfected for ever, all 
them who are sanctified. Heb. x. 14. That is, separated by the 
love of God the Father, from eternity ; and separated by God 
the Spirit, to believe on Christ in time, and to whom Christ is 
made sanctification. (3) In freedom from the guilt of sin, and 
punishment by the law of God. The work of Christ makes 
'perfect, as pertaining to the conscience.' Heb. ix. 9. Their 
hearts are sprinkled from an evil or guilty conscience, x. 22. 
There is now no [not one, not the least] condemnation to them 
that are in Christ Jesus. Rom. viii. 1. (4) In their victory over 
death. Their victory is complete in Jesus Christ : this is the 
grateful triumph of faith. ' Thanks be to God, who giveth us 
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' I Cor. xv. 57. In 
the assured hope of a glorious immortality, our hope in Christ 
is perfect and complete. Nothing can be added to it ; for w 
are in Christ, perfectly cleansed from ail our sins, restored to 
perfect righteousness, perfectly reconciled to God, and the gate 
of heaven is opened to us. Here is a glorious perfection indeed. 
This is a perfection worth contending for. Oh precious Christ*. 
oh precious faith ! 



AUGUST 5.] 437 [MORNING. 

Let us run with patience the race set before us. Heb. 
xii. 1. 



A. lively faith begets a cheerful heart ; a joyful hope makes a 
resigned soul ; A humble mind produce! h a patient spirit. So 
we run with pleasure a short race, ' looking unto Jesus.' But 
alas, shame to us, there is a sin which easily besets us, and 
which draws a train of burdens and distresses along with it. 
Why are poor disciples' minds harrassed by frequent murmur- 
ings and impatience? Why their tempers soured with evil 
passions, and they utter hasty, angry, unbecoming speeches ? 
Verily, unbelief is the cause of all this. Their minds are 
clouded; they do not see Jesus; they do not consider Jesus as 
seeing them ; they do not look to Jesus for patience ; hence 
Satan gets an advantage over them, and pride begets impati- 
ence of spirit. Then, with fretful Jonah, they cry out, ' I do 
well to be angry. ' 

Well, and how do you find your mind after doing thus well? 
What is the frame of your soul after thus gratifying the will of 
the flesh, your proud self-will ? What hast thou gained hereby, 
but dejection of spirit and sorrow of heart? What hast thou 
lost? Even the comforting view of Jesus, and the sweet sense 
of peace. Thus the feet are entangled in a snare ; and instead 
of running with patience, we sit down in sorrow. Tossed by 
stormy winds in a tempestuous ocean, the poor bark seems dri- 
ven back many degrees from the haven of rest and peace. So 
we suffer loss of patience, by looking from Jesus to other ob- 
jects. While our Beloved is viewed, patience possesses the 
heart; the feet run with delight the way of God's command- 
ments, and we look forward with cheerful hope. Patience 
sweetens afflictions, and improves exercises and trials. It keeps 
the heart from envy, the hand from revenge, the tongue from 
evil speaking, and overcomes enemies without weapons; for it 
draws all its strength from Christ's love, the sw r eetness of his 
presence, and hope of his glory. A martyr tormented by infi- 
dels, was asked by way of reproach, what miracle his Christ 
had done ? He replied, you now behold one : he enables me 
to bear your reproaches, and suffer your tortures with patience. 
I am not moved. Is not this a miracle worthy of your notice ? 
Whatever befals our souls is the wise allotment of our loving 
Father? We are exhorted to ' run with patience,' that we may 
not lie down in sorrow. The sun of consolation shall shine 
bright on our souls, while we press forward towards the mark 
for the prize of high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. iii. 14. 

Oh let my thoughts be humble still, The patient soul, the lowly mind, 

And all my carriage mild, . Enjoys a sweet reward : 

Content, my Father, with thy will, Let saints in sorrow be rcsign'd, 

And quiet as a child. And trust a faithful Lord. 



AUGUST 5. J 438 [EVENING. 

Wherefore, thou art no more a servant, but a son. Gal. 

iv. 7. 



Why does Paul tell believers this, seeing he had in the former 
verse said, that the Spirit assured their hearts of it. We hence 
plainly see the necessity of the outward word of reconciliation, 
as well as the inward testimony of the Spirit. And if the wit- 
ness of the Spirit within, does not accord to the testimony of the 
Spirit without, we do well to suspect it Besides, from the working 
of a legal spirit, the prevailing of unbelief, the raging of corrupt 
lusts, an undue attention to the things of this life, and the accu- 
sations of Satan, children of God are prone to live below their 
glorious state, and inestimable privileges. Hence our loving 
heavenly father has not the joy of our hearts, and the glory of 
our lives. We do not always, as commanded, rejoice in Christ, 
our dear elder Brother. Therefore Paul reminds, ' thou art no 
more a servant.' Consider first, what means he by a servant? 
(1) He is under the law, in bondage to it. He gets no freedom 
of spirit, no liberty of soul from it, do what he will. It still says 
do : work on : you have not done enough yet. I must have per- 
fect obedience from you : you are my bounden servant. (2) He 
works for wages: he expects justification by works, and salva- 
tioufor his obedience. (3) He is always under fear and terror, 
of being punished in hell for his faults, and the wrath of God 
coming upon him for his disobedience. For (3) he sees no 
higher motive to act by, and work from, than the law of works. 
He is alive to the law, though he is under the sentence of curse 
and death for it. Tell him of free, and full justification unto life, 
by the work of the Son of God only, without works ; he rejects 
it, as downright antinomianism. Oh believer in Jesus, rejoice 
that thou art no more such a servant, but a son. Secondly, See 
the blessedness of this state. (1) You are not left to work un- 
der the law, to obtain God's favour ; for he hath freely adopted 
you to be his son. You have not received the spirit of bondage 
again to fear hell and damnation, but the Spirit of adoption, 
whereby you cry, Abba, Father. Rom. viii. 15. (2) You are a 
regenerate son. God hath begotten you again, from the dead 
hope of the law, to a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus 
Christ. 1 Pet. i. 3. What work couldst thou do, to deserve this 
blessing f Just as much as a devil in hell could, to deserve to 
be made an angel in heaven, it was of thy Father's abundant 
mercy. (3) Thou art a son of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal. 
iii. 26. A believing son, by gospel grace: not a working ser- 
vant, under legal terror. Live then up to your dignity, upon 
your Father's love, and elder Brother's grace, above the slavery 
of sin, the bondage of the law, and the fear of hell. ' Behold 
what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.' 1 John 
iii. 1. 



AUGUST 6.] 439 f MORNING 

He that belkveth on the Son of God, hath the witness in 
himself. 1 John v. 10. 

Many of the weak lambs of Jesus, are sadly perplexed in 
their minds about the nature of faith. From the corruption of 
their hearts, the workings of the enemy, unscriptural notions 
they have been taught, and opposings of unbelief to the weak- 
ness of their faith, they are often rendy to question, nay some- 
times to conclude, they have not ' the faith of God's elect.' 
Here is a certain rule to determine by : this, if clearly under- 
stood in the light of the Spirit, will satisfy and comfort weak 
hearts. Mind, the apostle doth not say, He that believeth hath 
no sin, no doubts ; knows his sins are forgiven, and has full 
assurance of his own salvation. ISTo : ' but he hath the witness 
in himself. ' What is this but an inward testimony of what is 
outwardly revealed in the word? As the Spirit bears witness 
in the word to Jesus the incarnate Son of God, the only true 
and alsufficient Saviour of guilty, perishing sinners; so he who 
thus believeth on the Son of God, hath this divine satisfying 
experimental testimony brought into his mind and conscience 
by the Holy Ghost. He hath an evidence in himself, which nei- 
ther men nor devils can destroy. Though he finds and feels him- 
self a lost creature, a helpless sinner; so weak, that he can do 
nothing to save himself; so vile, that his nature is at enmity 
against Jesus and his salvation ; yet he believes the Son of God 
came to seek and to ■ save such; that there is all salvation in 
him, and in no other for such. Thus believing, he hath the wit- 
ness or testimony of the love of the ever blessed Trinily in the 
salvation of sinners in his heart. The love of the Father in the 
gift of his Son, the love of Jesus in coming to save, and the love 
of the Spirit in testifying to this in the word, and by the faith of 
it in his heart. 

Happy would it be for poor sinners, if, instead of poring over 
themselves, they looked more steadily to the work of Jesus; 
considered more constantly the fulness of his redemption, the 
freeness of his salvation, and regarded the outward witness to 
the truth in the word. Faith in this would bring comfort to the 
heart ; so would their doubts and fears vanish, the fruits of 
faith more evidently appear ; and their minds, in God's own 
time, would be fully satisfied about their own interest in Jesus, 
and the knowledge of the forgiveness of their sins by the witness of 
the Holy Spirit through faith ; for faith in the Son of God, above 
all other things, hath the pre-eminence. If the soul is filled with 
peace and joy, it is in believing ; if with assurance of pardon 
of sins, it is through faith in Jesus ; if sealed with the Spirit, it 
is in believing. This is the victory that overcometh the world, 
even our faith. 1 John v. 4. 



AUGUST 6.] 440 [EVEN IMG. 

And if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Gai. 
iv. 7. 



Paul's rational conclusions, are enough to put all the sophis- 
try of men and devils to confusion, and to silence all the un- 
scriptural objections of unbelief. (1) ' If a son ' of God by 
adoption and grace; then no more a servant under the law, 
working to obtain the favour of God, righteousness, justification 
unto life, and salvation by obedience to the law : or to dread 
its curse and condemnation, for transgressions against it. This 
truth will try you, whether you have got the heart of a son of 
God or not. If not, you will cry, Oh this is fine doctrine. It 
suits my lusts exceeding well. If I am not made a son by my 
works, nor continued a son for my works: seeing I get no 
good by obeying the law, nor any evil by transgressing it, I will 
gratify my lusts. This is the real language of carnal nature, not 
of a regenerate soul. Such plainly evince, that they have not 
the genuine love of a son of, God. ' If a son,' then there is the 
faith, the hope, the love, the joy, the peace of sons ; and a com- 
placency and delight in the Father's sovereign will, gracious 
purposes, covenant mercy, providential dispensations, holy 
commands, and righteous precepts. The soul has an habitual 
attention to its Father's voice. Behold — hear — believe in my 
Son, in whom I delight, and am well pleased. (2) ' Then an heir 
of God/ Astonishing expression ! What do I read? What 
I, who am the subject of sin and death, and an heir of hell, yet 
an heir of God. Oh my soul; why art thou not filled with an 
exstacy of joy ? Help, oh help me, thou blessed Spirit, to be- 
lieve this glorious truth, in all its divine fulness. What, an 
heir of Jehovah, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit ? An 
heir to all that God has to bestow, to all the blessings of earth 
and heaven, in time and eternity : an heir to the Father's ever- 
lasting love, the Son's everlasting salvation, and to the Spirit's 
everlasting consolations, on earth and in glory? Yes, all, all 
are freely given, and divinely secured by sovereign grace, pre- 
cious promises, and the solemn oath of my Elohim. But can 
it be, that I am an heir of God, who groan under a body of sin 
and death ; am harrassed by Satan, and my lusts ; perplexed in 
a wicked world ? Yes : here faith is all in all. It receives this 
truth, and glories in it. Mind, (3) ' An heir, through Christ/ 
Thy heirship comes through him, is jointly with him, is enjoyed 
in him. It is all out of nature and sense, above siuht and feel- 
ing, beyond the sin and misery of nature. It is by faith in Christ. 
By faith we cry, Abba, Father, I love thy holy law ; delight in 
thy righteous will ; rejoice to obey thee, as thy loving child ; 
bless thee, that I am no more a slave to sin, a captive of Satan, 
and in bondage to the law. Oh what shall T render to my hea- 
venly Father, for his inexpressible love ! 



AUGUST 7.] 441 [MORNING. 

/ fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve 
through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from 
the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Cor. xi. 3. 

By a godly fear in the heart, the Lord keeps his people from 
totally departing from him. But there is always danger from 
Satan, from men, yea and from brethren too, of our minds being 
corrupted and beguiled, so as to suffer the loss of that singleness 
of eye and simplicity of heart towards our dear Saviour, by 
which the soul is only kept happy. If the Lord's prophet had 
been more jealous over himself, and more simple to his master's 
voice, the fair speech of his brother had not betrayed him to 
disobedience and death, by the mouth of the lion. 1 Kings 
xiii. 24. 

Could Satan so beguile Eve as to make her an instrument of 
death to herself, to the dear partner of her life, and to all their 
posterity ? Oh disciples, * take ye heed every one of his neigh- 
bour, and trust ye not in any brother ; for every brother will 
utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slander- 
ers/ Jer. ix. 4. But how comes all this? Alas, because ' they 
are not valiant for the truth upon the earth,' ver. 3. Satan's sub- 
tilty hath robbed them of Christ's simplicity. The abiding, com- 
forting presence, the sweet fellowship of Jesus are obscured to 
their mind. Jesus is not simply and constantly lived upon. The 
lively actings of faith, the constant outgoings of the soul, the 
continual looking to, and daily hanging upon Jesus for salva- 
tion from hour to hour, is not enjoyed in the heart. Corrupted 
minds grow clouded. Hence they lose sight of our beloved 
Friend ; sweet simplicity departs, and other things too oft be- 
come the subjects of converse and meditation. This is an infec- 
tious disorder ; it rages among the children of God, and is easily 
catched. Simple faith in Jesus is bewildered by perplexing 
notions; love to Jesus grows cold, by keeping at a distance 
from him ; and once humble simple hearts get into doubting 
castle. Then Satan cries, There, there, so would I have it. 
Though Jesus will never forsake them, yet he suffers their own 
folly to correct them. By their smarting, he teaches them to 
be wiser. Chaste virgins are jealous over their eyes, their ton- 
gues, and hearts, lest th§y give encouragement to unlawful love. 
We are equally to be on our guard against the corrupt princi- 
ples of proud self-righteous pharisees, as against the licentious 
principles- of antinomians. Both draw from the simplicity that 
is in Christ. The light of the body is the eye ; * if therefore 
thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light' Matt. 
vi. 22. 

Satan appears almost divine, Fly from the false deceivers tongue, 

Like innocence and love ; Ye sons of Adam fly ; 

But the old serpent lurks within, Our parents found the snare too strong, 

When he assumes the dove. Nor should the children try 

3 I, 



AUGUST 7.] 442 [EVENING. 

And because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit 
of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. GaL 
iv. 6. 



This is the peculiar glory of gospel grace, sinners are sons of 
God. Here is the joyful knowledge of it, by the Spirit. Here 
is the precious boldness of children to God, my father. The 
glory of the whole Trinity is in this verse, Lord help us to con- 
sider—the Spirit — his cry— and where he cries. (1) The Spirit. 
Mind, he is called the Spirit of Christ, the Son of God : for he 
comes to us from Christ, his office is to testify of Christ, to glo- 
rify him ; for he takes of the things of Christ, and shows them 
unto us. John xvi. 14. He convinces us of sin, our want of righ- 
teousness ; gives us a right judgment of Christ, and his work for 
our salvation ; leads us to Christ, begets us to a lively hope in 
him, and becomes to our souls a spirit of adoption, because we 
are the sons of God by faith in Christ. Then, (2) He gives us 
a cry. He becomes a spirit of grace and of supplication to us. 
When a child is born, it soon discovers that it is alive by its 
cries. God has no still-born children. As soon as Paul was 
converted, he prayed to the Lord Jesus. The soul that never 
prayed to Christ, was never converted by his Spirit. Do you 
believe in and pray to Christ as over all, God blessed for ever 
more ? That is a sure and blessed evidence, that you are con 
verted by the Spirit of Christ ; for it is his cry. (3) Where doth 
he put this cry? Where the sense of our misery is; where the 
graces of faith, hope, love, and all religion centre, in our hearts. 
Every body can say, Our Father — Christ have mercy on us, 
with their lips, but God's elect cry day and night to him, from 
their hearts. Luke xviii. 7. David says, * Thy servant found in 
his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.' 2 Sam. vii. 27. The 
lips will soon give over crying, if there is not a cry in the heart. 
(4) What a precious cry is it! Not an angel, nor archangel in 
glory, has such a cry. They cannot cry, Abba, Father. Though 
God created them, he never regenerated them. Christ never 
died for them : the Spirit never cries in their hearts, Abba, Fa- 
ther, in the sense which he does in us miserable sinners. In the 
midst of the terrors of the law, the thunderings of sin, assaults of 
death, and roarings of Satan, the Holy Ghost crieth, Abba, Fa- 
ther. This cry surmounteth the horrible cries of the law, sin, 
death, and the devil ; it pierceth the clouds and the heavens, 
and ascendeth up into the ears of God, saith Luther. Thus 
when we take hold of Christ by faith, we cry, through him, 
Abba, Father. O soul, rejoice in the love of Father, Son and 
Spirit, and walk worthy of the Lord, to all pleasing. Col. i. 10 

The Spirit of his Son be sends, Whereby Ave Anba, Father cry, 

Into our mournful heart, And all our fears depart. M 



august 8.] 443 [morning. 

Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Be ready always 
to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of 
the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. 1 Pet. 
iii. 15. 



When the Lord Jesus is the glory of the soul, it is the soul's 
glory to sanctify him, and him only. How joyful to have one's 
heart detached from every other object and hope, and its whole 
delight to glorify our Saviour. How ravishing to dwell on the 
wonders of his love, the riches of his grace, the greatness of his 
sufferings, the fulness of his redemption, the perfection of his 
righteousness, the prevalency of his intercession ; and all issu- 
ing in the eternal life of such vile sinful wretches as we are. 
Verily, under such views, most cheerfully does the believer 
sanctify the Lord Immanuel in bis heart. Hence, how power- 
fully is his soul animated with holy boldness against the fear of 
man. Yea, inflamed with love to the truth, how ready to give 
a reason of his hope. Perhaps, through the warmth of his zeal, 
and the heat of his affections, he does not always act wisely 
herein ; but does what he is forbid by his Lord, e casts his pearls 
before swine.' Hence he finds, as they were ignorant of the 
worth of his jewels, they turn upon him with wrath. The apos- 
tle seems to guard against this. 

Christian, thou art to be always ready to answer, and to give 
a reason of thy hope. But to whom ? ' Every man that asks, 
with meekness and fear:' meek, to receive instruction, fear ot 
error, and desires to know the truth as it is in Jesus. As the 
christian has freely received, so it is his delight freely to give to 
others. He hopes the Lord may make him the happy instru- 
ment of conviction, conversion, and edification to other souls. 
Far is it from the nature of a christian to eat his morsel alone. 
He is to imitate the meekness of the lamb in his temper ; the 
boldness of the lion is to accompany his concern for God's glory 
and the cause of his truth Meek in speech, but not with timid 
fear to answer. When God's truth is the subject, the strongest 
confidence and the greatest courage are our glory. What is thy 
hope, oh christian? Is it any other than God's mystery, s Christ 
in you, the hope of glory?' Col. i. 27. Dost thou see such infi- 
nite charms, such inestimable glory in than despised Jesus, who 
was hanged upon a tree as an accursed malefactor, that he is 
the only hope of thy soul, the only glory of thy heart? O blessed, 
highly favoured art thou. Is it thy joy to say, ' Come, hear, ail 
ye who fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my 
soul?' Psal. lxvi. 16. 

Let the vain world pronounce its shame, With joy we tell the scoffing age, 
And fling- then scandals on our cause ; He that was dead has left the tomb ; 

We glory in our Sax iour's name, He lives above their utmost rage, 
And make our triumphs in his cross And we are waiting till he comes. 



AUGUST 8.] 444 [EVENING. 

We are changed. 2 Cor. iii. 18. 

What a blessed and glorious change has passed upon our 
souls. Lord help us to consider it this night to thy glory, and 
our comfort; how, by whom, and why are we changed. (1) 
How are we changed ? From sinful into sinless creatures ? No : 
some speak of this change, as if it was a total change of our 
corrupt nature. Hence, many dear children of God, finding and 
feeling all the ruins of their fallen nature from day to day, are 
sorely distressed, and conclude that no spiritual change has 
passed upon their souls. But this change is purely spiritual : 
it passeth upon the spirit of our minds. These were enmity 
against God : now they love God, and delight in the law of God. 
Our souls, once dead in sin, are now alive in God. We are 
translated from darkness to light. We see with open face, in 
the glass of the gospel, the glory of Jesus, in all his offices and 
precious salvation. Hence our minds are changed into his 
image. We are united to him, and are one with him. The image 
of God, lost in the fall, is restored to our souls in Christ. We 
are in him, as righteous before God as though we had never 
sinned ; as holy and without spot of sin, as though we had never 
lost our innocence. Such is our glorious change, and this is the 
joy of faith. This is above nature, beyond carnal sense. (2) Bv 
whom are we changed ? By the Lord the Spirit. Being loved 
of God the Father when dead in sin ; being redeemed by God 
the Son from our sins ; God the Spirit changes us from dead 
sinners, into living saints in Christ. (3) To what end? That we 
should admire ourselves, glory in ourselves, and so trust in our- 
selves as to expect God's favour and eternal life, for what we 
are in ourselves ? Oh no. Though changed into the image of 
Christ, yet we shall find all the evil of sin in our flesh. Though 
new creatures in Christ, still the old man, with all its corrupt 
lusts and carnal affections, is alive in us. This is enough to 
humble us. But the Spirit changes us, that we should glory in, 
and glory of Christ. That all our joy and rejoicing should be in the 
Lamb of God, who hath taken away our sins, for ever saved our 
souls, and brought us into sweet peace and holy fellowship with 
God, that we may enjoy him in love, and walk before him in 
holiness below, and live and reign with him eternally above. 
These are the great and glorious ends of our being changed,, 
One change more, and we are in glory. We shall all be changed, 
body and soul, into the image of the heavenly Jesus. 

Changed in my state, my heart, and ways, Rejoice, another change awaits 

By power of the sacred Three : Thee, as a new-born child of God : 

My soul adore this Loud of grace, Thoa soon shalt pass the heav'nlv gates, 

And walk in love and purily. Free from all sin, with glory clad. 



AUGUST 9.] 445 [MORNING. 

Great peace have they who love thy law, and nothing shall 
offend them. Psal. cxix. 165. 

All inward peace and tranquillity of mind arise from the know- 
ledge and love of the law of the Lord. But hath not the apostle 
told us, the law worketh wrath?. Rom. iv. 15. Have not be- 
lievers experienced a sense of wrath in the conscience, through 
' the knowledge of sin by the law?' Yes, verily. But this law, 
the moral law, is subservient to the everlasting law of love, the 
eternal covenant of grace and peace ; therefore in time it was 
added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to 
whom the promise was made; even Jesus, the seed of the woman, 
in whom the law of peace and salvation centered, of whom the 
ceremonial law was a shadow, and by whose holy life, the moral 
law received perfect obedience to all its demands, and a full 
satisfaction for all its curses and penalties by his sin-atoning 
sacrifice. 

This eternal law, or purpose of God, was manifested by pro- 
mise from Jehovah himself to the sin-convicted pair immedi- 
ately after their fall ; and confirmed again both by promise and 
oath to Abraham and his seed, which is Christ. This law or 
covenant that was c confirmed before of God in Christ, the law 
which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, 
that it should make the promise of none effect/ Gal. iii. 17. 
No, this law of life, by promise, is ' sure to all the seed.' It is 
immutable, it is unchangeable, therefore not one of them can 
perish. Hence this law of salvation is the delight of believers. 
They have great peace from it ; for with Paul, they know ' the 
spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of 
sin and death.' Rom. viii. 2. Hence with David they say, ' Ob 
how love I thy law : it is ray meditation all the day.' Though 
many things from within and without grieve and offend them, 
yet nothing from the law of grace and truth which came by Jesus 
Christ shall. Christ is not ' a stone of stumbling, and a rock of 
offence to them ; they stumble not at the word of his grace.' 
They are not offended because it teacheth that salvation is all of 
grace, according to election, through the blood and righteous- 
ness of Christ, applied to their souls in faith by the Holy Spirit. 
No, all this is their consolation and joy. The commands of 
Jesus do not offend them, they are all in love : { his command- 
ments are not grievous.' 1 John. v. 3. Thus, all their joy and 
rejoicing is in Christ Jesus only, while they confidently and 
comfortably hope for eternal life, by God's purpose and grace, 
according to the everlasting law of love, and his free gift by Je- 
sus Christ Rom. vi. 23. 



AUGUST 9.] 446 [EVENING. 

/ am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye sons of Jacob 
are not consumed. Mai. iii. 6. 



Religion without feeling, is like a dead carcass. Feeling with- 
out truth, is only nature warmed by fancy. Those are the only 
precious feelings, which are caused by the word of God. This 
is a joyful feeling, when we can say, ' I rejoice at thy word, as 
one that findeth great spoil/ Psal. cxix. 162. Why such ex- 
ceeding great joy? Because the word of God testifies of the 
immutable nature, and unchangeable love, of a covenant God 
to poor sinners. I am the Lord, Jehovah, Father, Son, and 
Spirit. I change not. There is the believer's security, from 
destruction. In this consists his safety, unto salvation. For 
alas, we are poor, changeable creatures. Now, our souls are 
strong in confidence, warm with love, joyful through hope, en- 
larged in prayer, with Christ in our view, and glory in our eye. 
Anon, a cloud arises in the horizon of our hearts ; unbelief pre- 
vails, lust rages, corruptions roar, all nature is in ferment, and 
the soul in distress. Then, what has it to look to for hope, and 
turn to for comfort? An unchangeable God, who is of one mind : 
with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Job 
xxiii. 13. James i. 17. A precious • Jesus, who is the same 
yesterday, and to-day, and for ever.' Heb. xiii. 8. The Lord, 
thy God, in the midst of thee, is mighty, he will save : he will 
joy over thee with joy : he will rest in his love : he will joy over 
thee with singing. Zeph. iii, 17. The different frames and feel- 
ings which distress us, do not affect God, nor cause any change 
in his love to us. A changeable God must be an unhappy being, 
like ourselves. But God never changes in his love, purposes, 
and grace to us. For he did not love us, choose us, and set his 
heart upon us, on account of what he saw in us; but as he 
viewed us in the Son of his love. We are righteous in ourselves ; 
but he sees in Christ an everlasting atonement for our sins, and 
an everlasting righteousness to justify us. Therefore he is ever 
pleased with us in Christ, ever of one mind concerning us, ever 
rests in his love to us, and joy over us. No change in us can 
ever affect his mind, his love, or his joy. Hence learn, (1) Not 
to live upon your frames and feelings, nor upon any thing you 
are in yourself. Bless God for lively frames, and comfortable 
feelings ; but know, these are not Christ : they do not make you 
acceptable (o God. But, (2) Look to, and live upon, what you 
are in Christ. That is your glory. God so views, and loves 
you. Look here, live here, and rejoice. So you will. (3) Be 
like God, of one mind with Jesus ; will live upon him, and walk 
to the glory of your God and Father, in him. 

God never changes in his love, As though to-day lie souls approve, 

As feeble men do think, Alter to hell will sink. m. 



AUGUST 10.] 447 [MORNING. 

The wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peace- 
able. James iii. 17. 



True knowledge centres in this one point, namely, that Jesus 
is our wisdom ; even as the sun is the only source of all light. 
From hence, light is communicated to the earth freely. As that 
hath no power to influence the sun to shed forth his comforting 
beams of light, so neither are we able or willing, while in a state 
of sin and folly, to exert any power to procure wisdom. But 
unasked, unsought, unmerited, Jesus, who is emphatically stiled 
Wisdom, came down from above, that wisdom might once more 
be found in our nature. In him most conspicuously shone forth 
every perfection of purity, peace, and goodness. 

This is our gospel to believe, that thus Jesus hath * abounded 
towards us in all wisdom.' Ephes. i. 8. So also it is the rich 
experience of his members, that ' out of his fulness we all re- 
ceive.' Hence we are made v\ise unto salvation, for we know, 
love, and approve of Jesus, as ' made unto us wisdom, righte- 
ousness, sanctification, and redemption.' This is our chief glory, 
to glory in him, who is our greatest glory. This is our highest 
wisdom, to glory in him, who is our wisdom. 

Nature, with all its powers, is averse to this ; but wisdom 
seeks and apprehends us ; causeth us to hear her voice, and to 
be in love with her beauty ; or we should never have had so 
much as one desire after her. The cry after wisdom, is wisdom 
in the heart. A desire after Jesus, is from Jesus being known 
to the soul. Thus Christ prevents us; he first cometh from 
above to us, then we soar from beneath towards him. 

This is the purity of true wisdom: it hath no mixture with 
any thing from beneath. All the human systems and carnal 
schemes which the wise of this world call religion, as well as 
the impurity of the flesh which it turns from. It brings purity 
of affection to Jesus only, like a chaste virgin who has but one 
object of love : it brings peace to the soul, through the same ob- 
ject. Thus where Christ dwelleth in the heart by faith, that 
soul dwells in wisdom, and is united to purity and peace. When 
the soul hath but once tasted this wisdom that cometh from 
above, there is an insatiable desire after more ; that so from 
this uncorrupted fountain, the pleasing streams of purity, peace, 
gentleness, mercy, and good fruits, may incessantly flow. Thus 
wisdom is justified of all her children. Matt. xi. 19. 

Nature with open Yolnme stands Here, on the cross 'tis fairest drawn 

To spread her Maker's praise abroad ; In precious blood, and crimson linos. 

And e\'ry labour of his hands 

Shews something worthy of a God. Oh the sweet wonders of that civss 

Where God the Saviour lov'd ami died ; 

But in the grace that rescued man, Her noblest life my spirit draws 

His brightest form of glory shines ; From his dear wounded bleeding side. 



AUGUST 10.] 448 [EVENING. 

The heirs of promise. Heb. vi. 17. 

Consider, (1) An heir of promise is one who has no just right, 
or legal title to an inheritance ; but as it is ensured to him by 
the promise of the owner. Just so the Lord makes sinners, who 
have no right or title to his heavenly inheritance, a free promise 
that they shall be heirs to it. (2) When was this promise made? 
* Before the world began, God who cannot lie, promised eter- 
nal life.' Tit. i. 2. (3) To whom could the promise be made, 
seeing man was not then created ? It was not made to man, 
but for man, not for any thing in man : nor does this promise 
receive any stability, by any thing done by men. It was made 
in the eternal counsel and covenant, by God the Father, to his 
co-equal Son ; for, and in behalf of all the heirs of God. (4) 
Who are the heirs of promise ? God knows every one of them. 
We know their name : it is sinner. In the fulness of time he 
makes them manifest, and they have blessed evidence and as- 
surance of their being heirs. For as the Father gave them to 
Christ, the Spirit draws them, and they come to Christ. This is 
the blessed evidence of heirship. They are refugees: they flee 
for refuge, from the curse of the law, the desert, of sin, every 
hope, and all help in themselves, to lay hold of Jesus, their 
trustee, to whom the promise was made, in whom it centres, and 
through whom it shall certainly be fulfilled. But neither their 
fleeing nor their faith makes them heirs ; but being heirs in 
Christ, they are enabled to flee to him, believe in him, and en- 
joy the comfort of it. (5) See then, ye believing heirs, how safe 
your state, how secure your inheritance : ' It is reserved for you/ 
1 Pet. i. 4. God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the 
heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by 
an oath. Heb. vi.17. Oh the love of God : the horrid blasphemy 
of men. They who say, an heir of promise may be damned, 
charge the great God with perjury. For, (6) The inheritance 
is not by works. Not for any thing we have done, or can do : 
not for any grace given us. But being heirs by promise, grace 
is given us, that we should live and walk like sons of God, and 
joint heirs with Christ. As" you did nothing to make yourself an 
heir of promise, and to get a title to eternal life, so you can do 
nothing to forfeit it. It is impossible for God to lie ; he cannot 
be for sworn, his promise cannot fail. Yet, if you do not live 
like an heir of God, your faith will grow weak, your comfort 
low. You will lose sight of your title, and your Father will 
visit your offence with a rod. Psal. lxxxix. 32. 

I Ijave no right to be an heir, Then Lord, I humbly come to thee, 

Of God's most rich inheritance ; A sinner vile, wretched and poor j 

His promise gives to all a share, Oh grant me clearly now to see 

Who place in Christ their confidence. I've entered in by Christ the door. " m 



AUGUST 11.] 449 [MORNING. 

Now I hiow that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast no 
withheld thy son, thine only son from me. Gen. xxii. 12. 

So spake Jesus to his friend of old. What, did not God know 
that Abraham feared him before this? Doubtless he did. But 
now in the exercise of faith and love, he approved himself to 
God. He gave full evidence that God's commandments are not 
grievous ; that it was his joy and delight to obey his God. Lord, 
give what thou commandest and command what thou wilt, is 
the breathing of faith and love. Thus was the faith of Abraham 
justified by his fruits. Seest thou, how his faith wrought by his 
works ? And by works he gave full proof that he possessed the 
faith of God's elect. Thus he obtained this glorious testimony 
to his own soul, from the mouth of the Lord. £ Now I know that 
thou fearest God' with a loving, filial fear. Thy faith workefh 
by love : it has influenced thy heart to this eminent act of cheer- 
ful, unreserved obedience to me. His faith consulted not flesh 
and blood ; it surmounted carnal reason. The command of the 
Lord was the only rule of his conduct. He both sacrificed and 
enjoyed his Isaac. Thus saith Jesus to every believer, ' Ye are 
my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.' John xv. 14. 
The Spirit of God, by St. James, stiles him a ' vain man,' who 
thinks he may have faith destitute of works. James ii. 20. 

It is the wisdom of a christian to know that his justification 
in the sight of God, through the blood and righteousness of Je- 
sus, is perfect and entire, lacking nothing. This is received by 
faith only. But this belief cannot exist without its object, Jesus; 
therefore it cannot be alone in the heart without love. Faith 
works by love, and love lives by faith. This inward principle 
manifests itself by obedience, as an outw r ard evidence. Thus 
the believer's works are manifest that they are wrought in God, 
and that the soul walks in the light of God's truth and love. But 
alas, it is an awful case amongst professors, as Paul said on 
another occasion ; ' Many are sick and weak among you, and 
many are fallen asleep,' through the intoxicating draughts of the 
love of this world, and living after the flesh. Such have no in- 
ward testimony that they please God : they possess not joy and 
peace in believing. They give no outward evidence that they 
are married to the Lamb, .and live by faith on him. Examine 
thy own soul, oh christian, whether thou art in the faith ; prove 
thy own self. Knowest thou not thine own self, how that Jesus 
Christ is in thee,' except thou be a reprobate. 2 Cor. xiii. & 

Grace, like an uncorrupted see 1, Not by the terrors of a slave 
Abides and reigns within ; Do thev perform his will ; 

Immortal principles forbid But with the noblest powers they have, 
The sons of God to sin. His sweet ooi»uiaiiHs fulfil. 



3 M 



Al/GUST II.] 450 [EVENING. 

My son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 
2 Tim. ii. 1. 



Paul had known what it was to be strong in vain confidence, 
and self-righteous hopes; to be strong in rage and persecution 
against Christ and his people. But his poor soul had severely 
smarted for that. Now Christ had got possession of his heart, 
he was all in all to him. He thought he could nev.er enough re- 
commend him and his grace, to his dear friends. Oh let as imi- 
tate him. (1) * The grace that is in Christ Jesus.' Because of 
our low, mean, scanty thoughts of his rich grace, we are low in 
courage against our enemies, and weak in the comforts of our 
souls. Know, there is much more in this than many weakly 
suppose, as though Christ came into the world to procure some 
grace for us, puts it into us, as they do seeds into a hot-bed, 
leaves us to be faithful to it, and so to secure our own salvation. 
What kind of grace is this? Not saving grace. If this is all, 
it would end in our certain destruction. But the grace or favour 
that is in Christ towards us, is nothing less than the everlasting 
love of God to us ; an everlasting atonement for our sins, an 
everlasting righteousness to justify our persons, an everlasting 
salvation for our souls, and the everlasting consolations of the 
Holy Ghost ; all promised to us in the everlasting gospel, and 
enjoyed by faith. Those who diminish aught of all this, from 
the grace of Christ, are open enemies to God's glory in Christ, 
and to the peace, holiness, and comfort of our souls. Ignorance 
and unbelief are our Lord's enemies and ours. Against these, 
(2) ' Be strong in his grace.' Fortify your mind, fence your- 
self round with it, entrench yourself in it. Let your confidence 
be strong in it, against all opposing enemies. Be bold in faith, 
strong in hope, confident in the grace of Christ. Rest not in any 
degree of grace received ; but be strong in the fulness of the 
grace that is in Christ. Are your lusts and corruptions strong? 
Oppose the almighty grace of Christ to them. Are your doubts 
and fears strong ? Be strong in the precious promises which 
are in Christ Jesus, yea and amen to the glory of God. 2 Cor. i. 
20. Are your conflicts, temptations, and distresses strong ? Flee 
for refuge to Jesus, the hope set before you. There is strong con- 
solation for you. Go.d, knowing our distress and dejection, 
through the prevailingsof unbelief, has graciously confirmed his 
counsel and promise (oh astonishing!; by his oath. Can ^ou, 
dare you think it possible for God to lie, or be perjured ? Then, 
whatever in nature, sense and feeling oppose, stagger not at the 
promise of God, through unbelief; ' but be strong in faiih, giv- 
ing glory to God.' Rom. iv. 20. 

With strongest love, and su fieri rigs great Then let's be strong, in Christ complete, 

Christ manifests his grace: We're sure to see his faee. m. 



AUGUST 12.] 451 [MORNING. 

Whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom. viii. 30. 

What poor scanty thoughts do we too often entertain of the 
love and beneficence of our covenant God. At best our con- 
ceptions are too contracted: we are straitened in our own bowels, 
while we have no cause to be straitened in the superaboundiug 
grace of our Lord. We have little reason to borrow contracted 
thoughts of God's love from Egyptian taskmasters. Our own 
corrupt nature too, too often furnishes carnal pleas and unbe- 
lieving suggestions, which weaken our faith, cool our love, damp 
our zeal, deject our spirits, and grieve our hearts. Simple hearts 
should have nothing to do but with the plain simple truths of 
God. Hath the Lord said it? He will also do it. Faith defies 
Satan's power, and smiles at human contradictions. Though 
humbled souls lie low in self abasement, yet their views are ex- 
alted to the highest confidence, by God's purposes, declarations, 
and promises in Christ Jesus. So they are established in the 
truth. 

All the blessings of grace and glory are sure to every believer ; 
for all such are in Jesus beloved, justified and saved in the sight 
of God. So also in themselves, they are discharged from guilt, 
absolved from punishment, acquitted from the curse of the law. 
When the Comforter brings the sweet knowledge of this to the 
conscience, then how do they triumph in Jesus. Satan cannot 
see this without envj r . Then he stirs up all the powers of nature 
and corrupt reason to stop their glorying. Some miserable 
teachers are not aware whom they serve, when they talk of Je- 
sus' righteous, justified members being consigned over to eter- 
nal damnation. Justification by faith is a fruit of electing love. 
All such as are chosen to salvation, they can never perish. — 
Says St. Austin, * If any of the elect perish, God is deceived ; 
but God is not deceived, therefore none of the elect can perish : 
for the Lord knoweth who are his/ In Jesus they have a sure 
right and title to glory, and the Lord the Spirit glorifies every 
justified soul. The church, the King's daughter, he makes all 
glorious within now. So each member hath a meetness for glory 
above. The glory of God lies near the hearts of sanctified souls, 
the way of truth and the paths of holiness are their delight. 
Sanctification of the Spirit is inseparable from belief of the 
truth. Both spring from the electing love t)f God the Father, 
and shall most assuredly issue in the certain salvation of every 
happy subject. This is the challenge of Jesus : ' Father, I will 
that those whom ihou hast given me, may be with me, where [ 
am.' John xvii. 24. 

Tt> God the only wise, Preserve -is safe from sin and death 

Our Saviour and our King, And even- hurtful snare. 

Let all the saints below the skies 

Their humble praises bring. Soon all the chosen seed 

Shall meet around the throne, 

Tis his almighty love, Shall bless the conduct of his grace; 

His counsel and his care, And make his wouders known. 



august 12,] 452 [evening, 

Fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. 
1 Tim. vi. J2. 



Soldiers of an earthly monarch are regularly enlisted to fight 
under his banner: they wear his livery, and are furnished by 
him with arms. In a day of battle, they prove their courage 
and faithfulness. So the Captain of our salvation chooses and 
enlists his own soldiers : he puts on them a livery whereby 
they are known to his enemies. He puts an armour on them, 
and weapons into their hands. From the moment they enlist 
under him, they enter the field of battle. There is never any 
peace with the enemy, the fight is the good fight of faith, the 
prize is eternal life. The daily word of command is, fjght. 
Stand to your arms, give no quarter to the enemy. Beware of 
the least truce with them, for the danger is great, the effects 
will prove awful. It is { a good fight.' It is in a good cause, 
under a good captain, who gives good encouragement, and has 
assured us of certain victory over the worst of enemies. Fight 
this good fight for the glory of him, who in dying for us, has for 
ever conquered all who are against us. But they are not all 
dead yet : fight on. It is ' a good fight of faith.' Dost thou say 
I have not got faith ? Then pull off thy soldier's livery. What 
hast thou to do in the rank ? But who told thee, thou art desti- 
tute of faith? Why, thou hast laid down thy shield, and art 
got into the enemy's camp. He has seduced thee by his deceit- 
ful insinuations, and will prevail over thee. No faith ! What 
meanest thou ? Instead of fighting against, thou art parleying 
with the enemy. Dost thou believe that Jesus is the Son of God, 
the Saviour of sinners ? Yes, sayest thou, but I have not the 
comfort of knowing he is my Saviour. What then ? Wilt thou 
deny thy faith for want of comfort ; or desert thy Lord's banner 
till thou hast got assurance of his love ? Fight on against thy 
worst foe, unbelief, and cry to thy best Friend, Lord, increase 
my faith. The battle is the Lord's ; thy strength is from him. 
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; all ye 
who hope in the Lord. Psal. xxxi. 24. ' Lay hold on eternal 
life.' It is the free gift of God. Lay hold of it by faith ; possess 
and enjoy it now in the belief of thy heart. Hold it fast in hope ; 
quit not thy confidence in it. So shall thy heart be warm with 
love, thy spirit filled with joy, and thine arms made strong to 
fight, until thou art crowned in eternal glory. Remember, the 
joy of thy Lord is thy strength. When death, the last enemy 
comes, hold fast thy faith, and thou shalt sing, victory in death. 

True, 'tis a fight with many foes, Cheer up, my soul, look to tliy Lord, 

For us too great and strong ; For strength in every hour, 

Hut Christ hath conquered allom* woes, Vict'ry is promised in his word, 

The hattle can't he long. O'er all thine enemies power. m 



AUGUST 13.] 453 [MORNING. 

Learn of me, for I am meek and loivly in heart ; and ye 
shall find rest to your souls. Matt. xi. 29. 

Thus, with tender affection, speaks Jesus our shepherd to the 
lambs of his flock. He well knows we stand in need of daily 
instruction from him; he teaches us in the truth as we are able 
to bear it ; he knows the weakness of our understandings ; he is 
touched with a feeling of our infirmities. Therefore, lest our 
poor hearts should at any time conceive thoughts of him con- 
trary to his nature and office, he says, ( I am meek and lowly of 
heart.' You find that you are poor sinners, ignorant of many 
truths, exercised with many conflicls, trials and temptations : do 
not think of me only as the high and lofty One who inhabiteth 
eternity, but as dwelling also with humble hearts. Look not on 
me as an austere master, a terrible lawgiver, a severe judge, who 
watches over you for evil, and is ever ready to take all advan- 
tages against you. No, I am your condescending, meek and 
lowly Saviour ; your loving Friend and kind Instructor ; there- 
fore come and listen to my words: ' Learn of me/ 

What sweet encouragement is this. Art thou, oh believer, 
tossed with temptations ; harassed with corruptions ; beset with 
sinful passions? Do these bring disquiet upon thy mind, dis- 
tress upon thy conscience, and are a wearisome burden to thy 
spirits, so that thou dost not enjoy settled ease and composed 
rest? Remember thy Saviour's lowly character, and kind ad- 
vice. He hath an ear for thy complaints, a heart of love to pity 
thee, a powerful arm to relieve thee. With sweet familiarity 
pour out thy heart to him : as a bosom-friend tell him of thy 
sorrows, thy complaints, and fears. Always bear in mind his 
kind invitation, the loving meekness and lowliness of his heart, 
and the blessedness of his promise. He hath spoken it, and 
will he not bring it to pass ? He bath said it, and will he not 
fulfil it? ' Ye shall find rest to your souls;' such sweet tran- 
quility and inward composure as can be found nowhere bat in 
him. Could the children of this world persuade us, there is no 
evil in their vain diversions and carnal delights ; still we know 
we cannot expect our Lord's presence, nor shall we find rest to 
our souls, in any of those bewitching scenes. No, but the more 
rest we find to our souls in Jesus, the more we are delighted 
with him, and become clead to all things that are contrary to 
spiritual peace and joy from him. * We who have believed, do 
enter into rest.' Heb. iv. 3. 

Let me but hear my Saviour say, I glorvin infirmitv, 

Strength shall he equal to thy day, That Christ's own power may rest on me. 

Then I rejoice in deep distress, When I am weak, then I am strong, 

Leaning on all-sufficient grace. Grace is my shield, and Christ my pong". 



AUGUST 13 J 454 [EVENING 

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof 
from such turn away. 2 Tim. iii. 5. 

Paul says, ' The gospel is the power of God/ Rom. i. 16; 
and ' Christ is the power of God/ 1 Cor. i. 24 ; and ' that our 
faith standeth in the power of God.' 1 Cor. ii. 5. Hence 
it is plain, that godliness is of a powerful nature upon the 
soul. It consists not in form and shadow, not in notion and 
speculation, but in the real enjoyment of Christ in the heart ; 
and in an experimental knowledge of the grace of the gospel 
through faith. It is the grand concern of every living and lively 
member of Christ, to enjoy more of the light, life, liberty, and 
power of Christ and his gospel. While those who have only 
the form of godliness, are content if their heads are clear in the 
notions of divine truths ; if they can but see a harmony and con- 
sistency in the plan of salvation, give a good account of the 
doctrines of grace, talk fluently about them, and contend ear- 
nestly for them. This they are content with ; and nothing more 
they seek after. There is a species of the Gnostics among us 
at this day. They place all religion in head knowledge, while 
they are careless about real heart experience. Such are visible 
and manifest by their life and walk : they talk high, but live 
low. They soar aloft in notion, but live and walk low in carnal 
gratifications, earthly pleasures, and sensual delights. Still, the 
form of godliness exists in their heads, but their hearts are void 
of the power of the Spirit, and the warm influences of the love 
of God, and the grace of Christ. They deny all this: if not in 
tongue, yet in life and action. What does the apostle advise 
concerning such? To aim to convince them, and strive to con- 
vert their hearts to the power of the truth ? No : they are so 
fortified with head knowledge, that you cannot reach their 
hearts. It would be but lost labour to attempt it : Therefore, 
from such, ' turn away.' Leave them. You can do them no 
good ; they may do you much harm. (1) In catching their spirit 
and temper : it is contagious. We may say of such, as Solomon 
says of the furious man, ' Make no friendship with him ; with 
him thou shalt not go, lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare 
to thy soul/ Prov. xxii. 25. (2) Such professors greatly damp 
and abate the zeal of faith, the joy of hope, and the comfort of 
love, which are enjoyed in communion and fellowship with God, 
and his Son Jesus Christ. As they have not heart to it, nor re- 
lish for it, so their conversation will not savour of it. So that 
you will get no help forward, but rather be driven backward. 
(3) You will be in danger of getting a notion that you can enjoy 
God and the world ; have fellowship with both in your heart, 
while a train of notions only exist in your head. And lastly, 
you will learn many specious, but carnal reasons for throwing 
off all self-denial, and indulging a light, trifling worldly spirit. 



AUGUST 14.] 455 [morning. 

I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not ; I will 
lead them in paths that they have not known ; I will make 
darkness light before them, and- crooked things straight. 
These things ivill I do unto them, and not forsake them. Isai. 
xlii. 16. 



Here is a full proof of the personality of the divine Spirit, the 
third glorious person in the adorable Trinity ; and also the na- 
ture of his office in the ©economy of the covenant of grace for 
the salvation of the elect. He will lead them into all the paths of 
truth. Truth is of the very essence and perfection of Jehovah. 
The Father hath chosen ns from the beginning to salvation, 
through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. 
2 Thess. iL 13. Jesus is essentially * the way, the truth, and 
the life,' John xiv. 6, by whom we are saved ; and the Holy 
Spirit performs his office as our guide to him. 

We, poor sinners, are ' all gone out of the way.' We are 
blind, and see not the way ; ignorant, and know not the way ; 
proud, and have ' turned every one to his own way ;' and if left 
to ourselves, through the darkness that is in us, should seek 
death and destruction in the error of our ways. But, adorable 
grace ! the Spirit of love prevents this. He will guide to Jesus, 
the way, and into * all the truth, as it is in him.' So we en- 
joy life from him ; a life of love and holiness now, and eternal 
life and glory hereafter. Oh the loving condescension of this 
heavenly Guide. Yet it is natural for ns to resist the Holy Ghost, 
to grieve the loving Spirit, and quench his blessed motions : 
this is our chiefest grief. Yet such is his amazing love, such his 
sovereign power, that, like a most affectionate friend, a benign 
Comforter, he takes us by the hand, yea takes our hearts into his 
hand, to guide, counsel, and direct us. This be doth outwardly by 
his word, and inwardly by his secret but powerful influences. In 
the light of his word of truth, we see how sinful, miserable, and 
wretched we are in ourselves. But why doth he teach us this? Be- 
cause we should not trust in ourselves that we are righteous, and 
deceive our souls into perdition. By the word of his grace, he 
teaches us the knowledge of Jesus. In him he shows us the love of 
the Father, and the superaboundings of grace over the aboundings 
of sin. He turns us from the crooked paths of pride, self-will, and 
self-righteousness, into the straight paths of grace, truth, and 
holiness. Here, oh believer, is thy mercy. ' He will work, and 
none shall let it.' This is the crowning mercy of all, ' I will not 
forsake them.' Here are four absolute declarations, I will. Bow, 
proud free-will to thy Lord's will. He will certainly guide thy 
soul through all the mazes of a sinful world to eternal glory 
'As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons oi 
God.' Rom. viii. 14. 



AUGUST 14.] 456 [EVENING. 

That which is born of the flesh is flesh. John. iii. 6. 

To learn the total corruption and desperate wickedness of 
human nature, is a hard lesson to flesh and blood. To have no 
confidence in the flesh, to consider ourselves upon a level with 
the very worst and vilest of sinners, yea with the very devils m 
point of hope of salvation in ourselves, is mortifying to our hu- 
man pride, and contrary to our carnal reason. ( But the Lord of 
hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to 
bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.' Isai. xxiii. 
9. He hath effectually done this, by appearing in our nature, 
and by the doctrines which he taught. All flesh is become so 
totally corrupt and abominable in the sight of God, so hopeless 
and helpless, that nothing but the coming of the Son of God 
could bring salvation to us. lie became the Son of man, that 
be might seek and save them that are lost. He seeks us, before 
we seek him. He saves us, before we look for salvation from 
him. He comes to us, by his word and Spirit, and says, 'that 
which is born of the flesh is flesh.' The flesh profiteth nothing 
to salvation. They that are in the flesh cannot please God. 
There is no good thing dwells in the flesh : therefore no good 
thing can proceed from it. No man, unless born again out of 
corrupt nature, born again of (he Spirit, can see the kingdom of 
God. Oh consider, in order to raise love and gratitude, (1) That 
salvation is a work quite out of nature; that the flesh has not 
the least hand in it, nor contributes the least mite towards it. 
Nay, it is totally averse to salvation, by the blood and righte- 
ousness of the Son of God. (2) That the Son of God did not 
come into the world to purchase grace, and put it into the hands 
of nature, to make our flesh holy, righteous and good (as some 
foolishly talk) that so we might be saved. But he saves us out 
of nature ; he gives us a new birth, into himself, by his Spirit. 
He leaves the flesh as he found it, vile and sinful, no good thing 
in it, that it might be subdued and mortified by the Spirit ; yea 
crucified, as accursed and devoted to death and destruction, be- 
cause of the sin which dvvelleth in it. (3) Art thou born again 
of the Spirit, so as to believe in Christ alone for salvation ? Be- 
ware of having the least confidence in the flesh ; aim not to 
make any shew in the flesh ; this ministers to the pride and righ- 
teousness of the flesh. Know thy flesh, with its corruptions and 
lusts, as an enemy to thy Saviour, and to the peace and holiness 
of thy soul. Treat it as such, and keep it low daily. Lastly: 
see all thy righteousness and perfection in the Son of God. 
Glory only in him and of him. Look on thyself, though ever so 
vile, yet shining most gloriously in the sight of God, in (he glori- 
ous robe and glittering garments of him who is ' The Lord our 
righteousness/ Jer. xxiii. 6. 



AUGUST 15.] 457 [morning. 

Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners 
against himself lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 
Heb. xii. 3. 



Come, christian, look up, look forward, and be of good cou- 
rage. Though thy exercises are many, and thy conflicts great, 
though weary in, yet grow not weary of, the ways of the Lord. 
Verily, in due time we shall reap a harvest of eternal felicity, 
after all our present toil and labour. Faint not; continue to the 
end ; persevere in the work of faith, the labour of love, and pati- 
ence of hope. The battle is the Lord's; thy foes are all con- 
quered; victory is obtained; the crown is held forth by thy 
conquering Lord. Press on. But alas, thou findest contradic- 
tion and opposition from every quarter, from within and from 
without. Numerous are thy foes which rise up against thee ; 
thy strength is small, thy power weak, most true; but know thy 
calling, study thy privilege. Behold thy Comforter holds forth 
a reviving cordial this day to thy drooping spirits : ' lest thou 
be weary and faint in thy mind, consider jkstjs. Here is faith's 
mystery, the christian's triumph; hence derive fresh life and vi- 
gour to thy fainting mind. Consider Jesus, in his divine nature, 
thy covenant God ; in his human nature, thy redeeming brother; 
as God and man in one Christ, Jesus thy salvation, thy almighty 
Saviour. Consider Jesus in his innocent life, enduring the con- 
tradiction of sinners against himself on thy account ; fulfilling 
all righteousness for thee; that thou art perfectly righteous be- 
fore God in him. Consider Jesus, on the cross bearing thy sins; 
amidst taunts and jeers, while making atonement for thy trans- 
gressions. Consider Jesus entered into heaven, and appearing 
in the presence of God for us. Consider Jesus infinite in wis- 
dom to know thy wants, infinite in love to sympathize with thee 
in all thy sorrows, infinite in pov\er to support and strengthen 
thee under them. Consider what infinite riches of grace he has 
in glory to supply all thy need. Oh consider the fulness of grace 
that dwells in him for needy sinners ; live upon his fulness day 
by day, so as to receive out of his fulness grace for grace. It is 
said, The blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church. Con- 
fident we are the life and death, the blood and righteousness of 
Jesus are the life of our graces, the spring of our comforts, the 
support of our weary minds, and the only reviving cordials for 
our fainting spirits. Are we panting sinners at his footstool ? 
Consider, Jesus makes us joyful before his throne now, and 
soon we shall stand eternally happy in his presence. Imitate 
the Father of the faithful, be not weak in faith, consider not 
thy own body, which is * dead because of sin. Know the Spirit 
is life, because of the righteousness of Jesus.' Rom viii. 10. 



3 N 



•august 1.5.J 458 [evening. 

But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee ; behold here 
I am, let him do unto me as it seemeth good unto him. 2 Sam. 
xv. 26. 

Here is majesty in distress, a kingdom in confusion, and the 
king's royal heart struck with a panic. Every circumstance con- 
curs to heighten poor David's sorrow. His own son had stole 
away the hearts of his subjects, raised a most unnatural rebellion 
against his royal f tther, and caused him to flee from his city. 
Very excellently, says one, ' Let a child of God be but two or 
three years without an affliction, and he is almost good for no- 
thing. He cannot pray, nor meditate, nor discourse at that rate 
he was wont to do. But when a new affliction comes, he finds 
his tongue ; he comes to his knees with fervency, and lives at 
another rate.' Perhaps David was never more weaned from 
self-confidence, nor did his faith ever run higher, nor was his 
soul bowed lower, nor did he ever breathe with more humble 
submission to divine sovereignty than at this time. Oh how 
does his grace shine in this speech ! As though he had said to 
Zadock the priest, Return with the ark : I hope I shall have the 
Lord's real presence with me, though I have not the symbol of 
it. I see myself in his hands. I firmly believe God's everlast- 
ing love to me. He is my Saviour and my salvation. I know 
my immortal soul is safe. How he will direct the event of this 
dark providence, I know not. If it appears that the Lord has 
no delight in me, as the king of his people, if he suffers my 
crown and kingdom to be taken from me, his will be done. He 
has a sovereign right to pull down one, and set up another. By 
him kings reign : by his will they are deposed. Behold, here I 
am, let him do unto me as it seemeth good unto him. Love 
makes all things work together for good. Oh christian, dost 
thou not admire his faith in God, his resignation to the divine 
will, his submission to sovereign purposes, and his unreserved 
acquiescence in the counsel of the Lord? Let that man blush, 
who would dare impeach the character, or speak of the faith of 
David in a diminutive sense, as though it was of the pigmy 
kind, not to be compared with the faith of a christian. Oh for 
more of the grace of faith, to follow the bright example of this 
old-testament saint. Though his own beloved son, though his 
own subjects were against him ; though driven from his palace, 
yet the presence of his God, and the power of his Spirit was 
with him. Well might David say, ' It is good for me that I have 
been afflicted.' Psal. cxix. 71. Ever remember, oh soul, what- 
ever thy afflictions may be, whoever may be against thee to 
heighten them, and aggravate thy sorrows, yet the Lord hath 
said, ' I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.' Heb. xiii. 5. 

May we possess lliat humble frame, And trusts and waits upon his name, 

Which casts the soul on God, Though ehastened by his rod. m. 



AUGUST JG.j 459 [MOANING. 

And they laughed him to scorn. Matt. ix.. 24. 

Wonderful indeed is our Master in patience, meekness, love, 
and goodness, under such insult and scorn. ' When Herod saw 
Jesus, he was exceeding - glad : he had desired to see him of a 
long season, for he hoped to see some miracle done by him.' 
Miracles may satisfy the curiosity, but they do not of themselves 
convert the heart to the truth: this is plain. Herod saw in Je- 
sus a most astonishing miracle. Behold, innocence itself ar- 
raigned and accused, death in its most cursed and ignominious 
form threatened. Amazing to consider: Jesus stood mute, his 
tongue locked up in silence. His mighty arm, which could have 
dealt destruction at a blow, he suffered to be bound ; himself 
set at nought, mocked, and in derision arrayed in a robe of 
mock royalty ; white, saith JBeza. So Herod, though unde- 
signed", gives him a token of his innocence; as Pilate, contrary 
to his judgment and intention, gives him a title, ' This is the 
King of the Jews.' Though requested to alter the words, he 
was constrained to be inflexible ; and he replies, ' What I have 
written, I will not revoke.' 

See your calling, brethren: it is to confess and follow a once 
laughed at, scorned, ridiculed Jesus : never once dream of being 
excused pledging our Lord in the same cup. So sure as thou 
dost ' witness a good profession' of faith in Jesus and confor- 
mity to him, thou also shalt not escape laughter and scorn from 
the carnal world, nor of being arrayed by them in the contempt- 
ible garb of a fool's cap, and a madman's coat. Time was 
when we acted as they do : think of this, and be humble. Give 
him the glory, who taught us better. But what harm can this 
do us? Harm! it is our greatest glory on earth. Such honour 
have all his saints.' An honour angels share not in. Sinners 
only are called thus to glorify their Master. True, it is galling 
to the flesh ; but * they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh 
With its affections and lusts.' By the world's scorn, pride is 
mortified, while the soul is joyful; and the Spirit of Christ and 
glory rests upon us. The world laughs us to scorn ; Jesus smiles 
and approves. Shall we be uneasy and grieve at it? No, our 
Master bids us rejoice, and be exceeding glad. Thus follow 
Christ, and fear not men. 

In former times it wars a proverbial expression, to show the 
impossibility of a thing, you may as soon turn a christian from 
Christ as do it. Stedfastness here is our glory. In the things 
of God, said Luther, I assume this title, cedo nirfii, I yield to 
none. As Gods election is irrevocable, so let our confession 
of Christ be ; striving to imitate him in love and patience. Put 
on as the elect of God, holy and beloved, humbleness of mind, 
meekness, longsuffering. Col. iii. 12. 



AUGUST 16.] 460 [EVENING 

Thus saith the LORD, the LORD, and thy GOD who 
pleadeth the cause of his people, &c. Isa. li. 22. 

Thou poor soul, who art almost at thy wits end, drunk with 
trouble, and intoxicated with affliction, over thee do men insult, 
and Satan triumph ? Are they saying to thee, ' Bow down, 
thou poor, insignificant wretch! that we may go over thee/ 
You a Christian ! you are not what you profess. In the lowliness 
of thy mind, and in the meekness of thy heart, dost thou take all 
this ? And, as it were, hast thou laid thy body on the ground, 
and suffered thyself to be walked over? All this cannot satisfy 
the fury of thine enemies. Wherein art thou to take comfort 
under all this? Verily, from, thus saith thy Lord. Thy 
Lord : mind that. However men treat thee, they cannot take 
thy Lord, nor his love from thee; nor should they at any 
time disturb thy peace, or destroy thy comfort in him. For the 
Lord is thy God. Thy is again repeated. Why? that thou 
shouldest take special notice of it ; be doubly confident in it. O 
the sweetness of these pronouns, My and Thy ! The precious- 
ness of the gospel (says Luther) consists in them. ' Who plead- 
eth the cause of his people.' Who doth (his but Jesus? Then 
he is thy Lord : the Lord and thy God. Canst thou desire 
a better? Wouldst thou look to any other pleader ? This righ- 
teous Advocate has fully undertaken thy cause, without fee or 
reward. Yea, such is his amazing love ibr thee, such his asto- 
nishing readiness to serve thee, that unsought, unasked, he vo- 
luntarily undertook to plead thy desperate cause. Thou art not 
asked \o put itinto his hands. But thou art content, and happy to 
see it there . Canst thou help loving and thanking such a dear 
Advocate, such a blessed Mediator ? This precious pleader hath 
two points to carry for us. (1st.) To acquit us from every 
charge of the law, every condemnation of justice, and all the 
fury of divine wrath due to our sins : ('2d.) To obtain for us the 
comforting, renewing, sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost. 
For this, he pleads the perfect atonement of his death, and the 
spotless obedience of his life. O ! let what he ever pleads before 
the throne, be the constant objects of our faith : so shall we tri- 
umph over all the powers of darkness — the evil of sin— the curse 
of the law, and even sing victory in distress. Mind this precious 
word, and rejoice. ' The Lord taketh pleasure in his people : 
lie will beautify the meek with salvation/ Ps. cxlix. 4. Then 
do you take pleasure in the Lord, and glory in his salvation. 

I shall prevail , for Jesus pleads The faith of this makes me rejoice, 
My cause against my foes : To walk the ways of God: 

My soul oti death and danger treads, 'Tis sweet to hear his loving voice 
Quite safe from all their woes All thro' the heav'nly road. m< 



AUGUST 17.] 461 [MORNING. 

Thou hast received gifts for men. Psalm lxviii. 18. 

The dedication of this psalm, according to Beza, is to him 
that excelleth, even Jesus, the excellent one. It contains a glo- 
rious display of the Redeemer's kingdom. The royal prophet 
was highly favoured wilh clear and comfortable views of the am- 
ple provision which is made for poor rebellious sinners in the 
settlements of the everlasting covenant of grace and love. Jesus 
is the rich treasury ; all grace is laid up in him. So it pleased 
the Father, so it rejoiced the heart of all his members, like Jo- 
seph's brethren, to receive all gifts from his hands. Jesus is the 
unspeakable gift of God the Father to us. John iv. 10. All his 
members were given to him : in him Jehovah loves us, delights 
in us, and rejoices over us to do us good. Alas, too, too often, 
we are apt to think vainly, and talk arrogantly; to ascribe what 
we are, and what we hope for, to something in us, or done by 
us. So we lose sight of our own poverty, forget our kind Bene- 
factor, and presently this fever of pride is succeeded by an ague 
of heartless dejection : our hands hang down, and our knees 
grow feeble. For ever blessed be God, salvation from first to 
last, is all of free gift by free grace, secured by free promises in 
Christ. So it is effectual to the hearts of sinners ; so believers 
ascribe all the glory to the ever-blessed Trinity by Jesus. Are 
mine eyes opened to see the exceeding sinfulness of sin ? Am 
I sensible of my deserts, my ruined helpless state as a sinner ? 
Do I see the purity and spirituality of God's righteous law? 
Do I despair of all hope and help in myself? Is Jesus my re- 
fuge ? Do I see the glory of his righteousness, and the perfec- 
tion of his atonement? Is the triumph of his cross, the victory 
in his death, the foundation of my faith, the support of my hope 
from day to day ? These are love-tokens from Jesus. He sheds 
them on us as the free gifts of the Holy Spirit. So our hearts 
are enamoured with him, and knit to him in love. And, for our 
further consolation and joy, he still lives to bestow innumerably 
more, and infinitely greater gifts than what we have yet received ; 
for if we have received the first fruits of the Spirit, the harvest 
is sure. Every enemy shall be conquered, every lust subdued. 
Nothing less than perfect holiness and perfect happiness await 
us. Is sin atoned for by the blood of Jesus ; and shall his mem- 
bers live without a sense of pardon ? No : ask, says our muni- 
ficent Benefactor, and receive, that your joy may be full. John 
xvi. 24. Jesus is glorified ; the Spirit is given to bear witness 
of love and salvation to us, to comfort and sanctify us. This is 
the joyful reasoning of faith. c If God be for us, who can be 
against us ? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him 
up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all 
things?' Rom. viii. 3J, 32. 



AUGUST 17] 462 [EVENING, 

And he said unto them, why are ye troubled ? And why 
do thoughts arise in your hearts ? Luke xxiv. 38. 

Help, O help us, thou dear Lord, who spake these words to 
thy affrighted disciples, to gather some sweet consolation from 
them to our hearts this night. We know thou prayest for us, 
when thou prayest for all who should believe on thee. John 
xvii. 20. O speak in life and power these words to our troubled 
hearts, and for the rising thoughts of distress. Thine is the 
power: thine shall be the glory. (1st.) We here see, though 
their dear Lord was present, yet his beloved disciples were trou- 
bled. Yea, and though he had but that moment pronounced 
peace unto you, yet fears again rose in their hearts. They 
were as we are, flesh, as well as spirit : men of like passions 
with us. The frights, fears and troubles which nature is subject 
to, discompose the spiritual frames of disciples. But, (2d.) They 
do not alter our state, nor separate us from the love of Christ. 
This is a cordial under all heart troubles, and the rising of all 
evil, blasphemous, filthy or horrid thoughts. For, (3d.) Christ 
is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He sympathizes 
with us in what is distressing to us. He asks, why are ye trou- 
bled ? Why do ye give way to unreasonable fears and terrors, 
which distract and distress your minds ? (4th.) He takes pains 
to remove them. Says he, " Behold my hands and my feet, that 
it is myself:" no other than your dear and loving Saviour. O 
the condescending grace of Christ! He manifests himself to us. 
A si^ht of a risen Christ by faith, expels troubles and fears from 
our hearts. Therefore, (5th.) Whatever troubles, fears, dejec- 
tions, terrors, or distress, arise in our hearts, we are encouraged 
with all freedom of soul, and boldness of hope, to go to him. 
Now, to the shame of our heart, and the sorrow of our souls, 
have not you and 1 acted contrary to this? Instead of simply 
going to Christ with our heart troubles, and soul distresses, have 
we not questioned Christ's love to us, and care for us ? Thus 
Satan gets an advantage over us: our Saviour gets no glory 
from us. O fools that we are, and slow of heart to believe, that 
Jesus died for our sins, rose again for our justification, and 
that he is able to save to the uttermost — ALL them that come 
unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for 
them. Heb. vii. 25, Up then with faith, and down with fears: 
away with all thoughts that trouble our hearts. Look from with- 
in: look up. Jesns is before the throne for us. " In the multi- 
tude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul." 
" Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me/' 
Ps. xciv. 19. — cxxxviii. 7. 

My troubles, Lord, are known to thee, While I pass through this vale of tears, 
Thou hast a loving heart, How oft my spirit sinks, 

To feel with tender syrnpalhv, Daily beset with doubts and fears ; 
And bids them all depart. Bat Jesus of me thinks. m. 



AUGUST 18.] 463 [MORNING. 

Then said I, Wo is me : for I am undone ; because I am 
a man of unclean lips ; — for mine eyes have seen the King, 
the Lord' of hosts. Isa. vi. 5. 

When, in the light of divine truth, the glory of Jesus is mani- 
fested to the soul, how it tends to stain the pride of all human 
glory? The prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles 
under the New, were men of like passions, sinners as we are. 
By nature there is no difference. They were all saved by the 
same precious Saviour. A sight of themselves humbled them 
to the dust. " O wretched man that i am," cries Paul, the apos- 
tle. " Wo is me : I am unclean, I am undone," exclaims Isaiah, 
the evangelical prophet. " God will suffer no flesh to glory in 
his presence." Jesus the Saviour alone shall be exalted. Man, 
the sinner, though the subject of grace and salvation, shall be 
laid low— every hope in himself cut off — the exceeding sinful- 
ness of sin, and his deserts as a sinner, confessed. Such are 
the saving effects of almighty love ; such the humbling views 
excited by the divine Spirit. But it is very natural for the sen- 
sible sinner to write bitter things against, to pronounce a wo 
upon himself; and complain of his undone state, and totally 
polluted condition. Just so, when the sun shines, we see innu- 
merable motes and atoms, which were invisible before. But do 
we think this strange, that after we have been favoured with a 
spiritual sight of Jesus, faith in him, and hope from him, we 
should be sensible of and lament our undone state ? We should 
not. We shall carry this view of ourselves all our journey 
through, even till we come to the banks of Jordan's streams. 

The most exalted saint, while in the body, is in himself, ac- 
cording to the flesh, carnal, sold under sin ; burdened with a 
body of sin and death. But though, as thus considered in him- 
self, he is in a woful, undone state ; yet, being in Christ Jesus, 
a member of him, a believer on him, a new creature in him ; 
there is no wo, no wrath, no condemnation : nothing but peace, 
pardon, love, and salvation from God, the Father, to him. This 
is manifested to us by the word of grace ; and the Spirit of truth, 
like the seraphim, by the prophet, takes a live coal from off the 
altar, the sacrifice of Christ, and saith, ' Lo this hath touched 
thy lips, thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin is purged." 
Let this comfortable truth ever dwell in thy heart — make confes- 
sion with thy mouth unto salvation. The bloody sacrifice of 
Jesus hath purged thy sins. " Be not faithless, but belie\in< 
John xx. 27. 



\->' 



I am a man undone, unclean, I cannot stand before thee, Lord : 

To thee, my Lord, I must confess, My mouth is stopt, I guilty am, 

For now, alas ! mine eyes have seen Yet, will I trust thy gracious word, 

Thy purity and righteousness. And cry for mercy to the L a mb. m. 



AUGUST 18.] 464 [EVENING. 

But the lad knew not any thing: only Jonathan and David 
knew the matter. 1 Sam. xx. 39. 



Had any one asked this lad, what Jonathan was doing in the 
field? he would doubtless have replied, only shooting arrows 
lor his amusement, and I ran and brought them to him. But, 
O ! there was a much greater matter here : no less than the pre- 
cious life of David was at stake. Love directed these arrows : 
the voice of love proclaimed by them, Davids danger, or his 
safety. The fatal word, Is not the arrow beyond thee? reminds 
David of his danger, and warns him to flee for his life. Observe, 
(1st.) Never did more generous, faithful love dwell in a mere 
human breast, than in Jonathan's to David. But it diminishes, 
like the light of the stars when the sun appears, compared to 
that infinitely greater, and more intense love, which dwells in 
the heart of our spiritual Jonathan, i. e. the gift of the Lord : 
this Jesus is to all his Davids, i. e. beloved ones. (2d.) There 
was a secret between Jonathan and David, on which his life de- 
pended. So there is between Jesus and us, on which the life 
of our immortal souls depend. " The secret of the Lord is with 
them who fear him, and he will shew them his covenant/* Psa. 
xxv. 14. His covenant love and grace, and the perpetuity of 
them. That he has loved us with an everlasting love, and that 
his grace shall never forsake us, but shall bring us safe to glory. 
Therefore, our souls are safe ; our salvation is sure. The Lord 
forbids our fears: " Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by 
night, nor of the arrow that flieth by day." Psa. xci. 5. Nei- 
ther sin, death, or hell, shall ever prevail over thee. (3d.) The 
arrows were either behind, beside, or beyond the lad. Just so 
are these declarations of God's everlasting love to lads in reli- 
gion : they do not receive them in faith. (4th.) As the lad pick- 
ed up the arrows, but knew not the matter: so do they pick up 
words, but understand not the secret of the Lord in them. Their 
words betray it. For they say, " If there is such a covenant ; 
if God loves me with an everlasting love ; if Christ has finished 
salvation for me ; if all is of grace, without any condition of 
works—then no matter how I live; I will take my full swing in 
sin and wickedness." Such lads are not in the secret ; they are 
strangers to the power of covenant love and faithfulness; their 
hearts are in bondage to the law ; they know not the liberty 
wherewith Christ makes us free. It lies between the gift of the 
Lord, and his Davids, or beloved ones, only. Now, if you are 
a man of understanding in the love of the Lord, you will glory 
in it: study the height, and d^pth, and length, and breadth of 
the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you may be 
filled with all the fulness of God, Eph. iii. 18, 19. 



/VUGUST 19.] 465 [MORNING, 

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoaking fla.v shall 
he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. Matt, 
xii. 20. 



Through a sight of their sinful state, a sense of strong corrup- 
tions, weakness of faith, and small degree of the knowledge of 
Jesus, young converts, like David, when just come to the throne, 
are apt to say, " I am this day weak, though anointed king;" 
and to fear with him, " the sons of Zeruiah be too hard forme." 
2 Sam. iii. 39. The accuser of the brethren is ever an adver- 
sary to God and his truth. He is always busy with souls, to 
stamp upon their minds the blackest impressions. He repre- 
sents the Saviour, not as loving, gentle, and merciful to relieve 
distressed, and comfort wounded afflicted consciences; but as 
a rigid, austere, and cruel exactor. When carnal reason joins 
with false accusations, it is a sore distress and conflict to the 
mind. But to the law and to the testimony. How readest thou, 
O soul? ".It is right that thou shouldest bear the indignation 
of the Lord, because thou hast sinned against him." Micah vii. 
9. By this, he teaches thee the exceeding sinfulness of sin, to 
abhor it, and be humbled for it. Tea, also, the greatest blessing, 
that thou shouldest look to, believe on, and love him. But this 
thou never wilt do, if thou dost not consider him as a precious 
Saviour of the lost and guilty. True, in thyself thou art like a 
bruised reed, shaken with the wind of temptation : oppressed 
with sin and distress : weak and helpless ; ready to fall into de- 
spair, and perish without hope. As smoaking flax, thou seemest 
not to burn ; rather art offensive to thyself, because of the va- 
pours of corruption. These blind thine eyes, and are a stench 
in thy nostrils. And so poor sensible sinners are apt to think 
they are to Jesus. But, saw he any amiable dispositions in the 
sinners character, to invite him from heaven to earth ? Being 
come to seek and to save the lost, and to be the physician of 
sin-sick souls, waits he for their health and soundness ere he 
reacheth forth his healing hand ? Doth the Friend of sinners 
break in pieces, with a rod of iron, the sin wounded, heavy-laden 
soul ? That is far from his loving heart. Far be that from 
our heart to conceive. Nay, but he will execute judgment for 
all such, over every adversary. He shall not break, he shall not 
quench, till judgment is denounced, and victory proclaimed 
over Satan's accusations, unbelieving suggestions, by the word 
of truth and the power of the Spirit ; and the weakest believer 
" shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and his testimony." 
Rev. xii. 11, 

Like smoaking flax, and bruised reed Send forth thy judgment on my foes, 

Methinks my soul don't grow, nor burn : May I o'er them victorious prove : 

Thy presence daily, Lord, I need, No" longer be opprest with woes, 

My soul to quicken ; Lord,, return. But triumph in the God of love. m, 

3 o 



AUGUST 19.] 46Q [evening. 

The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. 2 Tim, iv. 22. 

A most precious benediction ! How blind are all who deny 
the divinity of Christ ! how miserable are all who live without 
the presence of Christ; how ignorant are all who know. not that 
such a blessing is to be enjoyed ! how stupid are all those who 
seek it not ! Art thou not, O Christian, too negligent in not 
more earnestly seeking and constantly praying for more of the 
presence of thy Lord? Consider, what is implied in this wish? 
It is heaven in the heart, glory in the soul, to have Christ with 
our spirits. It disposes and qualifies the soul for heavenly 
glory. For, (1st.) Christ's presence restrains our bad tempers, 
and subdues our unruly passions. Boisterous waves are changed 
into a profound calm ; rough winds are at peace ; foaming bil- 
lows are still ; there is a calm sun-shine of heart-felt joy within : 
all is serene and happy without. Christ's presence causes haughty 
pride and furious anger to subside. (2d.) It fills the soul with 
love : love to God and man. We cannot enjoy the presence of 
Jesus, without loving him as our Lord. It is love that causes 
him to be present with our spirits, and our spirits catch the 
flame of love from him ; and, if we love God, this love will 
diffuse itself to our brethren also. (3d.) Christ's* presence coun- 
sels and directs us in all our difficulties. We are often in the 
dark, both as to providence and grace ; in things temporal and 
spiritual, as to our bodies and souls. But the presence of the 
Lord causes light ; solves every difficulty ; and makes our way 
plain before our eyes. (4th.) It enables us to bear up under 
all our distresses. Christ's presence comforts our hearts, while 
afflictions bow down our spirits. (5th.) Christ's presence fortifies 
us with strength, to fight manfully against the world, the flesh, 
and the devil. We can do all things through Christ strengthen- 
ing us. It is out of his fulness we receive grace for our every 
need. (6th.) The presence of Christ animates us in the discharge 
of every duty, and enlivens the exercise of every grace, of faith, 
hope, love, patience, &c. Lastly, Christ's presence makes sin 
hateful, our souls humble, the world contemptible, temptations 
tolerable, self-denial easy, the cross glorious, Satan flee from us, 
hell vanquished, death conquered, the passage to glory delight- 
ful, and heaven most earnestly longed for; that, without inter- 
ruption, we may be ever present with the Lord. O ! use every 
means to enjoy the Lord's presence. Avoid all things which 
may cause him to withdraw it. " Grieve not the Holy Spirit of 
God." Eph. iv. 30. 

Our spirits with thy presence bless, To know thy love, and feel thy peace, 
Thou Lord of ail our joy, Creates our heav'ri below; 

That we may walk in righteousness, To pray for this we will not cease, * 
And nought our peace destroy. While on to heav'n we go. m. 



AUGUST 20.] 467 [MORNING. 

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, 
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against 
such there is no law. Gal. v. 22, 23. 



This numerous issue is of supernatural generation; like Isaac, 
who sprang from the dead body of Abraham, and the barren 
womb of Sarah. Though believers delight to bring forth such 
fruits, yet, through humility, they are backward in speaking of, 
and averse to glory in them. Hence, when these fruits appear, 
inward or outward, like the bride of the Lamb, on another occa- 
sion, she cries out in lowliness of heart, " Who hath begot- 
ten me these?" (Isa. xlix. 21.) But is any thing too hard for 
God ? " He maketh the barren soul to be a joyful mother of 
children." (Psalm cxiii. 9) Believers are " married to Jesus 
by faith, that they may bring forth fruit unto God.' (Rom. vii. 
4.) There is no member of his barren. Some bring forth more 
fruit than others — some are more eminent for one kind, and 
some for another. Every one " according to the measure of the 
gift of Christ." (Eph. iv. 7.) But all is by the same Spirit, who 
dwelleth in all. Each esteem other's fruits better than his own. 
The graces of a christian shine brightest in the sight of his bre- 
thren. With the pleasant fruits of his Spirit, which his mem- 
bers bear, Jesus is delighted, and God our Father glorified. 
This will be their daily prayer, O that I may bring forth more 
fruit unto God. Let thy all-commanding voice pronounce on 
me, " be fruitful and multiply." Thus is, " the bride, the Lamb's 
wife all glorious within.' But yet conscious of what she was, 
and still is, by opposing nature, which brings forth contrary 
fruits, she wears a conscious blush, and dares not glory in her- 
self. She knows she is wholly indebted for the root of all grace, 
jesus; as also for the fruits of the Spirit, to unmerited grace 
and sovereign power. Thus holy Paul says, " I am become a 
fool in glorying," though compelled to it. That holy, faithful, 
loving, tender hearted martyr of Jesus, ever styled himself * the 
unbelieving, unloving, hard-hearted Bradford.' Yet, " against 
such there is no law." The law cannot condemn those who be- 
lieve in Jesus ; " for the law of the Spirit of life, in him, hath 
made them free from the law of sin and death." (Rom. viii. 2.) 
Indeed, the law may trouble and terrify the conscience ; but 
Christ, apprehended by faith, vanquisheth all its terror and 
threatenings. " For Christ is the end of the law for righteous- 
ness to every one who believes." (Rom. x. 4.) They are as 
righteous in him, as if they had perfectly fulfilled the law them- 
selves. u Ye shall know them by their fruits." Matt. vii. 16. 

Spirit divine, through Jesus giv'n, There is no Jaw those to condemn. 

Dwell daily in my heart, Who live and walk in love : 

Suhdaeray sins, fit me for heav'n, United to the heavenly Lamb, 

And all thy fruits impart. Their fruits doth God approve, m. 



i 



AUGUST 20.] 4G8 [EVENING. 

Earnestly contend Jor the faith which was once delivered 
unto the saints. Jude 3. 



When St. Paul was preaching the most important truths of 
the everlasting gospel at Corinth, he was brought before the 
judgment seat, and accused for his doctrine. Poor Gallio would 
not concern himself about the matter. He considered it all as 
a strife of words, and a contention about names. I will be no 
judge, says he. He cared for none of these things. His heart 
was totally unacquainted with the faith of God's saints. But 
art thou a partaker of like precious faith with the Apostles ? and 
canst thou be a Gallio too ? Know, if thou wilt not contend 
for the faith, hell and earth are in arms, to contend against. 
What is the faith here spoken of? (1st.) The doctrines of faith 
revealed in the word : the whole scheme of evangelical truths, 
inspired by the Spirit of God. These are received by faith: are 
the rule, the warrant, the support, and the glory and joy of faith. 
Such as the doctrine of the Trinity in Unity — their everlasting 
covenant of grace — the result of everlasting love to the elect — 
the incarnation of the Son of God to save us— our regeneration 
by the Spirit, full and complete salvation by grace, &e. (2d.) 
The object of faith. Christ received into the heart, by whom we 
have peace with God, pardon of sin from him, justification be- 
fore him, boldness to draw nigh to him, and sweet fellowship 
with him. Now these truths are delivered to, and received by 
saints. Says Jude, " Beloved, it was needful that I should ex- 
hort you"— to what? Namely, for the sake of peace and quiet- 
ness, not to dispute and contend for this faith ? No, but to con- 
tend earnestly : heartily, with warmth of zeal, with a holy 
glow of affection, in good earnest. Disciple, improve this word 
of exhortation. (1st.) Consider, the doctrines of the gospel, and 
the faith of them, are of the greatest moment, both to your being 
and well-being as a Christian. Says Luther, *■' One little point 
of doctrine, is worth more than heaven and earth." Some igno- 
rantly call the doctrines of the gospel mere opinions ; just as if 
it was indifferent, whether believed or not. (2d.) Stand reproved, 
ye lukewarm, Laodicean spirits, who have not a word to say in 
defence of your most holy faith, but under a pretence for peace, 
are cool and indifferent about truth. Truth is too great a price 
to purchase peace at. But, (3d.) remember faith works by love. 
Carry the fire of love into all your contentions. Eye Christ in 
all. Aim at his glory by all. Pray to have his mind accompany 
all. With love and pity to all, pray him to bless all you contend 
with, if perad venture he may give them repentance to the ac- 
knowledging the truth. Tit. i. 1 



AUGUST 21.] 469 [MOltNlNG. 

That no flesh should glory in his presence : He that glo- 
rieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Cor. i. 29, 31. 

Humble, self-abased Christians, who drink deep into self- 
knowledge, whose eye of faith is to Christ, and to what he is 
made of God to them, are as jealous of the pride of the flesh, as 
they are of its sinfulness. This is a safe state. Such have little rea- 
son to murmur, because they do not experience ihose high flights 
and transporting ecstacies, which appear to arise from nature 
and sense, because they lead to glorying in the righteousness of 
the flesh. Flesh is proud and prone to glory, even in the pre- 
sence of God. But faith in Jesus cuts off" all glorying in the 
flesh, as viewing all salvation out of ourselves in him. This is 
the very essence of the faith of God's elect. Yet, while in the 
flesh, we are daily exposed to the workings of pride, which 
darken the view of Jesus, and tend to self-exalting and self-glo- 
rying. What pains doth the loving Spirit take to humble us ! 
he shews us, by line upon line, and precept upon precept ; by 
prophets and apostles, that " in the Lord all his children are 
justified and shall glory." Isa. xlv. 25. 

Am I made wise unto salvation? Glory to Jesus, He is my 
wisdom. Am T righteous in the sight of God ? Glory to Jesus, 
He is my righteousness. Not obtained by my works, but by 
God's free gift. Am I sanctified? Glory to Jesus, it is through 
the faith of him, by the Spirit, that I have any drops from the 
fountain of his blood, to wash away my guilt, and to cleanse my 
soul. Have I faith in, and hope of complete redemption from 
all misery to all happiness? Glory to Jesus, He is my redem- 
tion — he hath bought me— he hath conquered for me. In whom 
then should I glory but in Jesus alone? In him all my wisdom, 
righteousness, sanctification, and redemption centre. " It pleased 
the Father, that in him all fulness shoul'd dwell." It pleased the 
Spirit to bear witness of, and to glorify Jesus only. Shall we 
glory in the fruits of the Spirit, as the foundation of hope, and 
the cause of our acceptance with God ? That were to deceive 
ourselves. The Holy Spirit produceth no fruits in us to this 
end. This is contrary to his office — inverts the ceconomy of the 
covenant— makes faith void — and turns the eye of the soul to 
somewhat within us, instead of Christ crucified for us. But, by 
the Spirit, we glory in Christ alone By faith in precious pro- 
mises, we pray to be filled with " the fruits of righteousness, 
which are by Jesus Christ. To what end ? That we should 
glory in the flesh because of these ? No, but to the glory and 
praise of God." Phil. i. 11. 

To priory in ourselves we re prone, What Jesus is of God to me, 

Bo« aust> we're vain and full of pride ; And not what in myself I am, 

Lord, keep this vaunting spirit down : Shall all mv glory daily he, 

In thee to boast, and nought beside. That 1 am righteous in the Lamb. IW. 



AUGUST 21.] 470 [EVENING. 

For the Lord hath called thee, as a woman forsaken and 
grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast re- 
fused, saith thy God. Isa. liv. 6. 

This was literally fulfilled, when Christ's church was. first ga- 
thered to him in the days of his flesh. Scarcely were the disci- 
ples called and married to Christ, the loving Bridegroom, by 
faith, but he was taken away from them by a sudden and vio- 
lent death. They were then like a woman, bereaved of her affec- 
tionate husband, who mourned and grieved for her great and 
affecting loss. They were then as a wife of youth, just married, 
and soon became as widows, whom the world refused and re- 
jected. But here lay all their comfort of faith, and joy of hope, 
—the Lord had called them, and he would never forsake them. 
Though death's relentless arm snatched Christ from them, yet 
his power could not hold him. By his own omnipotent power, 
Jesus raised himself; and because of his everlasting love for 
them, he appeared again unto them. And now they are all ga- 
thered home to the full enjoyment of their heavenly Bridegroom, 
never, never more to part from him. Disciple, how did the Lord 
call thee ? Wast thou not as a woman forsaken by thy husband,, 
and grieved in spirit? Was not the law, the wife of thy youth? 
Didst not thou live, and comfort thyself, in its embraces? When 
the Lord called thee, did not thy legal hopes and legal comforts 
forsake thee, when you found your husband speak sharp to you, 
and look stern upon you, was not you grieved in spirit ? Was 
you not disconsolate, at your wit's end ? Didst thou not cry 
out, O wretch that I am ! Did not terror beset thee, and an hor- 
rible dread overwhelm thee? When all hope and help failed, 
and despair of living by thy first husband came upon thee ? O 
the love of Christ: then, then, he openly and comfortably es- 
poused thee to himself, in the sweet bauds of faith. He became 
thine in sensible enjoyment; and thou becamest his before all 
the world. What if thou art rejected, and refused, of the world ? 
What if thou art vileness and deformity in thine own eyes ? 
Yet the Lord loves thee ; he chose thee : he has put, his rich 
robe of righteousness, his glorious garments of salvation upon 
thee. Now thou art precious in his sight; lovely in his eyes; 
he has put his Holy Spirit within thee. He says of thee, " Thou 
art all fair, ray love, there is no spot in thee, ' (Song iv. 7.) 
"There is no condemnation against thee." (Rom. xviii. 1.) 
" There is no separation from my love." verse 39.) Be a chaste 
virgin to thy heavenly Bridegroom. Write it upon the table of 
thy heart, " My God is my salvation and my glory, the rock of 
my strength, and my refuge is in God." Ps. lxii. 7. 

Ye happy souls, married by failh Daily attend to what lie saith ; * 

To the dear Lamb of God, Pear not his chast'ning rod. m. 



AUGUST 22.] 471 [MORNING. 

Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God; for because I have seen 
an angel of the Lord face to face. And the Lord said unto 
him, Peace be unto thee; fear not, thou shalt not die. Judges 
vi. 22, 23. 



" Jesus is the same Lord over all, rich in mercy to all who 
call upon him." Rom. x- 12. There is no difference between 
Old-Testament saints and New, in regard to the object of salva- 
tion, "Jesus the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." Poor 
Gideon thought a sight of the Lord must surely be present death; 
for saith the Lord, " There shall no man see me and live." 
(Exod. xxx. 20.) But the Lord appeared to him as the angel 
of the covenant, the Mediator, the interposer. Not in terrible 
majesty, and fiery wrath, to strike him dead ; but as the Saviour, 
the merciful One. This sight was attended with life to his soul, 
and death to his fears. So Gideon found it, when he heard that 
ever-dear and most precious word peace. This is ever the word 
of the Bridegroom to his church. His birth is ushered in with 
" Peace on earth." His dying legacy to his children is peace. 
Nothing but love dwells in his heart. Nought but peace is 
heard from his lips. This was his affectionate salutation to his 
beloved though dejected disciples, when he first appeared to 
them after his sufferings and death. His tender heart well knew 
how troubled their minds were. Therefore, over, and over, he 
repeats, " Peace be unto you." John xx. 21. As it was in 
the beginning, so it is now. Jesus silences guilty fears, and per- 
plexing doubts, in the minds of his disciples. Wo is me, saith 
the poor sinner, I am undone, I am unclean ; mine eyes have 
seen the Lord of hosts, and the purity and spirituality of his 
law, as a just God and a holy ; a consuming fire, and who will 
by no means clear the guilty : I shall die. Fear not, saith Je- 
sus, to every such trembling, repenting, believing heart; thou 
shalt not die, but live. Neither shalt thou want my peace. Look 
unto me and be saved. Inwardly listen to my word. Treasure 
it up in thine heart. Wait in faith, for the sweet and still voice 
of my Spirit. I create the fruit of the lips, " Peace, peace, to 
him that is afar off, and to him that is near, and I will heal 
them." Such shall not only hear Christ's voice, but feel his 
power. Their fears shall be taken away, and their sorrows re- 
moved. So shall their'souls be joyful in him. Thus Jesus is 
precious to them. " He delivers them, who, through fear of 
death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Heb. ii. 15.) 
" Having made peace for us through the blood of his cross." 
Col. i. 20. 

My groans and tears, and forms of woe, My tongue, the glory of Christ's name, 

Are turn'd to joy and praises now ; Shall ne'er be silent of his fame ; [henv'n 

1 throw my sackcloth on the ground, His praise shall sound through earth and 
And ease and gladness gird me round. For sickness heal'd and sins forgiv'n. 



august 22.] 472 [evening. 

..Why iveepest thoui Whom seekest thou ? John xx. 15. 

y Profession of Christ, without affection to him, leaves the heart 
in dead formality. What is religion without the affections. What 
the highest pretension, the greatest depth of knowledge, without 
love to our dear Saviour. Here poor Mary discovers her affec- 
tion to her Lord,, by weeping for, and seeking after his crucified 
body. ..The fire of love in the heart carries out the soul beyond 
itself. Tell me, Sir, says she to Jesus, supposing him to be the 
gardener, where thou hast laid him, and f J will take him away/ 
Poor weak being, her affections went beyond her strength. But 
to her. inexpressible joy and comfort, Jesus manifested himself 
to her. This was ..written for our instruction. Come, ye weep* 
ing, seeking souls, learn a lesson of encouragement and comfoic 
to-night, from your sister's conduct, and your Lord's dealings 
with her. Observe, /( I) Christ's beloved disciples have their 
weeping and their seeking seasons. They weep, because they 
love Christ: they seek him, because they cannot be happy with- 
out him. So the church : ' I sought him whom my soul loveth : 
I sought him but I found him not.' Song iii. I. Still she goes 
on seeking. Seeking Christ .is an evidence of, and discovers 
love to him. Seeking him sorrowing and weeping, shows the 
ardency of affection. Poor distressed sinner, who seest thy want 
of Christ, who knowest that thy all is in him, and who cannot 
be happy without him ; know that this is from a dart of love. 
Christ hath wounded and ravished thy heart with his love. 
What doth he say to thee? ' Thou hast ravished my he-art, my 
sister, my spouse.' Song iv. 9. Oh there is a mutual affection 
between Christ's heart and thine. (2) Jesus was near to Mary, 
though she knew him not. He is near to every weeping, seek- 
ing soul, though they have not the comfort of it. (3) Be dis- 
covers his affections by his questions: ' Why weepest thou ? 
Whom seekest thou V Our fears are seen, our sorrows are felt 
by our sympathizing Lord : our most silent sighs enter his ears, 
and pierce his heart : but he will know the cause of our sorrows 
from our own lips. Then pour out your hearts before him, tell 
him of your complaints. Do this in the assurance of faith, that 
he will manifest himself to you. For (4) He did so to Mary. 
He called her by her name, ' Mary,' which signifies exalted. 
She was exalted to know Christ's voice, to taste his love, to be 
his sister and his spouse, to be married to Christ, and to live in 
sweet union to him, and communion with him. Oh see from 
whence your seeking, sorrowing frames spring. See the blessed 
end in which they terminate. Bless Jesus for a heart to seek 
him : Bless him, though you seek him sorrowing. Thy Lord 
hath assured thee, ' every one that asketh receiveth, and he that 
seeketh findeth.' Luke xi. 10. 



AUGUST 23.] 473 < [morning. 

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again, 
John iii. 7. "* ; ^ 

Spiritual doctrines ever appear to the judgment of carnal rea- 
son foolishness. Marvel not to find the wisdom of natural men 
ever crying out, ' How can these things be ;' and explaining 
away their spiritual meaning by corrupt reasonings. We are 
not to expect a total freedom from our own carnal objections. 
The old man is yet alive; the kingdom of his- residence, the 
flesh, is at war against that kingdom into which the soul is spi- 
ritually born. Many souls see clearly the nature of the tloctrine 
of a new-birth of the soul, and are convinced of the necessity of 
it, in order to see the kingdom of God, But how are they strait- 
ened, pained, and perplexed to know whether it be accomplished 
in them or not? And indeed, many have so unscripturally treated 
of the new birth, as sadly, to puzzle and grievously distress sim- 
ple hearts. Is it not'marvellous to find men gravely telling us 
how many steps a dead sinner must take; in order to get into 
this new birth ? The time when, many are uncertain of; for 
the kingdom of God cometh not with observation. The manner 
how, none can explain ; * for the things of God knovveth no man, 
but the Spirit of God.' But the effects are visible and evident. 
As sense and motion are the properties of natural life, so when 
the soul is born againof -the Spirit, there is a sight of Jesus, a 
hearing of his voice, the affections of the soul go out after him, 
believing him to be the way, the truth, and the life. Hence, St. 
John lays down this infallible mark, ' Whosoever believeth that 
Jesus is the Christ, is born of God.' 1 John v. 1. This is a sim- 
ple, plain truth. Am I born of God? This must be answered 
by enquiring, do I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed 
Son of God, to the office of a Saviour, for lost and perishing 
sinners. Does this truth enter my heart and mind. Is it received 
and believed as a matter which can only and alone bring relief 
to my guilty conscience, peace to my troubled mind, and hope 
to my dejected spirit? If so, I do believe in Jesus: he is 
the object of my faith, and the hope of my heart. I am born 
again, born of God, born to see, to enter inlo, and enjoy the 
kingdom of God. The evidence of this, the soul gets more 
and more strongly and clearly settled in the conscience, as faith 
grows and increases. For its fruits will be manifest and abound 
in seeing sin's rilthiness, feeling its burden, hating and resisting 
it : striving to maintain a holy fellowship with God the Father, 
and his Son Jesus, through the Spirit. 

Who can describe the joys that rise The Son with joy looks down and sees 

Thro' all the courts of paradise, The purchase oi his agonies 
To see a prodigal return, 

To see an heir of glory boru. The Spirit takes delight to % iew 

The holy soul he formed anew ; 

With joy the Father doth approve The saints and angels join to sing 

The fruit of hss eternal love ; The growing empire of their King. 

3 p 



AUGUST 23.] 474 [EVENING. 

They crucified him. Matt, xxvii. 35. 

A short sentence, replete with the greatest importance to a 
world of sinners : each word in it contains matter of sorrow, 
wonder and joy. Here is a fund for meditation. Oh christian, 
time can never explore its depths. It will be the glory of eter- 
nity to sing of, wonder and adore a once crucified Jesus. Let 
us consider the agents, the work, and the subject. (1) The 
agents ' they.' Who : angels? No, they gaze and wonder at 
the cruel awful deed ; but share not in it. Devils ? No, they 
instigate to it : they shout and applaud the deed, but effect it 
not. No, the work is done by beings little lower than the angels, 
yet notdevils, but men. Men of devilish natures, cursed passions, 
and wicked hands. With these they seize the innocent victim, 
doomed to direful agonies, and an accursed death. (2) The 
work : they ' crucified. ' Oh the bloody deed ! Heaven that hour 
let fall a tear. There hangs — who? A man like us? Yes, but 
immaculate, innocent. Yea more, the Son of God. God and 
man in one Christ. The Lord of life and glory hung a spectacle 
to men and angels : nailed his innocent hands and tender feet 
to the transverse wood, to bleed, and groan, and die. Say, why ? 
Consider, (3) The subject, 'him:' Jesus Christ, the anointed 
Saviour. As God, he loved sinners from all eternity. As man 
he was born to make sinners righteous by his life, and to take 
away their sins by his death. The work is done : on the cross 
he finished it. What are the effects ? 

Seest thou, oh sinner, where hangs all our hope ? 
Touched by the cross we live. 

Ever view then, oh soul, the sovereign cure of death, the eternal 
source of life. God and man in one Christ, on the accursed 
tree, to make thee blessed and happy. Such is the love of thy 
Saviour, such is his salvation. Where is your faith ? Oh look 
and look, and look again, till your whole soul loves him. Is sin 
your grief, and pain and burden ? Oh the load of pain and grief 
which Jesus bore : the iniquities of us all. He has taken them 
all away by his one sacrifice. Remember this, and plead it be- 
fore the Lord. The faith of this brings hope to the most des- 
perate and vile : the best of saints have no other. With this 
faith and this hope thou mayest draw nigh to God, plead boldly 
before justice itself, challenge the law to lay ought to thy charge, 
face death, resist and repel Satan with thy Saviour's dying 
words, ' It is finished.' 

Thy dying- love, thy rising power 'Midst all my fears, and doubts and woes, 
My Saviour dear I'd sing : Lord, still superior rise, 

In thee I'd glory every hour, That I may tri'Wiph o'er my foes, 

Till thou to glory bring. And meet thee in the skies. M, 



AUGUST 24.J 475 [MORIS INC. 

The flesh lusteth against the Spirit. Gal. v. 17. 

Christian experience fuily proves this apostolic truth. Hence 
the children of God cannot do the things that they would ; nor 
have we any authority from God's word to conclude this lust- 
ing ever ceased in any of the saints till they got to glory ; none 
are delivered from it while in the flesh. For, as the renewed 
soul or spirit loves to enjoy spiritual and heavenly objects, so 
the flesh, or unrenewed part, lusts after those objects it is natu- 
rally conversant with, and from which it derives its happiness. 
Here is thy conflict, oh christian. Hence the necessity of thy 
Lord's command, * Watch always.' This is the use of the doc- 
trine. 

What woful effects have fulfilling the lusts or desires of the 
flesh produced in eminent saints. Thou standest by faith, be 
not high-minded, but fear. The conceptions of lust are the pro- 
ductions of sin. James i. 15. The commission of sin contracts 
fresh sense of guilt. This is the malady and sickness of the 
soul. Hence, the many symptoms attendant on guilt, legal fears, 
terrors of conscience, accusations from the law, triumphs of Sa- 
tan, dejection of soul, distance from God, backwardness to duty, 
coolness of affection to Jesus, shyness at or neglect of a throne 
of grace. 

Alas, poor souls, when they have fallen, and are sensible of 
the melancholy effects, they feel the hurt they have received. 
Verily their hearts know the bitterness of it. Awful effects of 
fresh-contracted guilt ; how much to be deplored, how carefully 
to be watched against, and prayed to be kept from. But whilst 
there is ' a fountain opened for sin and uncleanness,' whilst the 
Mediator's ' blood cleanseth from all sin, whilst the glad tidings 
of the gospel proclaim salvation by grace for the chief of sin- 
sers, there is no ground for black despair to any backsliding 
children, though they have revolted from a God of love. Here 
is all encouragement — to what? To love, to live at a distance 
from Jesus, and lie down and wallow in the mire of sin, because 
grace abounds? No godly soul can do this; for ' the Spirit 
also lusteth against the flesh ;' the Spirit renews again to re- 
pentance. Thus Luther : ( The more godly a man is, the more 
doth he feel this battle between the flesh and the Spirit.' Hereof 
cometh those lamentable complaints in the psalms and other 
scriptures. It profiteth us very much to see sometimes the wick- 
edness of our nature and corruption of the flesh, that by this 
means we may be waked and stirred up to call upon Christ. So 
a christian is made to see Jesus a wonderful Creator, who out 
of heaviness can make joy ; of terror comfort, of sin righteous- 
ness, and of death life. This is our ground and anchor-hold, 
that Christ is our only and perfect righteousness. 



AUGUST 24] 476 [EVENING. 

Is the Lord among us or not ? Exod. xvii, 7. 



A very awful question to come out of the mouth of any child 
of God. What was the cause of it? Why, the Lord tried their 
faith. That fails them ; nature murmurs, the flesh wants grati- 
fication. They are athirst, they tempt the Lord, they chide Mo- 
ses. He is in distress : he cries to the Lord, ' What shall I do 
unto this people? They be ready to stone me/ Mr. Henry 
judiciously observes here, * They do in effect suppose, that 
Moses was an impostor ; Aaron a deceiver ; the pillar of cloud 
and fire a mere sham and illusion, which had imposed on their 
senses; that long series of miracles which had saved, rescued 
and fed them, a chain of cheats ; and the promise of Canaan a 
banter upon them. It was all so, if the Lord was not among 
them. Note, it is a great provocation to God, for us to ques- 
tion his presence, providence, or promise, especially for his 
people to do it, who are so much obliged to trust him.' Well 
might Moses call this place Massah and Meribah, that is, temp- 
tation and strife. Disciple, wast thou never at Massah and Me- 
ribah? Did you never tempt your God, by forgetting his past 
dealings of love and favour to you ; passing over the sweet ex- 
periences of thy soul, in former days of light and liberty, peace 
and love, calling all in question, and ready to set all down as 
mere delusions? Hast thou not been ready to question whether 
the Lord is with thee or not? Oh if thou hast not, L know one 
who has, and with grief of soul testifies of it: with shame of face 
confesses it, and with humble prayer would cry, God be merci- 
ful to me a sinner. Oh how trying this to a God of patience ; 
how dishonouring this to a God of love ! But his patience fails 
not, his love never changes, his mercy endureth for ever. May 
this shame our unbelief. Again, wast thou never at Meribah ; 
at the waters of strife ? Hast thou not contended with the Lord's 
prophets, as though they had invited thee from the land of na- 
ture, into the wilderness, to die for thirst after the waters of 
salvation ? Hast not thou with the psalmist, said in thy haste, 
all men are liars? Psal. cxvi. 11. God has forgotten to be gra- 
cious : his promise is come to an end for ever. I shall never 
see the light of the living. I know one who can hold up his 
hand, and plead guilty. Oh let us rebuke ourselves for our un- 
belief: cry to the Lord for pardon, and to strengthen our faith. 
And instead of questioning, ' Is the Lord among us or not?' 
Let us in faith confess, The Lord of hosts is with us, the God 
of Jacob is our refuge. Psal. xlvi. 7. 

Thou art, oh Lord, my soul's relief: Thy patience Lord I oft have tried, 

Thou hast me bless'd with grace : But yet am out of hell ; 

Forgive my sins, my unbelief, Where can I find such love beside, * 

Show me thv Jov !n# face. Matchless, unsearchable ! m. 



august 25.] 477 [morning. 

And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye 
plead for Baal? Will ye save him? Judges vi. 31. 

When the Lord Jesus appears and manifests himself to the 
soul, it is so struck with his glory and grace, that it cries out in 
holy ecstasy, ' What have I to do any more with idols?' Hos. 
xiv. 8. An altar for spiritual worship is presently set up in the 
heart, and consecrated to Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord of peace. 
In this chapter is a sweet view of the zeal of Gideon for the 
true worship of Jehovah. He instantly obeyed the word of Je- 
sus, the angel of the presence, the man, the ' Peace' who ap- 
peared to him ; and at his command he threw down the altar of 
Baal. He expected opposition from his Father's household, 
and from the men of the city, therefore he did it by night. A 
blessed instance of the obedience of faith, joined to sanctified 
reason. As to the consequence after the work done, he ' con- 
ferred not with flesh and blood;' he was ' in nothing terrified 
by his adversaries.' They demanded his life; but Joash his 
lather was raised up like the fire of zeal from the Lord to argue 
with them. ' Will ye, ye men of Israel, ye professed people of 
Jehovah, will ye plead for Baal ; will ye serve an idol ? ' Be zea- 
lous, oh disciple, for thy Lord ; fear no consequences. The 
Lord is on thy side, what hast thou to fear from those who are 
against thee? Be not discouraged, though thou dost find great 
professors, children of the visible church, thy mother, yea the 
children of thy Father's grace also join in pleading by word or 
practice for Baal. This name signifies he that rules or subdues ; 
a master, lord, or husband. This may most justly be applied 
to sin in general, and every idol lust in particular. So saith 
Paul, ' His servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin 
unto death, or obedience unto righteousness.' Rom. vi. 16. Thou 
free man, thou heaven-born son of the Lord, know r thy free- 
dom, study thy liberty. Strive, by the Spirit's aid, to live up 
to thy privilege, in spite of all that professing men or opposing 
devils plead against it, above the domineering power of lusts, 
the galling yoke of sin. Thy Saviour has all power in heaven 
and earth ; plead with him, expect power from him ; thou canst 
do all things through Christ strengthening thee. Faith sur- 
mounts every difficulty^, it silences carnal reasonings and vain 
plea-dings from every quarter. While Jesus is viewed, sin is 
abhorred and holiness loved, desired, and shall be increased in 
the soul. 

Thou art my portion, oh my God ; Not all the riches of the earth 

Make me to know thy way : Could make me so rejoice. 

Oh cause my heart t' obey thy word, 

And that without delay. ' The testimonies of thy grace 

I set before my eyes; 

1 choose the path of heavenly truth, Thence I deri\e' my daily strength, 

And glory in my choice j And there my comfort lies. 



august 25.] 478 Tevening. 

I am found of them who sought me not. Isai. lxv. 1. 

Every display of the Saviour's grace, is a jewel in his media- 
torial crown. Oh what hearts have we, that we are not more 
humble before him, more thankful to him, and more joyful in him. 
Jesus, help us Gentile sinners, to look back, to look within, to 
look up, and to look forward, to excite humility, thankfulness, 
and joy of heart. (1) Look back, oh my soul. View thy nature 
state ; lying dead asleep in the arms of the wicked one, dead to 
God, under the power of sin, in love with the world, blind to the 
charms of Christ, without a single desire after him, or the least 
care for thy immortal soul. (2) Look within, dost thou find 
affection to Jesus, and desires after him ? Is it the language of 
thy heart, none but Christ. I look to none but him. I expect 
salvation from him, and him only. Whence this mighty change ? 
Say, did you first seek Christ, or Christ you ? Did your desires 
first go out after Christ, or his desires towards you ? Oh in the 
fervour of love, you must cry out, pride, thou busy foe, avaunt! 
I must, I should have gone to hell, without a single desire of 
salvation by Jesus, if he had not sought me, and made himself 
manifest to me. His grace was first in the work. Then, (3) Look 
up, give Jesus the whole and sole glory. Oh to think, when 
there was nothing in us to invite the loving Spirit down, but 
every thing to cause him to loath us, and to leave us. Yet, oh 
Aiatchless love, and sovereign grace, he shewed us Christ, drew 
us to Christ, and caused us to receive Christ Rejoice, love, 
adore and praise. Who can resist divine attraction ; who is 
proof against divine love? Who that loves, can love enough ? 
(4) Look forward, soul. Heaven is before you : Jesus stands 
realy to receive you, God the Father to embrace you, God the 
Son to glory in you, and God the Spirit to triumph over you. 
Glory shall complete what grace has begun. Study the grace 
and iove of Jesus, that is our heaven below; to praise him for 
it, will be our eternal employ above. But one thing remains, 
give God the glory of all this amazing grace. Study from day 
to day, and from hour to hour, to do it by the faith of your 
hearts, the words of your lips, and the obedience of your lives. 
No consideration whatever can beat down your native pride, 
sink into genuine humility, animate wilh holy love to all cheer- 
ful obedience, like (his, ' God commendeth his love towards us, 
in that while we were enemies, Christ died for us.' Rom. v. 8. 

Then since i have my Saviour found, The Spirit found me dead in sin, 
And tasted of his love, And led me unto Christ ; 

I'll tell poor sinners all around I felt such precious power within, 
That they it's power *nav prove. I could not him resist. m. 



AUGUST 26.] 479 [MORNING. 

Brethren, ye have been called unto liberty ; only use not 
liberty for an occasion to the flesh. Gal. v. 13. 

Peter was grieved because his Lord asked him the third time, 
1 Lovest thou me?' Sure, it ought to be matter of concern and 
grief to the loving, generous hearts of disciples, to think they 
yet need this caution of the Spirit; but verily we all do. The 
most sanctified is yet in the flesh ; and the flesh with its affec- 
tions and lusts are alive ; they are ever lusting and striving 
against the Spirit. The holy happy soul, who is set at liberty 
from sin, Satan, and the law, in his conscience, is hereby liable 
to be brought again under bondage to the law, and thraldom to 
sin. Know thy danger, dread thine enemy ; yea, rather fear 
and love thy best friend Jesus ; cry to him, Lord keep me con- 
tinually. Thou hast delivered my once captive soul from the 
power of the enemy ; thou hast brought me out of the horrible 
pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and or- 
dered my goings, and put a new song in my mouth, of praise 
to thee, my Jesus and my God. Psal. xl. 2, 3. Keep, oh keep 
me, from the deceitful workings and carnal reasonings of my 
sinful self, the flesh. What is this liberty we are called into 1 
Not a perfect freedom from the being of sin, but a perfect deli- 
verance from every curse of the law, from all the wrath of God 
denounced in the law, from the bondage of being under the law, 
to do any thing to gain God's love, recommend us to his favour, 
or entitle us to his kingdom. All this liberty we are called into 
by the faith of Jesus. He is the end or fulfiller of the law for 
righteousness to us who believe. To what a glorious liberty 
we are called ; even a freedom from all sin in the conscience ; 
so to live upon Jesus, as to consider ourselves in him, as per- 
fectly free from all sin, entirely dead to it; and our conscience 
so cleansed by his blood as to be ever easy, serene and com- 
fortable, as though we were innocent, and had never sinned. 
Oh this is heavenly liberty to new-born souls. This creates a 
paradise upon earth, and this is daily to be prized and enjoyed 
through the Spirit. Now, how base and ungrateful ever to use, 
or rather abuse, this liberty as an occasion to the flesh. But 
even the Lord's own freemen are in danger of this, through the 
vileness of their natures, the deceitfulness of their hearts, and 
the subtle devices of Satan, else the apostle had not thus ad- 
dressed the ' brethren.' The doctrines of grace, the love of Je- 
sus, and living on him by faith, lay the flesh under bondage and 
restraint. We cannot walk in the liberty of the Spirit, and yet 
fulfil the lusts of the flesh. We cannot serve God and mammon. 
Thou freeman of the Lord, canst thou barter peace with Jesus 
for the gratification of thy lusts ? Oh rather ' stand fast in the 
liberty wherewith Christ hath made thee free.' Gal. v. 1. 



AUGUST 26] 480 [evening 

i~ know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house 
appointed for all living. Job xxx. 23. 

What sweet familiarity does grace make, between God and 
believing sinners. How freely can they speak to him, upon that 
solemn event, death. In the exercise of faith, we think of it 
without terror, and speak of it with delight. Why so ? Because 
we have no sin, and are not sinners ? No : but because we know- 
Christ the friend of sinners, who has taken away all our sins, 
conquered death for us, subdued the fear of death in us, brought 
life and immortality to us, and is ever before the throne pleading 
for us. Yet we ' know' also, he will bring us to death. Oh this 
is soul-comforting knowledge. What wilt thou, my loving God, 
my precious Saviour, who bore my sins in thine own body on 
the tree, bring me to deaih? Are the issues of life and death 
in thy hand ? Cannot death approach nor assault me, till thou 
give him commission, and bring me to death ? I thank thee, my 
dear Lord for this knowledge. Then death, thou art no more the 
hideous monster, the frightful king of terrors to my soul. No : 
my dear Friend brings me to thee, that I may salute thee as an 
angel of love, and kiss thee as the messenger of peace. Fond 
parents carry their children to see fine sights, to delight them : 
they avoid horrid spectacles which would terrify them. So doth 
our heavenly Father by us. He ' brings' us to death, that wo 
may see and be delighted with the glorious victories of his be- 
loved Son. Here we behold him, a triumphant conqueror over 
sin and death, and over the devil who had the power of death. 
Our Father God * brings' us to the field of battle, and carries us 
through it. He shows us the spoils of his Son's glorious con- 
quests. There, says he, See, reap and wear the blessed trophies 
of his victorious cross. All are for you, my children. Your 
enemies are all slain, a crown of glory is won, for you eternally 
to wear. A kingdom of glory is obtained for you, where you 
shall for ever reign. No sooner are we brought to, and carried 
through the field of battle, but shouts of victory await us. Hark, 
hark to the immortal spirits above. We shall soon be brought 
to join them in eternal shouts of ' salvation to God and the 
Lamb/ Now this is the life of faith. Believing in Christ, the 
fear of death is conquered, the hope of life is enjoyed. Eternal 
life is possessed : and we cry out, Oh death, where is thy sting ? 
Oh grave, where is thy victory. We have a house not made 
with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

Why slmuld I fear when God shall say My Father gave his only Son, 

My xon, now you must die r To conquer death for me : 

111 bring thro' death to reign on high This work Christ hath for e\er done, 

With me eternally. 1 shall his glory see. .m 



AUGUST 27.] 181 [MORNING. 

/ have seen his ways, and will heal him. I will lead him 
also, and restore comforts unto him. Isai. lvii. 18. 

What a glorious declaration of free grace is this. Here is an 
absolute promise of mercy, not excited by the worthiness of the 
creature, but proceeding solely from the loving heart of a cove- 
nant God. Well might David say, ' In thy word do I trust : 1 
rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.' The life 
of the soul is supported by the word of the Lord This is the 
object of faith, the encourager of hope, and the exciter of love. 
Jesus is the essential Word by whom Jehovah speaks. The 
scriptures are revealed truths by the Spirit of God's purposes, 
promises, and grace. Behold, be astonished and humbled, oh 
soul, at thy apostasy, backslidings, and rebellion. Behold, ad- 
mire, adore, and love the infinitely gracious procedures of U e 
Father of all mercies. 

Here is the criminal arraigned at the bar : iniquity is charged 
upon him, God's displeasure at it is repeatedly declared, and 
his chastising hand smote him for it. This reclaims not. The 
Lord hides his loving face, and withdraws the light of his coun- 
tenance. What is the effect? A fro ward behaviour, still walk- 
ing in his own ways, contrary to the Lord. Might one not ex- 
pect the next words should thunder curses and damnation ? Be 
astonished, oh heavens. What readest thou, oh man ? Is it 
I have seen his ways, and will damn him ? Oh no. But though 
1 hate his ways, yet I love his soul. My snperabounding grace 
shall reign and triumph over all the aboundings of sin. I will 
heal his soul ; I will pardon him. Thou poor doubting soul, 
with thy legal frames, go and learn what that meaneth, f I will 
be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will shew mercy 
on whom I will shew mercy.' Exod. xxxiii. 19. s I will have 
mercy, and not sacrifice.' The blood of my people shall not be 
sacrificed to my vengeance, saith the Lord. Here is the glory 
of grace; this the triumph of faith. Mercy proclaimed, shows 
the munificence, of God ; but the dejected heart may still be in 
suspense. Is it for me ? Yes, if thou believest on the Son of 
God. As Jesus is thy salvation, his Spirit assures thee of thine 
interest in his love. Where the truth is received by faith, the 
comfort shall be enjoyed. When God pardons in his heart, 
he leads the pardoned sinner to the knowledge and enjoyment 
of it, and restores lost comforts to the backsliding soul. A sense 
of pardon is the essence of gospel grace and comfort; the result 
of Jesus' atonement, the gift of the gracious Spirit, and the pri- 
vilege of believing souls. It is presumption to expect what God 
has not promised. It is injurious unbelief, not to plead when 
the Lord bids us ' ask and receive.' John xvi. 24. 

Oil may thy pard'ning grace bo nigb, Thus shall our better thoughts approve 

Lest we should faint despair, and die ! The methods of thv chast'ning love. 

9 Q 



AUGUST 27.] 482 [EVENING 

Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now '* 
I will lay down my life for thy sake. John xiii. 37. 



Peter seems now in a special frame indeed : all is warmth of 
love and sunshine of joy. Ecstasies carry us out of ourselves : 
we forget what we are, where we are, what we are exposed to, 
and what may soon befal us. Like Peter on the mount, we are 
apt to speak without due consideration. We know not what 
we say : the fire of passion exceeds the bounds of solid judg- 
ment. l Why cannot I follow thee now?' Let the way be 
strewed with ever so many difficulties, let never so many dan- 
gers oppose, nothing is able to dismay or dishearten me. I have 
just now such fervent love to thee, that I could face death in 
the most frightful form, and lay down my life with the greatest 
pleasure for thy sake. Doubtless Peter now thought himself 
perfect, and free from all sin. What thinkest thou, oh soul ? Is 
Peter's language becoming him or not ? Is it not a noble and ge- 
nerous declaration ? Art thou ready to say, I wish I could boldly 
say so too. Ah, soul, whatever thou mayest think of these high 
flown expressions, our Lord soon took poor Peter down. Do not 
be discouraged at hearing professors speak great swelling words. 
I was once present, when a person said, ' This world is nothing 
to me : it is quite under my feet. I have so much love, that I care 
no more about the world, than if I was not in it.' Lord, thought 
I, what a wretch am I. Wot fit to be thy disciple. But, alas, 
in a little time, the world attracted that same person, I fear, 
from Jesus, under its power. Beware of self-confidence. Live 
low, lie low, think low. Speak low of thyself, let thy frames be 
what they may. Now hear our Lord's reply to Peter. ' Wilt 
thou lay down thy life for my sake?' I do not question thy sin- 
cerity, but I do thy strength. I pity thy vain confidence, and 
am concerned for thy self-sufficiency. Poor vain man : thou 
hast turned thine eye from my love, to thine own. Thou trustest 
in the glow of thine affections : thy confidence is in thy fine 
frames, and warm feelings, instead of my love to thee, and my 
power to uphold thee. 'Verily, verily, I say unto thee, instead 
of laying down thy life for me, the cock shall not crow, till thou 
hast denied me thrice.' What shall we say to this ? Verily 
every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Psal. xxxv. 5. 
Consider this, and ever remember the unchangeable love of 
Christ to such poor, vain, changeable creatures. Well may he 
say, ' I am the Lord, T change not; therefore ye are not con- 
sumed.' Mai. iii. 6. 

Now warm with love our souls are bold, Love follows us through all our ways, 

For Christ wc count all things but loss : Melts down and breaks our stubborn hearts ;" 

Anon, alas, our hearts grow cold, The love of Jesus ne'er decays, 

We shrink end lice from everv cross. But saves us from all hellish arts. * m I 



august 28.] 483 [morning. 

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee ; in whose 
heart are the ways of them. Psalm lxxxiv. 5. 

When hearts are united in love, there is a mutual compla- 
cency and delight in each other. Presence increaseth pleasure, 
absence begets uneasiness ; jealousy of displeasing and fear of 
offending, mutually subsist in each party. In some sense this 
holds good, between the beloved soul and the loving Lord. All 
love is from him ; and as rivers from the sea return back to the 
great ocean, so the love which comes from God naturally flows 
back in complacency and affection of soul to him. To know 
God is to love him, both for what he is in himself, and what he 
is to us in Christ Jesus. The poor sinner, who knows that he is 
in himself' without strength,' rejoiceth at his very soul to know 
the omnipotent Jesus is his strength ; that all his might and 
power to strive against sin, to resist Satan, to overcome the 
world, is from above. It is treasured up in Jesus, and out of 
his fulness he is strengthened by the power of the Spirit through 
faith. 

But is the converted heart a mere vacuum, like an empty ves- 
sel. No, truly; Jesus dwells there by faith. It is a fit habita- 
tion for the Spirit, and the love of the Father is shed abroad in 
it. { The ways of them,' even Father, Son, and Spirit dwell in 
the heart. Then the way of everlasting love and eternal election 
is delighted in, the way of free grace and complete salvation by 
Jesus is gloried in, the way of atonement by his precious blood 
the way of justification and clothing of poor sinners by his per- 
fect righteousness, are wholly trusted to and rejoiced in. The 
gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, as flowing from Jesus' 
finished work, in making the soul inwardly holy, and outwardly 
obedient to the Lord ; in comforting and rejoicing the heart by 
the testimony of Jesus, are more and more sought after ; and the 
hopes and views of glory in this sovereign, free, gracious way, 
are longed for and expected. Blessed, oh man, art thou indeed : 
blessed of thy God. Blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ 
Jesus : blessed, not for days, months, and years, but loved from 
eternity, and blessed to eternity. Thy Lord hath blessed thee, 
and he will not reverse it. Ileal godliness consists not merely 
in a system of notions in the head, but in the indwelling pre- 
sence of Jehovah in the heart. Is this thy happiness, oh sinner ? 
What love hath the great God to vile man ! He dwelt in flesh 
for us: he saith also, ' I will dwell in them, and walk in 
them.' 2 Cor. vi. 16. 

How well thy blessed truths agree, Should all the forms that men devise 

How wise and holy thy commands -• Assault my faith with treacherous art, 

Thy promises how firm they be, I'd call them vanity and lies, 

How firm our hope and comfort stands. And hind the gospel to my heart. 



AUGUST 28.] 484 [EVENING. 

Worthy is the Lamb. Rev. v. 12. 

This is the song, this the glory of angels and redeemed sin- 
ners in heaven. To know, believe in, love and follow (he Lamb, 
constitutes our heaven upon earth. Sin is our hell; but this 
Lamb of God taketh away our sin, and then heaven is in our 
souls. Oh that we should ever be ashamed of this Lamb, who 
is heaven's wonder, and heaven's glory. Is not this thought of 
being ashamed of God's Lamb, like a dagger to one's heart? 
Lamb of God, have mercy upon us ! Why is our dear Saviour 
called a Lamb ? (1) Because of his immaculate purity. He was 
holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners; without a spot 
of sin, or stain of impurity. (2) He was meek and inoffensive 
like a lamb. A lamb has no weapon of hostility, it never hurts 
any one, it cannot defend itself against assaults, it becomes an 
easy prey. All this Christ was in his life. Therefore, (3) Like 
a lamb he was taken and slain. He was the very paschal Lamb, 
to take away our sin, by his blood. (4) A slain lamb is preci- 
ous for food, and useful for clothing. So is Jesus : his flesh is 
meat, indeed, his blood is drink indeed. His righteousness is 
the clothing of our souls. We live by feeding on his flesh and 
blood. We are justified in his righteousness ; our sins are 
washed away in his precious blood. Our souls are perfect be- 
fore God, in his glorious righteousness. Can you say from your 
inmost soul, ' Worthy is the Lamb?' Then you have got the 
grace of heaven in your hearts. Proclaim it aloud, as they do 
in glory, with your lips; and show it forth in your life. Study 
to walk worthy of the Lamb. Look at your sins, and humble 
yourself before the Lamb. Honour him by believing, that he 
has atoned for them, and taken them all away from before God, 
by his blood. Look at yourself as a sinner, whose nature is 
black as hell, and deformed as a devil Glorify the Lamb, for 
redeeming you to God by his blood ; presenting you before God 
in his righteousness, and making you one with God, by his grace. 
Look constantly on thyself as a saved sinner, by the Lamb. 
Have nothing to do with any other name under heaven, for sal- 
vation from sin, death and hell. Of all the faith of your heart, 
the love of your soul, and glory of your life, ' Worthy is the 
Lamb.' And oh, let it be the daily joy and rejoicing of your 
spirit, that you, a vile sinner, shall soon join the redeemed around 
his frirotte, incessantly and eternally to shout his praise, who 
hath washed us from our sins in his own blood. 

Oh for a heart (o love and praise More of thy comforts sbed abroad, 
The Lamb who died for sin, Oil God the Holy Ghost : 

Who loves and keeps us all our days, That we may love our dying Lord, 
And sanctifies within And crucifv each lust. m. 



AUGUST ^9.] 485 [MORNING 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 
xxiii. 1. 



All comfort is derived to the soul from the knowledge of what 
Jehovah is to us. This we know by the word of truth, and en- 
joy in the sweet exercise of faith. ' I am the good Shepherd,' 
saith Jesus. John x. 11. Thou art my Shepherd, says the be- 
lieving soul. Thus, whatever office or character Jesus sustains, 
it is the glory of faith not only to view the Lord as such, but to 
draw sweet peace and comfort from it to ones own heart : that 
thou art to me. David knew the duty of a shepherd by experi- 
ence : how watchful to preserve from danger, and how careful 
to guide and feed the sheep committed to his trust. But herein 
is the peculiar love of the shepherd of our souls : l he gave his 
life for his sheep.' And after such Jove manifested to them, 
shall they want either his power to protect, or his grace to sup- 
ply their need ? No; that is impossible. 

But a sheep is a silly weak creature ; it often bleats and 
makes a noise when it wants nothing ; so do we. Though it 
knows its shepherd, and hears his voice, still it is naturally 
prone to wander from rich and green pastures ; to break out of 
the fold, and, if left to itself, would leap into the very jaws of 
its enemy. So foolish are we also. Hence arises our distress ; 
for when we look to what we are in ourselves, and lose sight of 
the love and care of our dear shepherd, we cast our eyes around 
us, and call in this distressing thought, and the other distract- 
ing care. Hence we often send forth the bleatings of unbelief, 
and cry out, We shall certainly perish for want of supply and 
assistance. But where is the Lord our shepherd ? Alas, we 
forget his dying love, his covenant engagements, his watchful 
care : we listen not enough to the sweet voice of our shepherd, 
but to the enemy, who speaks terror ; and our poor hearts are 
affrighted and tremble. But in opposition to all that sin, Satan, 
and the law can say or do against us, The voice of the Lord is. a. 
mighty voice : the voice of the Lord hath the pre- eminence. And 
Jesus our shepherd saith, I ' give unto my sheep,' what ? Grace, 
upon condition that they will continue to be my sheep, hear my 
voice, and follow me ? Infinitely more ; security stronger than 
the mountains, comfort more unfathomable than the great deep. 
' I know my sheep ;' my Father gave them unto me : I lay down 
ray life for them. Shall the enemy rob me of one of my pur- 
chased ones, or my dear Father of one of the objects of his love ? 
No : they shall never want my Spirit to keep, to quicken, 
to comfort, and enable them to persevere till they receive the 
end of their faith, the salvation of their souls. * I gj V e unto 
them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any 
pluck them out of my hands.' John x. 28. 



AUGUST 29.] 486 [EVENING. 

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmi- 
ties, that the "power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 
xii. 9. 



Though Paul is not now in the third heavens, yet he is not 
content to speak any language below the superlative degree ; 
' most gladly.' Oh, says he, I have had the richest experience 
of my own weakness and impotence, that ever I had in my life. 
I should be most glad, every day, to be thus emptied and laid 
low at the feet of Christ, that the allsufficiency of his grace, and 
the power of his strength, might be made perfect in me. What 
does he mean by, ' infirmities V All that weakness, feebleness 
and inability, which he found in his nature, to withstand sin 
and Satan, to bear up under his crosses, trials and distresses, 
to run the way of God's commandments, and to fight the good 
fight of faith. 1 will rather ' glory' in these. What means he ? 
I will glory, rejoice and be glad, that self is laid low, my proud 
nature debased, my self-exalting views brought down, and that 
I may be entirely emptied of all self-sufficiency. I will 'rather' 
glory in this, than in any thing else. Why so ? ' That the power 
of Christ may rest upon me.' When full of the pride of nature, 
and self-sufficiency, the soul sees not the need of Christ's grace. 
A. full stomach loaths the honeycomb. When strong in nature's 
power, the strength of Christ is not sought after. But when Sa- 
tan buffets, when infirmities prevail, nature fails and sinks, hope 
and help from self forsake us, (hen the Saviour is sought to. 
The soul goes right humbly to the Lord. The sinner's extremity, 
is the Lord's opportunity. When Peter begins to sink, self-con- 
fidence forsakes him, and he cries, Lord save or I perish. Then 
Christ exerts his power and saves him. When Satan thinks to 
buffet Paul out of his faith and hope in the Lord, he only buffets 
him out of his self- ex al tings and self-confidence. He drives 
him to the throne of grace ; he besought the Lord again and 
again. The Lord delivers not, but only tells him, my grace is 
sufficient for thee. Paul felt the power of Christ resting upon 
him. Learn hence, oh soul, not to be distressed at thy infirmi- 
ties, a sense of thy weakness and emptiness : glory in them, that 
Christ may be glorified by thee, in causing his power to rest 
upon thee : for mind that precious word of his, and let thy weak 
and infirm spirit hang upon it from day to day. ' He giveth 
power to the faint : and to them who have no might he increas- 
fith strength.' 

Tlio' weak to stand, and prone to fali, When weak and faint we find our heart, 

Yet we alas, are full of pride : Still will we glory in thy power • 

Oh Saviour dearon thee wecall, Thy strengthening prrace shall ne'er depart, 

Humble and keep us near thy side. From thine in their distressing hour. ju 



AUGUST 30.] 487 [morning. 

Blessed are the poor in' spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of 
heaven. Matt. v. 3. 



In the day of the Spirit's power e the lofty looks of man are 
humbled, the haughtiness of man is bowed down, and the Lord 
alone is exalted in that day.' Isai. ii. 11. Then a man's own 
righteousness wherein he trusted, is seen as filthy rags ; his 
strength he boasted of, is found to be perfect weakness ; his 
heart, in which he gloried as good, is found to be deceitful and 
desperately wicked. Then he becomes in his own eyes a ' poor 
sinner.' He knows his poverty; he feels his wretchedness. Thus, 
when Jesus alone is exalted in his sight, he becomes little, vile, 
and mean in his own eyes ; then he is poor in spirit, a mere 
beggar, who must be wholly indebted to free-grace bounty and 
free-gift mercy. Though he sees his state to be guilty, wretched, 
and desperate, yet he is blessed. Why so? Merely because he 
sees and knows himself to be wretched, poor, miserable, blind, 
and naked ? Alas, this knowledge, like Job's friends, would 
prove but a miserable comforter to his soul. He can no more 
trust in his known poverty and rags to entitle him to the king- 
dom, than in his fancied robes and riches. But such are 
blessed or happy, because the grace of the kingdom is in their 
hearts now, *' and theirs is the kingdom of heaven in glory/ 
Most joyful consideration. They are chosen to it by the love 
of the Father ; they are blessed in Christ Jesus with all spiritual 
blessings ; and as an evidence of this, the Holy Spirit bestows 
on them ' wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus. 
He enlightens the eyes of their understanding ; then they know 
what is the hope of their calling, and what is the riches of the 
glory of his inheritance in the saints.' Ephes. i. 17, 18. How 
unspeakably blessed, how immensely rich are the poor in spi- 
rit. Having nothing in themselves, yet possessing all things in 
Christ Jesus.' 

It is usual, in worldly commerce, where a person's credit is 
not established, to value himself upon the credit of some rich 
person : so he gains credit and repute. Thus the poor sinner 
values himself upon the riches of Jesus Christ, for all esteem 
and acceptance in the sight of God ; and herein we have confi- 
dence for all things. W ho is our wisdom? Jesus. Who is our 
righteousness? Jesus. Who is our sancfification? Jesus. Who 
is our redemption ? Jesus. He is our glory, our crown, our 
hope, and our daily rejoicing. Here, oh soul, is thy precious 
inventory. Read it, and rejoice at thy riches. ' All things are 
yours :' ministers, the world, life, death, things present, things 
to come, all are yours. Why, because you are faithful to grace, 
and have fulfilled terms and conditions to gain or secure the fa- 
vour of God? No : infinitely higher cause ; ' Ye are Christ's, 
and Christ is God's.' 1 Cor. iii. 23. 



AUGUST 30. J 488 [EVENING. 

I said in my haste, all men are liars. Psalm cxvi. ] 1. 

We are prone to be too hasty in our censures of others, while 
the greatest fault lies at our own door. David here br.-.nds all 
men with being liars, when he himself was the greatest -liar of 
all, if we take the words in this sense. Here, he even charges 
Samuel the prophet, of the Lord with a lie : for he had anointed 
him to be king, and assured him of the kingdom. But he spoke 
in haste, without due thought and deliberation ; unadvisedly, 
under temptation, when he was off his guard, and fled from the 
rage of Saul. Though some think, David rather speaks the bold 
language of confident faith. 1 said in my ' flight/ that notwith- 
standing all the fury of Saul, and all the suggestions of my ene- 
mies to the contrary, e Let God be true, and every man a liar ' 
Rom. iii. 4. The Lord will surely preserve me. I shall cer- 
tainly be king. David was the subject, both of faith and unbe- 
lief; of a hasty spirit, which exalteth folly, as well as of a meek 
spirit, which in the eyes of the Lord is of great price. Times of 
temptation, sometimes draw from the lips hasty speeches, which 
wound the heart, and cause it to mourn. Oh believer, though 
thou hast cause to be ashamed of thy unbelief and hasty folly, 
yet be not ashamed to confess it. To commit a fault, and strive 
to extenuate it, proceeds from pride and unbelief. Settle it well 
in thine heart, what thy present state is. Consider daily the 
number and force of thine enemies : their name is legion, for 
they are many. Never forget the total sinfulness of thy own 
nature: all this will make thee humble, and watchful over thy- 
self. Know and remember also, the love and faithfulness of thy 
God and Saviour. He who has redeemed thee to God by his 
own blood, will save thee from thy sinful self, and from the power 
of all thine enemies. Say of all who dare contradict this, they 
are liars. Though w T eak in thyself, be strong in thy Lord. Though 
sinful in thyself, rejoice that thou art righteous in him. Let the 
faith of this inspire thy heart with boldness before the throne of 
God. There go constantly as a poor, helpless, needy sinner, 
viewing thyself perfectly righteous in Christ, and perfectly ac- 
cepted of God in his beloved Son. Give God the glory of his 
truth : pronounce all liars who dare oppose it. Give no credit 
to the suggestions of thy own mind, contrary to the full and free 
declarations of thy Lord's love and grace. Remember the con- 
victions of sin by the Spirit of truth, are to bring thee to comfort 
in Christ. The accusations for sin, by the lying spirit, are to 
distress thy heart and drive thee from Christ, who is The Truth. 
John xiv. 

Forgive, my Lord, each liaslv word, I foolish am, and self abhorred, 

Against thy truth and grace, Oh show thy smiling face. m. 



AUGUST 31. 489 [morning 

Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, 
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 
vi. 11. 



There is a death in sin, which we are all naturally under. 
There is a death lor sin ; this our dear Saviour (we can never 
think of it too much, nor mention it too often) suffered for on 
the tree. And there is a death unto sin, which every believing 
member of Jesus partakes of, by virtue of union to him. For 
when Jesus died for sin on the cross, all his members were mys- 
tically considered in him, and dying in him, as their covenant 
head and representative, unto sin. And by communion with 
Jesus, the same Spirit which raised up Jesus the head, dwells 
in the mortal bodies of his believing members, quickening them 
to newness of life. From hence the apostle would have such 
reckon, infer, or conclude themselves ' to be dead indeed unto 
sin. ' And on the same account, and for the same reason, ' alive 
unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Now, believer, how dost thou reckon, reason, and conclude 
of thy spiritual estate? Because thou dost not find all sin dead 
in thee, but feelest the motions of sin stirring and raging for 
the mastery over thee, dost thou from hence judge of thy state, 
and conclude thou hast not the faith of God's elect? Alas, this 
will distress thy soul, weaken the confidence of faith, administ- 
er life and vigour to thy sins and lusts, and bring death upon 
thy spiritual life of comfort, love, and holiness. The word of 
God is the only rule of our faith; by that we are to determine 
our state. Though sin be alive in thee, yet thou art to reckon 
thyself dead to that, so as to have nothing to do with it. 
Though thou groanest under ' a body of death, ' yet thou art to 
conclude thyself ' alive unto God through Jesus Christ.' 
Reckon thyself dead to that sin of sins, unbelief. This is the 
life of all other sins : be deaf to its reasonings, dead to its pleas. 
It both dishonours thy Lord, and robs thy soul of its comfort. 

Here is the mystery of faith, which is to be held in a pure 
conscience. Here is a freedom from sin, of access to God with 
boldness. Here is the victory of saints, the triumph of truth 
against all our enemies. This is the death of sin, and the life 
of holiness. Hence, through the Spirit of truth, springs our 
daily comfort, continued growth in grace, in the knowledge of 
Jesus, and in personal holiness of life and conversation. 

Do we not know that solemn word, So from ihe grave did Clirist arise ; 

Tbat vve are buried with the Lord, And lives to God above the skies. 
Baptized into his death, and then 

Tat off the body of out sin ? No more let sin and Satan reign 

Over our mortal flesh again ; 

Our souls receiv e diviner breath, The various lusts we served before. 

Raised from corruotion guilt, and death : Shall have dominion now noraoie. 

3 R 



\UGU3T 31.] 490 L eveni nc. 

These are the words I spake unto you, while I was yet 
with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written 
in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms 
Luke xxiv. 44. 



Christ's work was to fulfil all scripture. It is ours to believe, 
that the scriptures are all fulfilled in Christ. Hence we are fil- 
led with all joy and peace in believing. Rom. xv. 13. We 
complain of the weakness of faith, and neglect the means by 
which it is strengthened. Faith comes by hearing the word of 
God : by it faith is strengthened. That which comes not from 
the word, and is not supported by the word, is not faith, but 
phantom. It will soon evaporate. Our Saviour was now risen, 
his work was finished. He appeals to the understanding of his 
disciples. He refers them to what he had spoken to them, be- 
fore he died for them. Understanding the word in the heart, is 
like the stomach receiving and digesting food for the whole 
body. All parts of it are nourished from it : oh let the word of 
Christ dwell richly in you. Treasure it up in your memories, 
exercise your understanding upon it, digest it in your heart: 
so you will surely be nourished, edified and comforted by it. 
Your faith will grow exceedingly. In what ? Why in what 
Christ hath fulfilled for you. Are you ready to say, how do I 
know that he hath fulfilled all things forme? This is stumbling 
at the threshold, instead of entering in at the door. This is 
questioning, instead of believing. Our Lord gives one general 
answer to this. ' According to your faith, be it unto you/ 
Matt. ix. 29< Believe Christ's words, believe his work : so 
shall you enjoy the comforts of his love and salvation, and be 
animated to obey his will. See, (1) Oh christian, you have not 
followed a cunningly devised fable. Your faith in Christ is 
agreeable to what is written in the law, in the prophets, and in 
the psalms concerning him. (2) Hence rejoice. Is the law ful- 
filled for you by Christ? Then are you righteous in the sight of 
God, even as Christ is righteous. Study the purity and perfec- 
tion of the law of God: fall down in humility, as a condemned 
sinner by it. Glory in Jesus as your law-filler, in whom you 
have everlasting righteousness. (3) Study the prophets and 
the psalms : you will always find somewhat concerning Jesus in 
them. Know, all that concerns him is your highest concern 
upon earth. The more knowledge you get of him, and the more 
faith in him, so much the more will you iGve him, and answer 
the end of your new creation in him, even to glorify him in your 
holy life and obedient walk. ' This is the will of God in Christ 
Jesus concerning you.' 1 Thess. v. 18. 



SEPTEMBER 1.] 491 [MORNING. 

For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God 
by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we shall 
be saved by his life. Rom. v. 10. 

Near twenty years ago, upon hearing a certain preacher ve- 
hemently assert, ' that souls might be justified by faith in Jesus, 
and yet afterwards burn in hell,' my soul was brought into 
great darkness, perplexity, and distress. Glory to my dear 
Lord, by this very text he again restored light, peace and joy, 
to my soul, and clearly taught and comfortably established me 
in the scriptural doctrine of the certain perseverance of all 
God's saints to eternal glory. I record this to the praise of our 
dear Lord, and to the comfort of his people. 

* If when we were enemies :' to whom ? Our worst foe, Satan? 
No: but to our best friend, God ; the God of our salvation ; to 
Jesus our God and Saviour ; to God the Spirit our Sanctifier; 
to the gospel of his grace, and the word of our salvation. Oh 
what a precious word is this : ' reconciled to God/ God in 
Christ was reconciled to us. Oh what love and grace ever 
dwelt in his heart to us, enemies, traitors, and rebels against 
him: this he manifested in reconciling us to himself. How? 
' By the death of his Son/ Oh my fellow sinners, at every 
step let higher wonder rise in your hearts and mine. The 
cross of Jesus, what hath it done for us. Jesus dying on the 
cross: Oh what hath it effected in us. Here we view, believe, 
and know the love that God hath to us. This belief slays the 
enmity of our rebellious hearts, bows our stubborn wills, and 
attracts our alienated affections. We throw down our arms, 
embrace our reconciled God, desire for ever to cease all hosti- 
lity against him. ' Much more being reconciled' to God's pur- 
poses, providence, and grace ; his way of salvation by his Son 
Jesus, submitting to his righteousness for justification, to his 
sceptre to be governed, to his Spirit to be led, and to his gos- 
pel to be saved and ruled. What then ? Being thus reconci- 
led, may we not be cast off at last, and burn in hell for ever? 
Yes, if Jesus can die, perish, and be annihilated ; but not 
otherwise. For, ' how much more shall we be saved by his 
life.!' By faith we receive the atonement of his death: this is 
the life of our souls. By his life of intercession for us, we are 
as safe and as sure of glory as though we were already seated 
in the heavenly mansions : unless Christ shed his blood in vain, 
God reconciles us to himself in vain: our faith is vain, the 
work of God's Spirit is in vain, and all the promises of God are 
in vain, and of no effect. But all this is utterly impossible. 
God's purpose according to election shall stand, not of works, 
but of him who calleth. Rom. ix. 11 



SEPTEMBER l.j 4\)2 [EVENING. 

Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all 
things. 1 John. ii. 20. 



A christian may safely indulge this covetous wish, to have 
his head filled with the knowledge, and his heart with the love 
L)f Christ. What is knowledge without love? The very devil 
could say of Christ, ' I know thee who thou art, the holy one of 
God.' They have a more distinct knowledge of Christ, believe 
more of him, and have just as much love to him as Arians, So- 
cinians, and other infidels, who deny his eternal power and god- 
head, and his self-existent deity. The devils declare, ' what 
have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth V Infidelity 
in men causes them to give our Saviour no higher name than 
this, and to allow him to be no more than a prophet, mighty in 
word and deed. But they will have nothing to do with him as 
the eternal Son of God, atoning sin by his precious blood, jus- 
tifying sinners by his perfect righteousness, and finishing sal- 
vation for them by his life and death. This is from the teach- 
ing of the holy Spirit, agreeable to the word of truth. All who 
receive the truth in love are christians, or anointed ones of God. 
(1) They have an unction. The Son of God was anointed, as 
well as chosen to his office and work, as our Saviour ; the holy 
child Jesus, whom God anointed. Acts iv. 27. So all w r ho 
are chosen to salvation, are also anointed of God. 2 Cor. i. 21. 
They, as members of Christ, partake in a measure of the gifts 
and graces of the Spirit, which their Lord and head received 
without measure. John iii. 34. (2) This is from 'the holy 
one.' This is one of our dear Saviour's names : he is often cal- 
led by it. None but God is holy : But Christ is the Holy One, 
therefore he is God. Remember, you are a disciple of a holy 
Saviour, therefore be holy in your walk. This unction is from 
the Holy One, received out of the fulness of Jesus. We cannot 
have any of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, but in and by, 
and from the holy Lamb of God. The love of the Father cen- 
tres in him, and flows from him to us. The graces of the Spi- 
rit are without measure all treasured up in him, and flow from 
him to us. We receive all grace out of the fulness of Christ. 
Let us keep the eye of our faith, and the hope of our souls 
steadily fixed upon our Holy One, even Jesus. Let us glorify 
him, and praise the dear Spirit for this unction. This teacheth 
us, (-3) To 'know all things.' Oh then, saith a poor soul, I 
have not this unction. I am weak and ignorant. I know no- 
thing. No ! Do you not know that you are a poor lost, hope- 
less, helpless sinner; that God is in Christ, reconciling the 
world unto himself: that Jesus has finished salvation, and that 
the Father is well pleased in and with him ? Dost thou know 
and believe this in thine heart? Why, 'this is life eternal, to 
know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom lie hath sent.' 
John xvii. 



SEPTEMBER 2.] 493 [ M0RN1NC 

He shall glorify me. John xvi. 14. 

The gospel of Jesus is suited to our indigent state and dis- 
tressed circumstances ; but we are averse to receive the truth in 
the love of it, because of our loftines of spirit and pride of heart. 
A system that tends to exalt and glorify us in our own eyes, 
and in the sight of others, we are naturally very fond of. This 
notion sticks close to us, and we do not easily part with it. To 
imagine ourselves possessed of some inherent good dispositions 
and amiable tempers, which put us upon more respectable 
terms in the sight of God, and gains his favour ; this we are 
apt to mistake for the work of the Spirit upon the heart. But 
as this notion leads from the faith and hope of the gospel, op- 
poses the glory of Jesus, lays another foundation than that 
which God hath laid, and tends to plume the creature with 
pride and vanity, we are taught to reject it as a spirit of anti- 
christ and delusion. This God severely reproves his church of 
old for: ' Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst 
the harlot, because of thy renown.' Ezek. xvi. 14. But the 
blessed Spirit, who effects the marriage union between the 
Lamb and his bride, doth nothing upon the heart that it should 
trust in, so as to attract the affections from Jesus, or produce 
incontinency of behaviour to our rightful Lord. No : ' the 
Spirit shall glorify, not himself as the agent, not yourselves as 
the subject of his operations; but he shall glorify me,' saith 
Jesus, in your sight, heart, and affections. He shall bear wit- 
ness to my person and offices of the relation I stand in to you ; 
that justification is solely by my righteousness, atonement for 
your sins by my own sacrifice, and the pardon of them by my 
blood : that I am your priest, ever before the throne, represent- 
ing your persons, and pleading your cause. So shall you find 
peace in me, live daily upon me, and rejoice only in me. 

Thus by this work of the Spirit, Christ alone is exalted and 
glorified ; our hearts comforted in truth, and sanctified in love, 
to the honour and service of our heavenly King. Thus, to them 
that believe, Jesus is precious ; because we see the Father's 
love centre in him, and diffusing itself through his pierced 
heart to ours, by the Holy Ghost given to us. Hence we be- 
come alive in our spirits and affections to God, and dead to 
self-seeking, self-righteous, self-glorying views. We die daily 
to carnal lusts and corrupt affections, which we know tend to 
dishonour our dear Lord, are contrary to his will, degrade our 
souls, and rob us of sweet heart-felt communion with him. 
The more Jesus is thus glorified, and we abide in him, so much 
the more are we enabled to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit to 
the praise and glory of him. ' As many as are led by the Spi- 
rit of God, they are the sons of God. ' Rom. viii. 14. 



SEPTEMBER 2.] 494 [EVENING. 

The great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come, 
who were ready to perish. Isai. xxvii. 13. 

One trumpet has been blown, at the giving of the law on 
mount Sinai. The voice of it sounded long, and waxed louder 
and louder. It made even Moses to fear and quake exceeding- 
ly, and all the people tremble. Soon, very soon, who knows 
but it may be the next moment, in the twinkling of an eye \ The 
last trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised. 1 Cor. 
xv. 52. Tremendous voice, most solemn sound ! The pro- 
phet asks, ' Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the peo- 
ple not be afraid?' Amos iii. 6. If the alarm of war, and the 
approach of an enemy be sounded in the dead of night, what 
fear and terror would seize us ? Must we hear the sound of the 
last trumpet, calling us to judgment? Blessed, eternally bless- 
ed be our God, for the blowing of this 'great trumpet :' it is 
the sound of great love : it proclaims a great salvation — to 
whom? Even to great sinners : such as see their sins so great 
that they are 'ready to perish.' The sound of this great trum- 
pet expels the legal fears of the first, and the awful terrors 
which arise in our minds, by the sound of the last trumpet ; for 
it proclaims, that ' the great God is our Saviour, Jesus Christ.' 
Tit. ii. 13. Our Judge is our Advocate, our Saviour, and 
Friend. Do we see ourselves ready to perish, without hope 
and help, in and from ourselves? Are the curses of a broken 
law upon us, and is the glittering sword of justice brandished 
over us? The great trumpet sounds, 'come/ come to Christ, 
ye sinners, who are ready to perish, and must perish if ye do 
not come. Saith Jesus, ' all that the Father giveth me shall 
come unto me. ' John vi. 37. Therefore this great trumpet of 
gospel salvation shall not be blown in vain. Those who never 
saw themselves ready to perish, can hear neither music nor 
charms in its sound : it is foolishness to them. But to sensi- 
ble perishing sinners, it is a joyful sound to their ears: it pro- 
claims victory over sin, the law, Satan, death and hell, through 
Jesus who loved us, and gave himself for us. Nor less doth it 
proclaim holiness than happiness. For it calls us to war with 
our sins, to peace with God, and to walk in sweet fellowship 
with God the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John i. 3. 
This great, gospel trumpet, like those of old, is all of a piece. 
Num. x. 2. It does not give an uncertain sound : but it pro- 
claims a free, full and finished salvation by Christ, to the glory 
of God, Yea, and Amen. 

The gospel like a trumpet shrill Tho' in a lost and fearful stale, 

Doth pierce us to the heart. We to the iSaviour come, 

Awakes our souls, subdues our will He never says, it is too late, > 

From all our sins to part. We in his heart find room, m. 



SEPTEMBER 3.] 495 [MORNING. 

Who maketh thee to differ from another? 1 Cor. iv. 7. 

Perhaps few will reply, in the very words of a haughty armi- 
nian, ' I of myself, made myself to differ ; since I could resist 
God and divine pre-determination, but have not. Why then 
may I not glory in myself?' Yet such is the language of all 
our proud hearts by nature, we are so fond of vainglory. Awful 
declaration of our Lord's : ' Every idle word that men shall 
speak, they shall give an account of in the day of judgment.' 
Who then can be saved ? I humbly conceive these idle words 
imply proud, self-righteous, self-sufficient words, malicious y 
spoken, in contempt of the sovereign distinguishing grace of 
God, free justification by the righteousness of Jesus, and full 
salvation by his finished work only. So Mai. iii. 13. ' Your 
words have been stout against me, saith the Lord.' The whole 
of that in Matt. xii. seems to prove this sense, and the con- 
text confirms it. 'By thy words thou shalt be justified:' by 
the confession of thy mouth, arising from the belief of thy heart 
of salvation by grace, through the Son of God, thou shalt be 
justified : ' and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.' Thy 
words betray the pride and unbelief of thy heart, in not submit- 
ting to the sovereignty of Gods grace and free salvation by his 
beloved Son : for this thou shalt be condemned. By line upon 
line, and precept upon precept the Holy Ghost testifies of, 
exalts and glorifies the Lord Jesus, as all our salvation, and 
beats down all self-confidence, and all self-glorying. 

Yet we dare not deny what the Holy Spirit hath done in our 
hearts. By this we differ from others, and are distinguished 
from our former selves, when in our natural state of pride. But 
this is all of the sovereign grace of God. Hence we are made 
to differ as to our Speech W^e dare not speak of ourselves 
but as poor sinners, who never have, nor never could do any 
thing to make ourselves differ in state or in practice. We are 
made to differ in judgment. We no longer set oar dear Savi- 
our at nought, or so lightly esteem the love of God as to think 
we can gain an interest in Jesus, and procure a title to God's 
favour by our own works. But we firmly believe ' God hath 
made us accepted in the Beloved, to the praise of the glory of 
his grace.' Ephes. i. 6. Hence our Affections are turned to 
God in Christ by the power of the Spirit. Jesus is the delight 
of our souls and the glory of our hearts. He is to us the chief- 
est among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. His love, per- 
son, offices and work, so enamour our souls and endear him to 
our hearts, that we are continually longing to know him more. 
Also our Practice is hereby influenced to hate and forsake the 
trifling conversation, the vain amusements, and sinful vanities 
of a wicked world. ' For our fellowship is with the Father, 
and his Son Jesus Christ.' 1 John i. 3. 



SEPTEMBER 3.] 496 [EVENING. 

Joseph sought where to weep. Gen. xliii. 30. 

To weep ! What, when he saw his beloved brother Benjamin, 
and heard that his affectionate aged father was alive and well ? 
Yes, the sight of the one, and the news of the other, created such 
an ecstacy of joy in his heart, as was too great to bear. " He 
sought where to vent it by tears. Oh had one followed good .Jo- 
seph to his chamber, and heard what passed there between God 
and his soul ! Methinks I see the dear man fall prostrate, cry- 
ing out in a flood of grateful, joyful tears, Oh what a God do I 
serve. What amazing scenes of his providence have opened to 
my view. How has the Lord appeared graciously in my behalf! 
How 7 strangely has he exalted me in life : and now to crown all, 
and to complete my happiness, I see my beloved brother, and 
hear of the welfare of my honoured father. Doubtless he wept, 
he prayed, he praised, he rejoiced, he loved, he adored his God, 
his kind preserver, his bountiful benefactor, his dear Saviour. — 
Methinks, one cannot meditate on Joseph's conduct, without 
calling to mind some sweet weeping seasons of spiritual joy, 
with which our souls have been favoured. When, in some 
highly-favoured moments, the blessed Spirit has brought some 
joyful tidings of, and some love tokens from, our once crucified, 
but ever living Brother in the flesh, Jesus; oh then, what joy 
has sprung up in our souls. Too big for utterance. When he 
has assured us of his love to us; that we shallsoon see him as 
he is, be with him where he is, and eternally enjoy him, and his 
Father, and our Father in glory: oh the rapture of this faith. 
Then we are ready to fly from the world and all its concerns, 
and even our brethren in Christ too. We seek to be alone to 
pour out our souls : to give vent to our joy, in a flood of joyful, 
loving, grateful tears. Then, like the disciples on the mount, 
we cry out, it is good to be here. This is sweet. Methinks, my 
soul is drowned in tears of love. Now are we not ready to wish, 
oh that it were always thus with me. But neither Joseph, you 
nor I, could live under such melting frames — such ecstacy, and 
in such rapture. The body could not support them: my weak 
body could not. Neither are they always good for the soul to 
be in. If so, we should be always favoured with them. This 
we are fully assured of: for ' no good thing will the Lord with- 
hold from them who walk uprightly.' Psal. lxxxiv. 11. But 
these God withholds. You never read of one saint in the bible, 
always in an ecstasy of joy. He who freely gave us his Son, 
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Rom. 
viii. 32. 

Dear Saviour, when we feel thy love, We long to he with thee above, 

Our hearts oft weep for joy : Where passions never cloy. m, 



SEPTEMBER 4.] 497 [MORNING. 

All the promises of God in him are yea, and in him, Amen, 
unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor. i. 20. 

Through the workings of our carnal frames, it is natural to us 
all to seek comfort from legal work, instead of gospel promises. 
When a poor sinner is taught by man to believe, that unless he 
performs the condition, he cannot receive the blessing of the 
promise : from this mistaken notion he labours and toils for a 
season, but finding himself unable to reduce the doctrine to 
practice, he sits down in dejection, and gives up all hope of 
mercy in this way. This will always be the case where since- 
rity is not suffered to give way to self-deceit. But when the Sun 
of righteousness ariseth with glory on the soul, these mists of 
ignorance flee away. When the free-love of the everlasting cove- 
nant is made manifest to a sinner's heart, by the Spirit, he cries 
out in wonder and ecstacy, ' This is all my salvation and all my 
desire.' When, by faith, he beholds Jesus the surety of the 
covenant, sees all the promises of life and salvation centre in 
him, Jesus becomes the hope of his soul, and the promise is the 
joy of his heart. 

Blessed be God for a precious Christ, precious promises, and 
precious faith. What could our God do more? What could 
he give more to his people than what he hath graciously done 
for them, and freely given to (hem ? Disciple, wherefore dost 
thou doubt? Why art thou reading a gloomy lecture over thy 
fallen state ? Why sitting with folded hands and dejected looks, 
because thou feelest the corrupt workings of thy sinful flesh ? 
What have thy legal thoughts brought forth but that black mon- 
ster, Unbelief? This dares to gainsay the truths of God, deny 
his promises, set the Saviour at nought, and rob him of his 
glory. What, because thou canst not find nor feel any thing in 
thyself to deserve God's love, or for which he should make one 
promise of mercy, wilt thou therefore conclude against the great- 
ness of his love and the freeness of his promises? Yea, but it 
is for that very reason, because thou hast nothing in thyself but 
sin and misery, thy God will have all the glory of his own grace 
in saving thy soul, according to his promise in Christ Jesus. 
The Lamb who spilt his blood for sin, who hath righteousness 
for the naked, and a tongue to plead the cause of the destitute, 
has all the promises in his hands, to bestow the blessing of tliem 
on his needy members. Therefore out of his fulness we receive, 
and grace for grace. So the Holy Spirit giveth us to believe 
and come to the inexhaustible fulness of Jesus for our every 
supply. Here we may fix our faith, and in the assurance of 
truth be confident we shall want nothing. For this very end is 
connected with our comfort, ' the glory of God.' Therefore every 
promise of grace here and glory hereafter are sure : ' Yea and 
Amen,"' so be it : according to God's purpose and grace in Christ 
Jesus. 2 Tim. i. 9. 

3 s 



SEPTEMBER 4.] 498 [EVENING. 

Blessed is the man who doth this, and the son of man who 
layeth hold on this. Isaiah lvi. 2. 

Many poor blind sinners we meet with, who are saying, Bo 
not puzzle me with your points of doctrine. This is my religion, 
' I do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God.' There 
is scarce a text in the whole bible so much punned upon, and 
hackneyed by ignorant men, to keep up their vain hopes and 
self-righteous confidence, as this of Micah vi. 8. As a striking 
instance of their walking humbly with God, they reject the glo- 
rious gospel of his grace, set at nought the atonement and righ- 
teousness of his Son, ridicule the inspiration of his Spirit 
and walk in the pride of their hearts, fulfilling the lusts of 
their flesh. They are cursed by the mouth of the Lord : but 
here is the only blessed man described by him. (1) In his doing. 
What? - Justice.' He has a sincere regard to every thing which 
is moral, just and good. Without this, know ye professors of 
faith, your religion is vain. Ye are not the blessed of the Lord, 
• Faith without works is dead.' James ii. 26. (2) f He keeps 
judgment.' He retains a right judgment of himself, that he is 
a poor miserable sinner : of sin, that it is exceeding sinful : most 
hateful to a holy God, and has made him most abominable in 
his sight. Of the law : that by it he is cursed, and by it he can 
never be justified, for he can never fulfil it. Of God, that he has 
concluded him under sin, that he might have mercy on him, and 
freely justify him, through the grace of Jesus. Am I this blessed 
man ? Pause and consider. It is necessary to our blessedness, 
to know our curse. The blessed Spirit convinces of it. (3) 
That we may May hold on this.' What? ' My salvation.' The 
salvation of God's Son, finished for the hopeless sons of Adam. 
' My righteousness is revealed,' whereby God is just, and yet 
the justifier of every ungodly, unrighteous sinner, who by faith 
lays hold of this righteousness. All such sons of men are the 
blessed sons of God. Oh rejoice in your blessed state. Glory 
in it : give God the glory of it. But legal hearts and self-righ- 
teous spirits will be ever buzzing, what becomes of good works 
and a holy life ? We answer, God not only justifies us by grace, 
but sanctifies by his Spirit. The grace of God which brings sal- 
vation to us, teaches us to deny all ungodliness and worldly 
lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present 
world. Tit. ii. 12. 

This is the one, (he only way, In him we find a spring of hope, 

For sinners to he blest, A sense of joy and peace, 

To flee from sin without delay, This keeps our sinking spirits op', 

And refuge take in Ohiist. Till hence we get release. m 



SEPTEMBER 5. J 409 [.MORNING 

Fear not, thou worm, Jacob. Isaiah xlL 14. 



In the 'light of truth, arid under the teachings of the Spirit, 
every believer in Jesus loses sight of the once fancied dignity of 
human nature, and sinks in the view of himself to the meanest 
reptile. Probably the church in Isaiah's days had been consi- 
dering her weak, helpless state ; surrounded with trials and 
difficulties, exposed continually to the power of enemies on every 
side ; in great danger of being trodden under foot and crushed 
to death, and had been laying her case before the Lord, confess- 
ing the words of David, c I am a worm, and no man.' Psal. xxii. 
6. Well, the Lord condescends to reply to such bumble souls 
in their own language. Though thou art as mean in thine own 
eyes, and as despicable in the sight of others as a poor, base, 
insignificant crawling worm of the earth, yet thou art precious 
in my sight. Though thou hast no power in thyself to resist 
thine enemies, no strength to support thyself under thine afflic- 
tions and distresses ; though Satan threatens, troubles bow thee 
down, corruptions rage, and all the combined force of earth and 
hell is enraged against thee ; yet ' fear not,' thou worm, saith 
the Lord.' 

Thou soldier of Jesus, ' fear not,' is the word of command 
from the Captain of thy salvation. Scarce any phrase so fre- 
quently occurs in the word of God as this. Consider it as an 
antidote against all thy despondings, doubtings, and dejections. 
Thou canst never fall into any exercise, be under any tempta- 
tion, be visited by any affliction, come into any straits or diffi- 
culties, but what the power of God can support thee under, and 
bring thee safely through. Consult not human probability ; judge 
not according to appearances; say not, Worm as I am, 1 shall 
surely be crushed. Nay, but is any thing too hard for God? He 
saith, ' I will help thee.' I will succour, I will suppoit thee, 
I will strengthen thee, my grace is sufficient for thee. Can a 
God of truth promise in vain? Will a God of love ever fail. to 
assist? Doth not a God of wisdom know when to deliver? Suf- 
fice it, we have his promise. That engages his truth, and that 
demands our faith to honour him. But, ' I am with thee,' saith 
the Saviour. He is present, though perhaps thou thinkest other- 
wise, and feelest not his comfortable presence. Thy most secret 
sigh, as well as every distress, lies open to his view T . The crafty 
designs of thy subtle foe, and all his vile stratagems, are with- 
out a covering before thy Lord. Terrify and distress thee he 
may, but prevail over thy soul he shall not ; e for he that keep- 
eth Israel, neither slumbereth nor sleepeth.' He is ever watch- 
ful to guard, and powerful to keep : and he hath given us this 
absolute promise, ' No weapon that is formed against thee shall 
prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judg- 
ment, thou shalt condemn.' Isai. liv. 17. 



SEPTEMBER 5.] 500 [EVENING. 

The Apostles said unto the Lord, increase our faith. Luke 
xvii. 5. 



Natural men tauntingly say, Oh you don't mind good works, 
faith is to do every thing for you. Truly faith is all, for it includes 
the object of faith, the Lord. Indeed, faith has no existence 
without its object. Consider, (1) Is it not a good work to for- 
give an offending brother ? This is what our Lord here teaches. 
The apostles were made truly sensible, that they could not do 
this without faith ; nay, not without the increase of faith. There- 
fore they prayed for it. Real believers are created in Christ 
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that 
we should walk in them. Ephes. ii. 10. They are a peculiar 
people, zealous of good works. Tit. ii. 14. Thus they love to 
glorify their heavenly Father. (2) They know that all good 
works proceed from faith, and from the increase of faith. For 
Christ dwells in our hearts by faith. Ephes. iii. 17. This is the 
source and spring of all our comfort, and every good work. 
Without this, what is life to a christian ? Verily but an uncom- 
fortable breathing, not worthy the name of life. Christ dwell- 
ing in the heart constitutes heaven upon earth. Just as uncom- 
fortable as this world would be, if the sun were blotted out of 
heaven, would the christian be without the indwelling of Christ. 
How hast thou found thy soul, oh christian, this day ? Hast thou 
found Christ in thee, the hope of glory? If not, it is for want of 
faith. Tf thou hast, dost thou not desire to enjoy more of it? It- 
is to be had by the increase of faith : pray for it. (3) Faith sick- 
ens the soul to the love of sin, and the love of this world. The 
increase of faith kills the love of both : ' for this is the victory, 
even our faith.' i John v. 4. (4) Faith brings the prospect of 
heavenly glory into view. The increase of faith brings fuller 
assurance to our hearts of our enjoyment of it, quickens our dili- 
gence in the way to it, excites ardent desires in our souls after 
the full fruition of it, that we may be absent from the body 
and present with the Lord. (5) See who is the author and fi- 
nisher of our faith. Do you complain that your faith is weak, 
and your corruptions strong ? Remember, that dear Christ who 
died for your sins, can strengthen your faith. Look unto Jesus. 
Cry unto him to increase your faith, so shall your heart be happy, 
your life holy, and your soul strong in the grace that is in Christ 
Jesus. 2 Tim. ii. 1. 

Jesus thou author of our faith, O'er all our lusts, and reasoning pride, 
Increase its power we pray ; May precious faith prevail, 

Oh make us faithful unto death, Looking to Christ, and none heside, 
Live in us every dav. Our Christ within the vail. m 



SEPTEMBER 6.J 501 [MORNING. 

If a man think himself to be something when he is nothing, 
he deceiveth himself. Gal. vi. 3. 

The leaven of pharisaism, pride, self-righteousness, and self- 
sufficiency, is interwoven with owr very nature. In the begin- 
ing, that arch deceiver Satan, poisoned the minds of our first 
parents with that corrupt doctrine, ' Ye shall be as gods, know- 
ing good and evil.' This infection hath tainted the who"le hu- 
man race: naturally every man deceiveth himself: he thinks 
himself to be that which in reality he is not. Hence is rooted 
enmity to the salvation of Jesus and the grace of the gospel : 
here man is nothing ; here the creature is annihilated As Paul 
saith of an idol, ' it is nothing in the world :' so that idol, a man's 
self, is nothing, knows nothing, can do nothing, in the great 
work of salvation. Fallen nature, with all its boasted goodness, 
affected piety, devout efforts, contributes nothing; for all is of 
grace, rich, free, and sovereign grace. Man, with all his vaunted 
1 knowledge of good and evil ;' his free will to choose the good 
and refuse the evil, his rectitude to perform his duty and secure 
his salvation, by fulfilling the terms and conditions of the gospel ; 
all these are mere non-entities, lighter than vanity when weighed 
in the balance of the sanctuary. 

Oh believer, when thou thinkest thyself nothing, knowest.no- 
thing of thyself, then thou thinkest and knowest right. But when 
thou art led to think, now I am something in myself; now I 
know something by myself; now I can do something of myself, 
to keep myself in the favour of God, and to be faithful to his 
grace, verily thou deceivest thyself. This is acting like the 
church of Galatia under spiritual witchcraft, ( beginning in the 
spirit, and ending in the flesh.' This, in the strict and proper 
sense, is ' falling from grace.' So nature's pride exalts ones 
self, and censures other christians as carnal and unfaithful. 
This price of the flesh opposes our growth in grace, and is con- 
trary to the humbling knowledge of Jesus Christ. To know the 
grace of God in truth, is to own its sovereign operations upon 
the soul, to be steady as the sun in its course, uncontrolable 
as the wind in its power, unfrustrable as the tide in its motion, 
and as unyielding to the power of nature and the will of man, 
as the proud waves of the great ocean. To 'put on the Lord 
Jesus,' is to ' put off the old man with its deceitful lusts' and 
pride. To ' rejoice in Christ Jesus,' is to ' have no confidence 
in the flesh.' The Lord will ' suffer no flesh to glory in his pre- 
sence.' ' Let him that glorieth, glory in the Lord.' 1 Cor. i. 31. 
Happy for us, with Paul, ' most gladly therefore, will I rather 
glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon 
me.' 2 Cor. xii. 9. 



SEPTEMBER 6.] 602 [EVENING. 

Behold my hands and my Jeet, that it is I myself . Luke 
xxiv. 39. 



One Amintas had done valiant acts, and lost part of his arm 
in the field of battle, for his country's good. His brother- jEschy- 
Ins was like to be condemned to die, Amintas came into 
court, speaks not a word, but only lifted up the stump of his 
arm without a hand, as though he had said, See what I have 
lost for my country's cause. His silent oratory prevailed, and 
saved his brother's life. What a much more affecting sight 
does our dear Lord now present to his disciples ! He calied 
upon them, he calls upon us to ' behold :' they by the eye of 
sense, we by the eye of faith. Consider the reasons for this, (I) 
To compose and comfort their minds. They were terrified and 
affrighted : they took him for a spirit. Christ is touched with a 
feeling of our infirmities : he sympathizes with us in all our trou- 
bles. One cause of them is misapprehension of the nature of 
Christ, we too oft forget that he was a perfect Man, like unto 
us in all things, except sin. * Behold my hands and my feet 
with the nail prints in them. It is myself.' The very same man, 
with the same flesh and blood, who lately hung upon the cross. 
Handle me, feel me. (2) It was to confirm their faith in his 
dying for their sins, and rising again for their justification. He 
died as a weak man, he rose as the Almighty God. As God-man 
he atoned for sin, conquered death and hell for us. The faith 
of this is the source of all hope, and the spring of all peace to 
our souls. (3) He says this to quicken our love. Oh soui, can 
you behold by faith, and think of the love and sufferings of Je- 
sus for your salvation, and not love him? His pierced body, 
hands and feet, are the marks of his great love, and agony of 
sufferings for you. Oh love, rejoice, and adore. Docs he not 
deserve the whole love of our heart, and the sole affections of 
our soul ? f Behold/ (4) That all your hope may be in him. Be- 
ware of that cursed notion of pride which some advance : they 
pretend to believe in Christ for the pardon of sin, but for their 
final justification, hope in their own works. No, my Lord, the 
sin- atoning, law-fulfilling, soul-justifying work, is thine, and 
thine alone. I will hope in no other. My soul, I charge thee 
fix, constantly fix all thy attention, for all thy hope, upon thy 
once pierced Lcrd. My conscience, I charge thee, when base 
intruders would rival his glory, banish them. Cry with abhor- 
rence, get ye hence. " What have I to do any more with idols?" 
Hos. xiv. 8. 

liehold '.ny soul, the scars and wounds Say faith, what answer dost thou give ? 

Which Jesus in his body wore : Pardon and peace unto my heart, 

See how his precious love abounds, That to Christ's glory I should live, > 

Think of thy sins — 'twas them he bore. And never from his love depart. M. 



SEPTEMBER 7.] 503 [MORNJNG, 

Be careful for nothing : but in every thing, by prayer 
and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be 
made known unto God. Phil. iv. 6. 



All anxious cares which torture and distress the mind arise 
from unbelief; they are contrary to our profession, dishonour- 
able to our God, and hurtful to the peace and comfort of our 
souls. Therefore they are forbid by the gospel of grace, in love 
to the children of God. But, believer, thou hast not so learned 
Christ as to pass away a life of careless indolence and thought- 
less inactivity. No: vigilance, industry, and fervency of spirit, 
is a suitable frame ever to be found in. Not slothful in business, 
but fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord. Careful and diligent in 
the use of all means in thy power, both to procure the subsist- 
ence and welfare of thy body, as well as to keep up the liveli- 
ness and vigour of thy soul. Careful and diligent, yet w T iihout 
care that hath disquietude and distress. As to the things of 
this life, it is sufficient to answer all thy anxiety, and silence thy 
every fear and doubt; ' your heavenly Father, saith Jesus, 
knoweth that you have need of them/ He feeds the birds : will 
he suffer his babes to starve ? Thou shalt have all things need- 
ful for life and godliness. If such a sinner as I may speak of 
himself, under worldly losses and disappointments,, I have 
thought, Well, though I have not, what I expected, J can very 
well go to heaven without it. This consideration, thanks to my 
dear Saviour, hath often brought a heaven of contentment to my 
soul, in a world of disappointment. 

As to spiritual blessings, ' He that spared not his own Son, 
but freely gave him up a sacrifice for our sins ; how shall he not 
with him also freely give us all things.' The Father that hath 
' blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus,' will 
hand them out to us by his holy Spirit, in number, weight and 
measure, just as his wisdom sees best; and it is our wisdom to 
be content and thankful. Here is encouragement for faith and 
prayer. 

And canst thou look within, without, around, above, and see 
no cause for thanksgiving and praise, oh christian? Are not what 
thou hast in hand, and what thou hast in hope, the free gifts of 
the grace of thy God ? .Call to mind his mercies to excite gra- 
titude, reflect on his promises to quicken in prayer. Under all 
thy trials, distresses, sorrows, fears, doubts and difficulties, here 
is sweet encouragement for thy soul. Speak them out freely, 
make thy requests familiarly unto God. And what shall be the 
happy consequences ? Hear and rejoice, thou shalt have more 
' abundantly than either thou canst think of or ask for.' Ephes. 
iii.20. 

Christ ever lives to inierc eil e Content, my soul, thy cause he'll plead, 

Before his Father's face . Nor doubt thy Father's grace. 



SEPTEMBER 7.] 504 [EVENING. 

Peter said, man, I know not what thou sayest. Luke 
xxii. 60. 

No, Peter. Why, be speaks plain enough. He is confident 
of thy person, knows thy voice, and the very brogue of "thy ton- 
gue. He boldly affirms, e Of a truth thou wast with Jesus/ 
This is a downright lie, to say, f I know not what thou sayest.' 
Peter is ashamed of his Lord. Is he not ashamed of himself? 
Not yet. He lied horridly. Next, he curses and swears bitterly. 
Might we not expect to hear next, he was damned eternally? 
He deserved it. Was he here now, he would confess it from 
the very ground of his heart. But he is above, confessing his 
desert of damnation, and ascribing salvation to God and the 
Lamb. For, ' the Lord turned and looked upon Peter.' Oh 
vvho can say what there was in that turn, and in that look. Lord, 
give us to feel some of the grace and power of it, that we may 
improve it. Consider, (1) Sin is sin, in God's saints, as well 
as others : yea, their sins exceed all others.' Yes, and God sees 
sin in them too, as well as others ; and he will surely punish 
them for sin. Let us not be wise above what is written. Saith 
the Lord, ' You only have I known (with the love of a tender 
father) of all the families of the earth, therefore I will punish you 
for all your iniquities.' Amos iii. 2. Who can say what a hell 
of agonies Peter felt, when he wept bitterly ? He fully experi- 
enced that truth, which he after preached to others. ' Judgment 
must begin at the house of God.' 1 Pet. iv. 17. (2) See what 
this judgment is. Not damnation for sin but condemnation for 
sin in the heart and conscience. The sight of it : feeling, mourn- 
ing, groaning under a sense of it : looking up to God with a bro- 
ken heart, a contrite spirit, a sorrowful soul, sighing out, * against 
thee, oh Lord, have I sinned, and done evil in thy sight.' No- 
thing but thy blood, oh Jesus, can cleanse me. Oh my God, 
let thy grace pardon me, and thy Spirit comfort me. (3) What 
affects any sinner thus? The Saviour's turning and looking 
upon the soul. Sin naturally hardens the hear!, and sears the 
conscience. Peter, after his awful fall, would have run away 
from Christ: given himself up to the service of sin and Satan, 
till he fell into hell, if the Lord had left him to himself. So would 
you and I. But Jesus ' turns' from his anger against our sins: 
turns to us in love. He ' looks.' Instead of frowning us into 
black despair, and eternal damnation, he looks with love. He 
speaks love into our hearts : he melts our hearts with his graci- 
ous loving looks, into sorrow and remorse for our sins ; and 
with hopes of mercy and pardon from his loving heart. ' For 
where sin abounded, grace much more abounds.' Rom. v. 20. 

Who knows the bitterness of sin, His looks can br£ak the hardest heart, 

But those who see the love of Christ r Sin to confess, and sin resist. m. 



SEPTEMBER 8.] 505 [MORNING. 

My grace is sufficient for thee ; for my strength is made 
perfect in thy weakness, 2 Cor. xii. 9. 

Spiritual conflicts with the enemy of souls are the lot of all 
God's children. Holy Paul was under deep and afflicting dis- 
tress of soul. Satan the adversary assaulted him very power- 
fully. He groaned under it ; he frequently besought Jesus, that 
this grievous and painful messenger of Satan might be made (o 
depart from him, and that his conflict might be at an end. Oh 
what distressing exercises God's children undergo from the ene- 
my. The hearts of such only know the bitterness thereof. But 
is the Captain of their salvation regardless of them ? Is he deaf 
to their prayers, when they call upon him ? No : he ever hears, 
he always answers in love. But, did the Lord grant his dear 
servant's request? No : then the design of love would not have 
been answered. Paul was in danger of being ' exalted above 
measure:' this was to be prevented. He was ' to glory in in- 
firmities:' this was to be effected. Satan's design was for his 
evil. Jesus makes it work for good. But that he might not faint 
in the combat, this comfortable answer is given : ' My grace is 
sufficient for thee ; for my strength is made perfect in weak- 
ness.' Let it suffice, my love and favour is ever towards you ; 
my almighty strength is engaged to preserve you. Though you 
are weakness itself, to withstand such an enemy, yet my al- 
mighty strength shall uphold you ; in this you shall Conquer. 

Here is the strongest assurance for the confidence of faith, and 
the most solid ground for the rejoicing of hope. The grace and 
love of Jesus opposed to the malice and hatred of Satan ; the 
strength of Jehovah triumphing in, and made illustriously glo- 
rious through saints' weakness. What an ever-loving, al suffi- 
cient, omnipotent Lord is Jehovah Jesus. The Lord whom thou 
servest, believer, knows every distress and conflict of thy soul. 
He will strengthen thee in, support thee under, and bring thee 
safe through and out of all thy exercises and troubles. Thou 
shalt lose nothing in the furnace but the dross of nature's pride 
and corruption, and the vanity of self- glorying, self-sufficiency, 
and self-righteousness. God by his Spirit will teach thee to pio- 
fit in humility and self-diffidence, and to glory in and exalt the 
Lord Jesus more and more. Sweet and encouraging is that pro- 
mi.- e to God's Church and people in general : strong and com- 
forting is God's declaration to Paul, in particular: s Fear not, 
for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will 
strengthen thee ; yea I will help thee ; yea I will uphold thee 
with the right hand of my righteousness..' Jsai. xli. 10. 

I can do all things, or can bear Bui if the Lord be once withdrawn, 

All sufferings if my Lord be there : And we attempt the work alone ; 

Sweet pleasures mingle with the pains, When new temptations spring and rise, 

While his left hand my head sustains. >Ve find how great our weakness is. 

3 T 



SEPTEMBER 8. ) 506 [EVENING. 

/ know that my Redeemer liveth. Job xix. 25 



Matters are sometimes brought to a close point between God 
and the soul. It is stripped of ail its comforts, and is in heavi- 
ness. 1 Pet. i. 6. It is broken in the place of dragons, .and co- 
vered with the shadow of death, as the psalmist most affectingly 
paints the scenes of horror and affliction. Psal. xliv. 19. So that 
as he says, ' I had fainted, unless I had believed.' xxvii. 13. No- 
thing within, nothing without, for the soul to stay itself upon, 
but the word of the Lord, and the Lord revealed in the word. 
Then is that sweet word fulfilled : ' They shall hang upon Him 
all the glory of his father's house.' Isai. xxii. 24 This was 
Job's tried, tempted, afflicted, yet blessed state. Though all his 
comforts are dead, still his Redeemer liveth. In the midst of ail 
his losses, he had not lost this knowledge. *' I know : ' it is a matter 
of the greatest certainty to my soul, I am as sure of it as of 
my existence, that there is a Redeemer for lost sinners. I know 
he is ' my Redeemer.' I have seen my want of him, and my 
certain destruction without his redemption. ' He liveth.' While 
he lives, my hopes cannot die, my soul cannot despair. Stripped 
of all things besides, nothing can separate me from the love of 
Christ. I know Christ liveth at the right hand of God for me, 
because he liveth in my heart by faith. Such is the language of 
this old-testament saint. Luther says l I had utterly despaired, 
had I not known that Christ was head of the church, head over 
all things to his body the church.' Ephes. i, 22. But how doth 
a soul know with Job, that Christ is his Redeemer, so as to say 
with Paul, he loved me, and gave himself for me ? By the word 
of grace, we know there is a Redeemer. By the testimony of 
the Spirit of truth, through faith, the sinner is enabled to say 
he is mine. My beloved, my friend. These are two infallible 
evidences of this. Christ has both our hearts and our hopes. 
Our heart is set upon him, our hopes centre in him. (1) Christ 
is precious to our hearts. We have fellowship with him by faith : 
we know that he liveth, because we enjoy the comforts of his 
life and love in our souls. We know him both as dying for us, 
and also as living in us : he dwells in our hearts by faith. He 
sends us love tokens, he draws our affections to himself, from 
a world of sin and vanity. (2) Our hopes are in him. His Spi- 
rit gives us to see such an infinite perfection in his glorious work 
and finished salvation, as sickens us to every other hope : yea, 
kills self-righteousness, and self-confidence. ' We become dead 
to the law by the body of Christ.' Rom. vii. 4. We may as 
soon place our confidence in the righteousness of the thief on 
the cross, as in any righteousness of our own. * We know that 
he abideth in us, by the spirit which he hath given us.' 1 John 
iii. 24. 



SEPTEMBER 9.] 507 [MORNING. 

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righte- 
ous judgment. John vii. 24. 

By acting contrary to this advice of our prophet, the children 
of God often distress their poor hearts. Perhaps in no one in- 
stance more than this. ' My feet were almost gone, my steps 
had well nigh slipt,' said the psalmist. Why? What was the 
case? Alas, alas ! he had been looking at the outward appear- 
ance of the wicked. How happy, gay, and joyful they seemed ! 
So that corrupt nature and carnal reason had erected a tribunal 
in opposition to faith and truth. * Verily,' says he, ' 1 have 
cleansed my heart in vain.' But he was soon undeceived and 
brought to ' judge righteous judgment,' from the records of truth 
in the sanctuary of his God. Psal. Jxxiii. Professors-of old had a 
severe check for thus judging. i Your words have been stout 
against me, saith the Lord. Ye have said it is in vain to serve 
God : you call the proud/ that is, the self-righteous, but dis- 
obedient persons, whom I resist and abhor, * happy.' Christian, 
beware of judging of men ; be cautious of determining matters 
by appearances : they are very deceitful. Judge of no man's 
state by appearances : evil actions we may condemn, good ac- 
tions we should applaud. But to judge and determine the eter- 
nal state of any by appearances, we have no authority. It was 
a judicious speech of St. Austin : e Tf I see a wicked man die, 
shall I say he is gone to hell ? I dare not. Shall I say he is 
gone to heaven ? I cannot.' 

How awful were the falls of David and Peter ! To what 
dreadful lengths of cruel persecutions against Christ, his truth, 
and members, did Paul run? Yet how did the rich grace of 
our God triumph in their repentance and salvation. Therefore, 
believer, even as to thine own eternal state, judge not from pre- 
sent sense and appearance, though all things seem against thee. 
Oppose not thy frames and feelings to Gods truth, love, grace, 
promises, and oath in Christ Jesus. And they all point — to 
whom ? Even to sinners, lost and perishing sinners. Whatever 
else thou hast lost, a sense of sin is with thee. True, sayest 
thou, and a dreadful sense it is. I also know the same ; I have 
a fellowship with thee in the same sorrowful truth. But still, 
' this is a faithful saying, -and worthy of all acceptation at all 
times ; that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' 
Is there a doubt in thine heart, a fear in thy mind, a sin upon 
thy conscience, but he is able to relieve and cleanse thee from ? 
Be not faithless, but believing, saith thy Lord, John xx. 27. 

Not different fond or different dress When weaker christians we despise, 
Compose the kingdom of our Lord ; We do the gospel mighty wrong, 

But peace and joy and righteousness, For God, the gracious and the wise, 
Faith and obedience to his word. Receives the feeble with the strong. 



SEPTEMBER 9.] 508 [EVENING. 

Christ spake this parable to certain who trusted in them- 
selves that they were righteous. Luke xviii. 9. 

Christ came into the world to save sinners from their sins, to 
all holiness of heart and life. Mis gospel requires the strictest 
purity in walk and conversation. Those who have experienced 
its power, find their souls formed for this. Yet a self-righteous 
spirit is as odious to Christ, and as contrary to the genius of his 
gospel as profaneness. Hence he spake this parable against 
such. See (1) Who are here reproved. Every one who places 
his trust or confidence in any works of righteousness which he 
has done or can do, to make himself righteous before God, or to 
justify himself, first or last, in whole or in part, in God's sight. 
Such are properly pharisees, or self-righteous persons. Lord, 
keep our souls humble before thee, that we fall not into this 
cursed pride and dangerous delusion. But such say, we do not 
trust in what we can do of ourselves, but what we are enabled 
to do by the grace of God. So this self-righteous pharisee said, 
' God I thank thee that I am not as other men are.' Here lies 
the very essence of this delusion. For the holiest saint in Christ 
is yet a sinner in himself; and his nature is as wicked as other 
men's are. The man who does not see and confess, after all that 
he is by grace, and all that he has done by assisting grace, 
' Lord I am an unprofitable servant/ is blinded by self-righte- 
ousness; has never seen the purity and spirituality of the law 
of God, the abominable vileness of his own nature, the glory 
and perfection of Christ's righteousness, and the necessity of 
his being found in it, and clothed with it, in order to be justified 
before God. Such have not been convinced of sin, and of righ- 
teousness, by the Spirit of truth, the glorifier of Jesus. See (2) 
The evil of this spirit of self-righteousness. [I] Such are An- 
tinomians : they are against, and make void the law. Though 
they do not fulfil it, nor can be made righteous by it, yet they 
trust in themselves that they are righteous contrary to it ; for it 
condemns them as sinners. [2] They are enemies to justifica- 
tion by God's grace, through the righteousness of Christ. Like 
the Jews of old, they have a zeal of God, but not according to 
knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, 
(that which the Son of God wrought out, which fulfilled the law 
of God, which he imputes to sinners, and by which he justifies 
sinners) and going about to establish their own righteousness, 
they have not submitted themselves to God's righteousness. 
Rom. x. 3. Here is ignorance and unbelief. To which, [3] Is 
joined pride. They are of a different spirit to the humble Jesus. 
He loves sinners. ' They despise others.' See Isaiah Ixv. 5. 



SEPTEMBER lO.j 500 [MORNING. 

And the children struggled together within her ; and she 
said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire 
of the Lord. Gen. xxv. 22. 

Very uncommon and extraordinary was the case of Rebekah. 
Inward commotion and strong- contention, between the fruit of 
her body, alarmed her greatly : each threatening death to the 
other, and herself also. Happy her conduct. In this distress 
she seeks satisfaction from the Lord. A noble instance of faith 
and familiarity with the God of Israel. This also was written 
for our learning : a very just and striking emblem is this of the 
christian. As verily as Jacob and Esau were in the womb of 
Rebekah, so is the christian the subject of two contending par- 
ties, the old and new man, flesh and spirit. The life of each is 
opposite to the other, each is striving for the mastery over the 
other. Here is the daily conflict of disciples. 

To good and evil equal bent ; 
Sinful in nature, } et a saint. 

How does the poor groaning, burdened sinner act? Like him- 
self, a believer on Jesus. With Rebekah, he goes to his Coun- 
sellor ; he enquires of the Lord Jesus. Is he like Paul, in con- 
flict of soul, crying out, ' Oh wretched man that 1 am V Yea, 
like Rebekah, is he sometimes weary of his life, because of the 
daughters of Heth, the numerous progeny of corrupt lusts of 
the flesh. Here is an evidence of his spiritual life : this is a full 
proof of the smugglings of a sanctified soul. Though the poor 
heart may cry out, * I a saint, I a member of the Holy Jesus, I 
a child of God ! Oh surely it cannot be. If so, why am I thus?' 
Know, oh soul, that it pleased the Father, that all fulness of 
grace should dwell in Jesus. He suffered thy fall into this state, 
that he might raise thee by Jesus ; and he is pleased to leave 
thy sinful nature vile and corrupt as he found it, until it shall 
be ' sown a vile body.' Thou art like Rebekah, groaning and 
waiting to be delivered. Suffice it, that thou livest by faith in 
Jesus ; ' waiting in hope for the adoption, namely, the redemp- 
tion of our body.' Rom. viii. 23. Know thou art called in love, 
daily to ' put off the old man with his deeds, lo mortify the flesh 
with it's affections and lusts.' But yet always to reckon thyself 
after Christ, in thy new state, possessed of perfect righteousness 
and true holiness. Ever accepted in him, God's beloved Son, 
thy beloved head, surety, and Saviour. In him ever acceptable 
to thy God. Thus the Lord thy God ever delights in thee, and 
rejoiceth over thee ; sees no spot of sin, but adorned with per- 
fect beauty. Such are the glorious views of faith, in opposition 
to all sense and feeling. So shortly shalt thou be presented to 
the Father by Jesus, perfectly holy and without blemish, ' not 
having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.' Ephes. v. 27. 



SEPTEMBER 10 ~\ 510 [EVENING, 

By the obedience of one, (or by one obedience) shall many 
be made righteous. Rom. v. 19. 



Joyful truth to miserable sinners. Oh that this word was 
ever upon our minds, ' My thoughts are not your thoughts, nei- 
ther are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.' Isai. lv. 8. Our 
thoughts are, to make ourselves righteous by our own obedience; 
and our ways are, to be justified before God by our own righte- 
ousness. But the Lord calls us to forsake these unrighteous 
thoughts, as well as wicked ways, and to submit by faith, to 
his thoughts and his ways, to be made righteous by the obedi- 
ence of One. Consider, (1) This negative is implied, no obedi- 
ence but One can make any sinner righteous. Oh sinner, what 
art thou seeking after, and striving to be and to do ? What is 
the end of thy praying, reading, hearing, communicating, striv- 
ing against sin, and to excel in obedience ? Is it to make thy- 
self righteous ? Then it all proceeds from unbelief of this truth : 
by one obedience shall many be made righteous, and by no other 
obedience whatever. Then say some, There is an end to all 
good works. No : from the faith of this, all good works begin. 
There is indeed an end to all the evil works of unbelief, which 
are done to supplant the One spotless obedience of Christ, in 
making sinners righteous, to the establishing the filthy rags of 
man's righteousness. Taught by the Spirit of truth, through 
faith, my soul abhors this. I firmly believe * whatsoever is not 
of faith is sin.' Rom. xiv. 23. ' Works which do not spring of 
faith in Jesus Christ, have the nature of sin.' Church Article 
xiii. Hence, my soul, no obedience of thine, before faith in 
Christ, can make thee righteous. Obedience after faith doth not 
make thee righteous ; for then thou art made righteous by the 
One obedience of Christ. Settle this matter well in thy consci- 
ence. The glory of thy God, and the comfort of thy soul, spring 
from it. For (2) It is positively asserted, ' By the obedience 
of One, or the One obedience of Christ, shall many be made 
righteous.' The faith of God's elect takes the comfort of this, 
and will love Christy live upon his righteousness, and give him 
the glory of it. But, (3) Who are made righteous by Christ's 
One obedience ? ' Many.' The many sons whom Christ shall 
bring to glory. Heb. ii. 10. Even all who see themselves mise- 
rable sinners, and believe in Christ for righteousness, unto jus- 
tification of life. What a glorious way is this of making sinners 
righteous. It secures all the glory to Christ. It keeps the sinnei 
humble before him, dependent on him ; and prevents all self- 
righteous boasting. It gives a poor sinner the greatest boldness, 
with access of confidence to God. It inspires warm love to 
Christ, and cheerful obedience of faith. 



SEPTEMBER 11.] 511 [MORNING. 

We knoiv, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dis- 
solved, we have a building of God, a house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Cor. v. 1. 

It is the grand device of that arch-deceiver Satan, to repre- 
sent the religion of Jesus as tending to melancholy gloom and 
sadness, but daily experience proves the reverse ; for under a 
sense of a crazy disordered body, from views of iis approaching 
dissolution, with thoughts of its being shortly committed to the 
grave, who can put on an air of composure, joy, and delight, 
except the christian? Who such cause for continual felicity, 
as he who knows his lease is well nigh expired of his present 
house, that shortly it is to be pulled down ; but yet, through the 
kindness and love of his heavenly Father, a free grant of his 
eternal inheritance is given him, ' of a house not made with 
hands,' What comfort must it yield to him, to ' know' the na- 
ture of the purchase, the certainty of its being obtained, the price 
fully paid, the deeds signed and sealed, the conveyance legally 
made, his trustee Jesus actually being in possession ; yea and 
' the earnest of his inheritance in his heart, by the Holy Ghost 
given unto him.' Oh the inexpressible joy of this knowledge ! 
All this we assuredly know by faith. Come, my brother mortal, 
is thy house like mine, ruined, crazy, and just ready to fall ? Let 
us daily be looking by faith, from Pisgah's top to the promised 
inheritance. Let us daily consider our approaching dissolution, 
that our hearts may more and more love and live with our dear 
Saviour, who has told us, ' I go to prepare a place for you, I 
will come again to receive you to myself: where I am, there 
shall you be also.' John xiv. 2, 3. 

Vain and trifling is all this perishing world has to offer, com- 
pared with the glory which shall shortly be revealed in us ; yea, 
not to be set in competition with the grace that is now upon us. 
And what can deprive such an heir of his inheritance ? Shall 
sin? No: that is fully atoned by the blood of Jesus. Shall the 
world? No: he hath victory over that, by the failh of Jesus. 
Shall Satan? No; the i God of peace will bruise Satan undei 
his feet shortly.' Bom. xvi. 20. Shall the corruptions of his 
nature and the workings of unbelief? These may distress and 
make him groan ; may deject with doubts, but shall not disin- 
herit. For unbelief also is included in that precious promise, 
' Sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are under grace.' 
Rom. vi. 14. And all such are * kept by the power of God, 
through faith unto salvation.' 

There is a house not made with hands, Shortly this prison of my clay, 

Eternal and on high, Must be dissolxed and fall ; 

And here mv spirit waiting stands Then, oh my soul, with joy obej 

Till God shall hid it fly! Thy heavenly Father's call 



SEPTEMBER 11.] 512 [EVENING 

Behold this dreamer comet h. Gen. xxxvii. 19. 



James says, ' The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy.' 
iv. 5. This is fully manifest in the conduct of Joseph's brethren 
against him. Joseph seemed an open hearted lad, simple and 
without guile. If he had not told his dreams, he had not raised 
his brethren's envy. But the Lord's hand was in it: no thanks 
to them. Their cruelty to Joseph raised him to the greatest 
eminence, and saved them from death by famine. Thus the 
Lord brings good out of evil. Methinks I see young Joseph 
corning towards his brethren, and they looking upon him with 
an air of the greatest contempt and derision, saying, ' Behold 
this dreamer cometh.' There, that's he that we are all to bow 
down to, worship and serve. Look at this mighty dreamer of 
foolish dreams. St. Paul, in enumerating the sufferings of the 
faithful, says, Others had trials of ' cruel mockings.' Heb. xi. 
86. Samson by the Philistines: Elisha by the children whom 
the bears devoured : David by Michael, &c. But who of all 
the sons of men, ever had trial of such cruel mockings as the 
Son of God. Know then, oh disciple, thou art not to be above 
thy master. It is sufficient for thee to be as thy master. Ex- 
pect cruel mockings. Wast thou never mocked and derided for 
thy profession ? Then thou hast reason to fear thou hast not 
been faithful to thy Lord. Else surely, the world would have 
seen that thou hast been with Jesus: and as verily as they 
mocked him, they would deride thee. Though you need not cast 
your pearls before swine; or as Joseph did, tell all the deal- 
ings of God with your soul, to the men of the world ; yet if you 
dare make an open profession of salvation by the free grace of 
God, through Jesus only, your name will be up ; mockings will 
be your portion. Yea, men will say of thee, as Joseph's bre- 
thren did of him, ' Behold this dreamer cometh.' See that vision- 
ary, enthusiastic fool. He dreams that he is one of Gods elect; 
that he has got the witness of the Spirit ; that he is sure of go- 
ing to heaven, not for his works, but by grace, through faith 
only. Such honour have all God's saints. Pray now, who 
would wish, who would strive to escape it? Would you lose a 
badge of your profession, a mark of honour that you are the 
followers of the once mocked and derided Son of God ? But 
beware of being deceived like those of old, with * the visions of 
their own heart.' Jer. xxiii. 16. But glory in the heavenly 
vision, the vision of the Spirit, the vision of faith. Let men 
mock on, let devils envy; yet the vision of faith is for an ap- 
pointed time. Cruel mockings are only for a short season. Soon, 
very soon, you shall receive the end of your faith, the salvation 
of your soul, and be exalted far above Joseph at Pharaoh's 
court. You shall be with Jesus above, where all is harmony, 
peace and love. 



SEPTEMBER I2.j ^ [MORNING 

77?cj/ who feared the Lord, spake often <me to another 
and the Lord hearkened and heard it. Mai. iii. 16. 



The tongue, though but a little member, yet is capable of be- 
ing employed in the best services, or to the worst purposes. 
We are assured he is a perfect man who offends not in word. He 
is a man after God's own heart who prays daily, ' Let the words 
of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in 
thy sight, oh Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.' Psal. xix. 
1 i. ' Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge amongst 
you ? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with 
meekness of wisdom.' James iii. IS. Thus perfection, real god- 
liness, and true wisdom are ascribed to our words and conver- 
sation. ' By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words 
thou shalt be condemned. Matt. xii. 37. Most weighty consi- 
derations ! Let us take heed that we offend not with our tongue. 
But most encouraging assurance, our God hearkens to his dear 
children, when we converse together about his kingdom and 
glory, and our peace, edification, and holiness. Yea more : oh 
condescending love : ' a book of remembrance was written be- 
fore him of them who feared the Lord, and thought upon his 
name.' Is such kind notice taken of our converse? Then what 
emulation ought to fire us, that our tongues may edify and pro- 
voke e^ach other to love and good works ? What shame to chris- 
tians, that they too often meet and talk, and their poor hearts 
are neither edified, warmed, or comforted ? Why is this? Truly 
the end of their conversation, * Jesus the same yesterday, to-day, 
and for ever,' was not considered. He is always most worthy 
to be uppermost in our hearts and tongues. This, like a live 
coal from the altar, is the only fire to make cold hearts glow 
with love, and warm hearts burn with affection. The best news 
of the day, the fittest subject for conversation is the rich, free, 
sovereign grace of our God, the love of Christ, the glad tidings 
of the gospel, the joyful news of salvation finished by Jesus. 
This we are going fully to enjoy. What then should we talk of 
by the way but this? Oh disciple, dost thou find a dull frame 
and a sad heart; and therefore sayest, I am unfit to converse of 
these things? This is really like staying from the fire, because we 
are cold, or abstaining from food, because hungry. Consider the 
conduct of the disciples. * Jesus drew near to them, and asks, 
what manner of communications are these that ye have one 
to another, as ye walk and are sad V Luke xxiv. 17. Though 
they had lost sight of Jesus, though their hearts were sad about 
it, yet they refrained not talking and communing about Him. 
And he soon made their hearts burn within them. ' Let your 
conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ."' Phil. i. 27. 



3 u 



SEPTEMBER 12] 514 [EVENING 

She said truth Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which 
fall from their masters table. Matt. xv. 27. 

Here is blessed reasoning. It produced admiration in the 
Lord : ' Oh woman, great is thy faith/ It obtained a free^grace 
grant from him also : e Be it unto thee, even as thou wilt. ' Great 
faith ! How does it appear ? We do not find that she came to 
Christ in full assurance of faith, saying, I know thou art my 
Saviour. I am assured that thou hast loved me, and wilt save 
me. No : still there was great faith without this. Look at her 
faith, and imitate it. She honoured the Lord by it, and he ho- 
nours her for it. (1) She was in trouble : she flies instantly to 
Christ, and tells him of her sorrows. ' Have mercy upon me, 
oh Lord, for my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.' To 
cry to Jesus for mercy, under a sense of being vexed with a de- 
vil, is the prayer of faith, and honours the Lord of glory. (2) 
Here are great discouragements. Christ answers her not a word. 
The disciples desire him to cure her, that they might get rid of 
her. But Jesus answers, not her, but his disciples : ' I am not 
sent, but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.' Was not this 
repulse enough to strike her dumb, and send her aw r ay in de- 
spair? But, (3) Instead of this, her faith grew stronger, and 
\ier importunity greater. She falls at his feet, with * Lord help 
pe.' That was putting it home to the loving heart of our dear 
Lord. She brought her case to a point. Jesus, you can help 
me : none but you can. If you do not, I am miserable. Have 
you no compassion for a poor miserable sinner ? Lord help me. 
Thus casting herself upon the Lord's love and power, she at last 
gets an answer from him. But oh, such a one as was like a dag- 
ger to her heart. ' It is not meet to take the children's bread, 
and cast it to the dogs.' Now, does she turn away like a dog? 
No. (4) She had got a child's heart, and a child's faith too ; for 
she again puts her case home to the Saviour's heart. Mark it. 
I am a dog, a filthy, unclean creature ; let me be fed as such, 
upon the falling crumb. I know, I do not deserve even that from 
thee See what perseverance in faith and prayer will do. It over- 
comes all difficulties, surmounts all objections, obtains the 
sought for mercy. Some in our day would have thought that 
this woman undervalued herself. But Jesus humbles those sin- 
ners to the very lowest, whom he raises to the very highest. Oh 
take up this resolution : ' I will wait upon the Lord who hideth 
his face : I will look for him.' Isai. viii. 17. 

Tho' vile, tlio' hopeless is my case, Tho' lie don't grant at first my suit. 

And in myself I've nought to plead ; Yet will I hope, believe and pray : 

Yet will I look to Jesus grace, My soul be still importunate, 

He has all fulness for my need, Tho' wretched he sends me not away. « m. 



SEPTEMBER 13.] 515 [MORNING. 

/ will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and 
speak comfortably to her. Hosea ii. 14. 

Carnal ease begets spiritual sloth. Outward prosperity often 
brings leanness of soul Worldly joys, vain pleasures, and sen- 
sual gratifications, are contrary to the spiritual delights, holy 
comforts, and godly conversation of the soul. Of this observa- 
tion we have awful evidence. Woeful experience proves it. It 
is seldom seen that the church of Christ in general, or individual 
members thrive and prosper in soul, when all without is easy, 
prosperous, and joyful to the flesh. Like Jeshurun, we wax fat 
and kick ; forsake God, and lightly esteem the rock of our sal- 
vation. Deut. xxxii. 15. 

But the head of his church, ever jealous for his own glory, 
ever watchful in love over his own members, will not suffer them 
to perish with a surfeit from worldly kindness. They shall rather 
bleed by the loving stroke of his hand, than fall a sacrifice to 
the world and the flesh. Earthly plants droop and wither by too 
great heat from the sun. So spiritual plants hang their heads, 
and decline under the warm sunshine of prosperity. But, saith 
the Lord, who delights in the spiritual prosperity of his people, 
i will allure them to myself. I will persuade of the evil of for- 
saking me, the Fountain of living waters, and hewing out to 
themselves broken cisterns that will hold no water. The world, 
with all its gaudy show and glittering vanities, I will persuade 
them from. I will allure to myself, the fountain of real happi- 
ness, the source of solid comfort, the centre of all felicity. The 
Saviour, who was led into the wilderness to be tempted for the 
soul, will lead the soul into the wilderness to wean it from its 
carnal delights. In a solitary desolate wilderness, nothing grows 
to please the flesh, but all is irksome and disagreeable to nature. 
Here no path to direct them from danger and invite to safety is 
found. Here wild beasts of prey roam. Here the welcome foot- 
steps of the traveller cannot be traced. Here nought but dreary 
dread and constant fears haunt the mind. Just so is the wilder- 
ness state of the soul. What fears and sorrows pursue it : how 
perplexed about the way from danger to safety : how gloomy, 
sad, and dejected is the heart! In such a state, how ready is 
the soul to hear. Oh how dolh God there teach the soul the 
profitable lesson of consideration ! Former follies are reflected 
on with shame, past conduct is mourned over, worldly objects 
rejected with contempt, the soul brought again to thirst after 
God, Jesus and salvation become its cry again. Oh lhat it were 
with me as in months past! This is right. The Saviour loves 
to hear his. members thus bemoaning themselves. Then is their 
ear open, and their heart attentive to his voice ; and he will 
speak, not what she deserves, wrath, but comfortably unto her 
heart. ' Fear not, I am thy God ud thv great salvation-' 



SEPTEMBER 13.] 516 [EVENING. 

Wherefore, lift up the hands which hang down, and the 
feeble knees. Heb. xii. 12. 

Are you saying, my troubles are many, my burden is great, and 
hope deferred makes my heart sick ? True, a faint heart makes 
weak hands and feeble knees. Then afflictions become intole- 
rable, duty tiresome, prayer irksome, the ordinances like dry 
breasts, the lamp of spiritual life seems expiring, the poor sin- 
ner grows dejected and dispirited, is ready to give up hope, and 
to give way to despondency. The Comforter inspires a word 
for such : ' lift up your hands.' Do you say, the advice is good, 
but the practice hard. Paul supposes it : for he introduces it 
with ' wherefore/ Oh I dearly love these scripture adverbs. 
Much courage and comfort are got by attending to them. Where 
fore, or for which reason, lift up your weak hands, or the weak 
hands of others. Consider why, or wherefore, we should do this. 
(I) We have Jesus to look unto for patience. He is the author 
and finisher of our faith. He bore our sins. He hath for ever 
taken away the curse due to them. He has made our peace 
with God. God is in hien reconciled to us. He who endured 
the cross for our sins, and despised the shame of being treated 
as a malefactor, in love to our persons, is now before the throne 
of God praying for us. This look is reviving. (2) Consider Je- 
sus, the Captain of our salvation, lest ye be weary and faint. 
He was made perfect through sufferings, that he might bring 
many sons to glory. He is bringing you, through much tribula- 
tion, into his kingdom. Consider the love and sorrows of Jesus 
for you. Look on yourself as a suffering member, of a once 
suffering head : so shall your weak mind be strengthened, and 
your weary mind refreshed. (3) Forget not, but consider the 
exhortation, ' My Son.' Precious appellation ! God is your Fa 
ther. He loves you with the same everlasting and unchange 
able love, as he did his only-begotten Son. He treats you in 
love, he chastises you as his child. Why? Because he is in 
wrath against you ? No, but to make you more like himself in 
holiness. Then lift up your hands to your Brother Jesus, your 
Father God, in confident faith, in humble prayer. Though all 
within is clouded dejection, yet all above is sunshine, joy, peace, 
and consolation. Consider your hope : it is as an anchor of the 
soul. On what is it fixed ? It entereth into that within the vail, 
whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus. Heb. vi. 
19,20. 

When knees are weak, and hands hang down, Then let our si Thing hearts to Christ, 
And we can't run nor pray, In faith and hope ascend : 

Still Jesus is hefore the throne, And all our doubts and fears resist, 
For us, tho' weak, each day. Christ is our faithful friend. M. 



SEPTEMBER 14 ] 517 [MORNING. 

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, 
and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord ; for 
they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the 
greatest of them, saith the Lord. Jer. xxxi. 34. 

The outward teaching of the word is to be prized. Diligent 
attendance on gospel preaching is by no means to be neglected. 
Faithful ministers of Jesus are to be esteemed highly in love for 
their work's sake. Christian conversation is to be valued ; none 
of these are here spoken against by our Lord. No ; his ap- 
pointing teachers, the Spirit's owning and blessing the word by 
them, to the instruction and conversion of souls, plainly prove 
the contrary. But Jesus, the substance, being come, teaching 
by types and shadows should be no more. Men shall not teach 
one another by pretended revelations ; but the ministration of 
the Spirit should take place of the ministration of the letter. 
Such should be the effusion of the Spirit after the ascension of 
Jesus ; that he should enlighten with his power, and teach with 
his energy, all the children of God. Every believer in Jesus has 
this unction of the Holy Spirit, which teacheth him all things. 
1 John ii. 20. Hence the babe in Christ, as well as the Father, 
is taught by the same divine Lord to know Jesus as the only 
and alone Saviour, the virtue of his precious blood, the perfec- 
tion of his atonement, the glory of bis righteousness, and the 
completeness of his salvation ; taught to believe in his blessed 
name, and love his adorable person. Oh believer, is this abso- 
lute declaration, ' they shall all know me,' thy mercy ? Jehovah 
speaks with the voice of omnipotence : the Lord effects by the 
power of his sovereignty. They shall all know me. Are 
all men thus taught of God? Do all men know the Lord? 
We cannot say so ; we dare not think so. The contrary is too 
evident. This teaching, this knowledge, is not general and uni- 
versal, but special and peculiar to God's people only. There- 
fore his grace proved effectual to thy calling, thy teaching. How 
vain, how fruitless, would all other teachers have proved : but 
the work is his, the comfort thine. Ever reflect on the pride of 
thy nature, the obstinacy of thy will, the blindness of thy under- 
standing, the desperate wickedness and unbelief of thy heart, 
and bow to his sovereignty. Give the Spirit all the glory, for 
what thou knowest of Jesus as thy hope and thy salvation. Now 
there is an essential difference between believing and knowing. 
All men believe there is a God : but to know God, is peculiar 
to regenerate souls. And this is the comforting criterion, to 
know him as our sin-forgiving God ; for he adds, ' I will forgive 
their iniquity : I will remember their sin no more.' 

We bless the prophet of the Lord, Hosanna to thy glorious name, 
That comes with truth and grace : Who called as by thy grace -, 

Jesus, thy Spirit and thy word Thv mercies lay a sovereign claim 
Doth teach us in thy ways. To our immortal praise. 



SEPTEMBER 14.] 518 [EVENING. 

He saw his glory, and spake of him. John xii. 41. 

Ministers who do not preach Christ, sinners who do not speak 
of Christ, are objects of pity, not of our wrath. Their eyes are 
blind to his matchless glory, their hearts do not understand his 
unparalleled love. But consider, (i) When once Christ's glory 
is displayed, and his love believed in the heart, the tongue will 
speak of him. So Isaiah found it : so did that poor woman of 
Samaria, w r ho ' ran into the city.' She catched hold of one and 
another, she eagerly cried, ' Come, see a man who told me all 
things that ever I did ; is not this the Christ ?' Surely it is, what 
think ye ? John iv. 29. She had sweet experience. Here was 
no self-exalting, no cry, see me, admire me ; what fine experi- 
ence I have got. One is sometimes grieved to read or hear peo- 
ple tell of their experiences, when they tend only to make the 
poor sinner appear as somewhat glorious in his own eyes, and 
to be admired by his fellow sinners. This is not right. If the 
sinner's vileness is not fully explored, and the Saviour's glory 
only exalted, such souls know not as they ought to know. Such 
experiences are not profitable, they are not worth attending to. 
(2) When sinners see Christ's glory, they will speak of him to 
God the Father. They will come in his name, they will plead 
his blood only for the pardon of sin, his righteousness alone for 
the justification of their souls, his intercession for their obtain- 
ing every blessing in earth and heaven. Thus we can come 
boldly to a throne of grace, and thus we expect freely to obtain 
mercy to relieve us, and grace to comfort us. Thus we are sure, 
perfectly sure, we are welcome to God; for he hath told us so. 
It pleased the Father, that in Christ all fulness of grace and 
glory should dwell. Col. i. 19. ■ That out of his fulness we 
should receive.' John i. 16. Having seen Christ's glory, we 
come to him for this grace. For, (3) The sight of Christ's glory 
blinds us to our own fancied glory. The more we see of Jesus, 
the less we like ourselves ; we grow out of conceit with our- 
selves. What glory is there in a filthy dunghill, a cage of un- 
clean birds, a nest of serpents, toads and adders? Worse, in- 
expressibly worse are we than all these. Our natures are half 
beast, half devil. Yet astonishing love, Jesus displays the glory 
of his grace to us. Nothing but unbelief prevents our beholding 
it. ' Said I not unto thee, if thou woufdest believe, thou should- 
est see my glory V John xi. 40. 

When 1 my Saviour's glory see My tongue is loosed (o speak his fame 

Revealed in the word to faith, And tell poor sinners all around, 

My soul is full of ecstasy, That they with me may know his name, 

1 dwell with joy on what he saith And say, I've precious Jesus found. w 



SEPTEMBER 15.] 519 [MORNING. 

No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking 
back, is jit for the kingdom of God. Luke ix. 62. 

The eye, though a little member, is perhaps of all others the 
greatest inlet to temptation. The first motion to sin entered by 
seeing. Eve ' saw' that the fruit was good and pleasant to the 
eye. Looking begat longing; so lust was conceived, and brought 
forth sin. Sin when it was finished, brought, forth death upon 
her and all her posterity. When Satan dared to tempt Jesus, 
he began the attack by presenting to his view the kingdoms of 
the world, and the glories thereof. Seeing this, what reason is 
there, with Job, to make a covenant with our eyes ; with David, 
to pray daily, ' Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity. ' 
No state more awful than to set out in the best cause, and to 
turn back to the worst enemy. The last end of such is most 
dreadful. Most deplorable indeed, to turn away from following 
Jesus, and make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. 

Whether he be minister or disciple who hath put his hand to 
the gospel plough, if his eyes are attracted to and his heart al- 
lured after the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride 
of life, these will render him unfit for the kingdom of God. For 
these are as contrary to the Spirit, frame, and genius of Jesus 
and his kingdom, as heaven is to hell. No man can serve two 
such opposite masters. If thou hast chosen Jesus for thy portion 
and thy all, wherefore dost thou look back to the world ? What 
slight and contempt doth such a conduct pour upon the blessed 
Jesus. It is a sad evidence that the heart is not whole with him. 
Such conduct speaks loudly, as though there was somewhat de- 
sirable in Christ and his ways; but not enough to win the heart 
wholly, engage the affections entirely, and fill the mind with 
happiness completely* ' If any man draw back, my soul, saith 
the Lord, shall have no pleasure in him.' And verily such a 
soul can have no pleasuse in God. Whither then will he fly ; 
to what refuge betake himself in the hour of calamity, and in 
the day of distress ? Oh, a forsaken Jesus, a slighted gospel, 
and neglected salvation, will wound the conscience with the 
keenest sting. See to it, oh professor ; watch over thy lustful 
eye. It is ever looking back to and longing after more from this 
world than thou at present possessest. Beware of thy deceitful 
heart, lest it turn from Jesus to the world. If so, thy hand will 
soon let go the gospel plough, and yet you will find carnal pleas 
for your conduct. Many poor, dry, barren professors, have ever 
a reason (such as it is) at their tongues end for their covetous, 
worldly-minded spirit. When it is easy to observe, like Lot's 
wife, they face about to Sodom, and are become a standing 
monument Of God's displeasure. ' But,' saith the apostle, of 
all the faithful members of Jesus, * beloved, we are persuaded 
better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though 
wc thus speak.' Heb. vi. 9. 



SEPTEMBER 15.] 520 [EVENING. 

Put off the old Man. Ephes. iv. 22. 

People who love money better than a good conscience, make 
nothing of putting off base and counterfeit coin. Christian, you 
may safely imitate them, in putting off the base old man. The 
more the love of Christ is in you, the more you will do it. First, 
what is meant by this ' old man ?' Corrupt nature, which was 
born with you, is part of you, lives in you, and will never be 
dead so long as your body lives. Though near 6000 years old, 
yet he is very strong and vigorous at times. Yea, though you 
are a child of God, and a member of Christ, he wants to have 
the mastery over you. You could never have conquered him, 
had not Christ crucified him. Though crucified, you can never 
subdue him, but by the strength of Christ. Nor can you put 
him off, but by the grace of Christ, for he clings and twines round 
you like a serpent. Yet you are commanded to put him off: this 
is your duty from day to day. But it is not by your might, nor 
power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. Again, why are you called 
upon to put him off? (1) Because all his reasonings are corrupt, 
his very suggestion is totally evil. He would corrupt the gospel, 
pervert its truths, reject its promises, and defy its threatenings. 
(2) All his lusts and desires are deceitful. He deceives by the 
pride of self-righteousness, as well as by gross sins. (3) He is 
an enemy to thy Lord, a supplanter of his glory, and a rival of 
thy faith in him, peace from him, and obedience to him. If you 
cherish him, you lose the comfort of your best Friend's presence. 
If you reason with him, you perplex your mind, and lose the 
simplicity of faith. If you follow his promise of liberty, you will 
get into bondage. e If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die/ Rom. 
viii. 13. What then is implied in putting off the old man ? That 
he always continues the same; he is never changed for the bet- 
ter. That he always remains alive in you ; but that you should 
put him down from his seat of rule over you. Put him off in 
your thoughts, walk and conversation, just as you would an old 
filthy garment: or like an odd, troublesome, iniruding old man, 
who would knock at your door, and want admittance to you. 
Put him off, with this reply, I have the blessed company of the 
new man, Christ Jesus, here is no admittance for you. ' I have 
put on the new man, which after God is created in righteous- 
ness and true holiness.' Ephes. iv. 24. Put off the old man by 
humble faith and earnest prayer, ever remembering, I can do all 
things through Christ's strengthening me. Phil. iv. 13. 

Strange is the mystery of grace, In Christ I am completely blest, 

Tlio' I am a creature new, Tho' cursed with sin and strife, 

Yet still I find through all my days From the old man whom 1 resist, 

The old man in me too. Oh « hen will end his life. m. 



SEPTEMBER 16] 521 (MORNING. 

Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eter 
nal life; and these testify of me. John v. 39. 

It was an excellent reply of a christian lady to a scoffing infi- 
del, who vented profane banter upon the scriptures, and asked, 
What proof she could give of the truth of holy writ ? * Yourself, 
Sir,' said she, Ms one ; for it is written, There shall come in the 
last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts/ 2 Pet. iii. 3. 
Even Satan, when he tempted our Lord, though he dared to per 
vert, yet he never once attempted to deny holy scripture to be 
the truth of God. Shame to professors who are ignorant of God's 
word : for Jesus and eternal life are revealed therein. Even 
devils, who have no hope from the scriptures, seem well versed 
in (hem. But may not Jonadab's question to Amnon be put 
even to some of God's children ; « Why art thou, being a king's 
son, lean from day to day?' Leanness of soul comes on man 
through neglecting the nourishing truths of God's word. It is 
the rich feast of the Father's love : by it the soul is fed and 
nourished up to eternal life. Verily, when we lose our appetite 
for the scriptures, and they are not savoury food to us, it is be- 
cause our souls are distempered. 

'They testify of me,' saith Jesus. Is not that word enough? 
What so sweetly, so powerfully engaging to the soul, as when 
somewhat of our dear Saviour is to be learned from every page. 
The more we are acquainted with his precious person, his amaz- 
ing love, his w r onderful humility, his astonishing sufferings, his 
finished work on earth, so much the more will he be endeared 
to our hearts. W r e shall prize the word that testifies of him, and 
the Spirit that glorifies him : we shall think of him, love him, live 
upon him, live to him, long to be with him from day to day. So we 
shall beguile all our troubles and trials below ; our hearts will 
be simple and happy, our conversation and conduct will be more 
like the meek Lamb of God. Thus shall we grow as Pharaohs 
kine, fat-fleshed and well-favoured, while we feed in God's mea- 
dow. If we neglect the scriptures that testily of Jesus, no mar- 
vel if we enjoy not the comfort of the Spirit's witness of Jesus. 
Says Luther, ' Let the Lord take me out of life this hour, or 
when it pleaseth him. I leave this behind me, 1 will own Jesus 
Christ for my Lord and my God. This I have not only out of 
the scriptures, but by manifold experience also, for the name 
jesus hath often helped and comforted me, when no creature 
could.' The holy scriptures are able to make us wise unto sal- 
vation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. iii. 15. 

Great God, mine eyes with pleasure look- Let the false raptures of the mind 

On the dear volume of thy book ; Be lost and vanish in the wind ; 

There my Redeemer's face I see, Here I can fix my hope secure, 

And read his name who d ; ed for me. This is tbv word and must endure. 



3 x 



SEPTEMBER 16.] 522 [EVENING. 

Let the weak say, I am strong. Joel iii. 10. 

Where is the wea'k doubting sinner? Stand forth my soul, thy 
Lord arraigns thee, he judges and passes sentence of reproof 
upon thee. ' Oh thou of little faith, wherefore dost thou doubt?' 
Matt. xiv. 31. Your doubts come from your little faith, aud they 
prevent the increase of faith. You can easily believe the Lord 
is displeased at your sins. What is sin, but disobeying his com- 
mands ? But did you never consider it as a sin, a great sin, not 
to believe when he commands ? Not to be obedient to his word, 
when he requires you to be strong in faith— ' strong in the grace 
which is in Christ Jesus ?'2 Tim.ii. 1. 'Strong in the Lord, and 
in the power of his might?' Ephes. vi. 10. Oh you do not enough 
attend to this. But you say, I am so weak in myself. Who is 
not? He who thinks he is not, is the weakest of all in self-know- 
ledge. The great, the strong, the inspired Paul, gives this chal- 
lenge, ■ Who is weak, and I am not weak ?' 2 Cor. xi. 29. You 
are, in yourself, upon a level with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, 
and all saints; and they were all alike upon a level with you, 
in point of self-weakness. Here is a command for you, ' Let 
the weak say I am strong.' Lo, I tell you of a great saint, a 
strong believer, who found himself so weak, that he followed the 
prophet's advice, and took up these very wx>rds. Would you 
wish to follow the example of a better saint than Paul? He 
says, ' When I am weak, then am I strong.' 2 Cor. xii. 10. 
This is a heavenly art ; it is to be learned every day, and put 
it in practice this night. Thy Lord's glory is concerned in it, 
thy comfort springs from it. Say, Am I weak to strive against 
sin, to resist Satan, to overcome the w T orld, to deny myself, to 
follow Christ, to pray to him, believe and hope in him, cleave 
to him, and love him ? What then ? I doubt he will cast me 
off, and suffer me to perish. Would you serve a weak member 
of your body, or treat a weak child of your loins so? Would 
you not rather strive to strengthen it. So does your Lord. He 
says, Be strong in the grace which is in me.' My strength is 
yours, my life is yours, all I am and have as God-man and Me- 
diator is yours. Go out of weak self, live by faith on me. lie- 
member, even the renowned heroes of faith, they were not only 
weak, but ' weakness' itself. ' Y^et out of weakness they were 
made strong.' Heb. xi. 34. Oh consider, you are engaged in a 
good cause, well provided with the best armour, and assured of 
perfect victory, by Jesus the Captain of your salvation. Heb 
ii. 10. 

Tho weak as helpless infancy Lord make ns on thy strength rely, 

We daily feel we are, And face each daring foe : 

Yet in the Lord our strength doth lie, While looking unto ihee as nigh, 

We are his pastoral care. We unto conquer'nip go. m 



SEPTEMBER 17.] 523 [.MORNING. 

Ye are come to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, 
and to the blood of sprinkling. Heb. xii. 24. 

When from zeal and affection for their beloved Master, the dis- 
ciples would have called for fire from heaven, he rebuked them, 
saying, ' Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.' In 
young disciples there is often much heat of zeal, which is not 
according to knowledge ; they know but little what evils they 
are called from, and what privileges they are come to. It be- 
hoves all to be diligent in reading, hearing, and studying the 
truths of Jesus. So the Spirit makes wise heads, and joyful 
hearts. To see, taste, and feel somewhat of Jesus from the law, 
the types and figures, the prophecies, promises, and the gospel, is 
the chief concern of simple souls. So their hearts are daily more 
and more estalished in faith, and they know more assuredly that 
they are really come to Jesus. When we read of Moses sprink- 
ling the people, and crying out, ' Behold the blood of the cove- 
nant,' this comfortably reminds us of the pardon of sin, by the 
precious blood of the dear Lamb ; and how the sprinkling of this 
blood purifies the heart from sin, and the conscience from guilt, 
by faith. 

The acceptable sacrifice of Abel, by which he obtained wit- 
ness that he was righteous, brings to our minds the most excel- 
lent sacrifice of our dear Saviour. This speaks righteousness, 
peace, love, and salvation to our souls. This silences all guilty 
fears ; this revives and comforts drooping, trembling hearts, 
knowing that Jesus is our dear and ever-loving Mediator before 
the throne. This gives boldness and confidence of free access 
to God, and freedom of heart to draw nigh, to love him and re- 
joice in him. Whatever our various cases, frames, and circum- 
stances are, our only wisdom and comfort lies in simply com- 
mending all to Jesus, knowing that we are come to him, and 
live comfortably, by coming daily to him. Is sin our sorrow, grief, 
and burden? Jesus has a plea for it ; he does not extenuate or 
excuse it. Nor should we, but confess it with all its aggrava- 
tions. His blood speaks before the throne ; the Spirit bears wit- 
ness to it. When the voice of sin and terror is heard in thy con- 
science, Christ's blood speaks pardon from God, freedom from 
condemnation, peace of conscience, joy of heart, and a hope full 
of immortality. Happy tQ be come to Jesus, and joyful to be- 
lieve in him, as our mediator. Oh how full of the richest conso- 
lation is this word. ' If we confess our sins, God is faithful and 
just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighte- 
ousness.' 1 John i. 9. 

Our Jesus called and bade us come Christ is our mediator dear 

To him for ease and rest ; Before the throne of God : 

Our souls obeyed his heavenly voice, Our conscience finds sweet peaco with him, 

And we in him are blest. Now sprinkled with his blood. 



SEPTEMBER 17.J 524 [EVENING, 

Behold, this day, I am going the way of all the earth. 
Joshua xxiii. 14. 

Though fully assured of his near dissolution, yet with what 
calm composure does Joshua utter these words? Though you 
are a sinner, and must fall under the sentence of death for sin, 
yet you need not be under bondage all your lifetime through fear 
of death. Why should you ? Has not the sinner's friend gained 
a complete and everlasting victory over death, the sinner's ene- 
my ? Consider what Christ hath done for us sinners. For sin- 
ners we are and shall be, though redeemed by the blood, and 
sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, when the messenger of death 
kills our body, and calls our souls to glory. Honour thy Lords 
work by a living faith, and so fear and terror shall flee from thee. 
(1) By his death he has appeased divine justice. As Jonah his 
type, being cast into the sea, quelled the storm, so Christ being 
cast into the furnace of divine wrath, quenched the flames. God 
is just, while he justifies the ungodly who believe in Jesus. Rom. 
iii. 26. (2) He has silenced all the accusations of the law. He 
hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse 
for us. Gal. iii. 13. (3) Upon this follows the removal of guilt. 
' He took away our sins by the sacrifice of himself. • Heb. ix. 
26. ' We have redemption through his blood, even the forgive- 
ness of our sins.' Ephes. i. 7. (4) i He hath wrought out and 
brought in an everlasting righteousness for us, and we are made 
the righteousness of God in him.' 2 Cor. v. 21. (5) He hath 
conquered Satan : by his death he hath ' destroyed him who had 
the power of death, that is, the devil.' Heb. ii. 14. (6) He hath 
opened heaven to us. We lost a paradise by sin, we gain hea- 
ven by the cross of Christ ; it is our purchased possession. 
Ephes. i. 14. Lastly, He hath obtained a victory over sin and 
death, so that we may joyfully cry out, * thanks be to God, who 
giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' 1 Cor. xv. 
57. Now, if Christ has appeased justice, silenced the law, taken 
away the guilt of sin, is made righteousness to us, conquered 
Satan, opened heaven, overcome death, and obtained victory 
for us, what have we to fear? Why should we not triumph in 
the views of death ? We cannot indeed without the work of the 
Spirit in us : but if he has made the work of Christ glorious in 
our eyes, if he has given us to see our need of it, to believe in 
and rely upon Christ's life and death as our title to heaven and 
glory ; by the faith of this, he hath sanctified our souls as ves- 
sels of honour, to the glory of Christ. It is our privilege to re- 
joice in him, to look upon his victories as our own, to triumph 
over every enemy, and death as the last enemy : for though he 
is an enemy to the flesh, he is the best friend to the soul. 



SEPTEMBER 18.] 525 [MORNING. 

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until 
Christ be formed in you. Gal. iv. 19. 

Many sincere disciples, who are convinced of sin, hope in 
themselves cut off, and have fled to Jesus for refuge, are often 
distressed, because they have not been under such dreadful ter- 
rors of legal wrath which others talk of, and are mistaken for 
the pangs and travail of the new birth. But there is no autho- 
rity from the scriptures to conclude we must have such great 
terrors of hell and damnation ere we come to and believe in 
Christ. Nay, the law may work great wrath in the conscience, 
and yet the soul never be converted to Jesus and the holiness of 
the gospel. The Spirit is a sovereign agent. Enlightened, con- 
vinced souls, are differently wrought on ; some feel more, others 
less terror. But each see the sinfulness of sin, their lost state 
by nature, the spirituality of the law, and the preciousness of Je- 
sus before they will come to him. On such the dear Saviour 
' sees the travail of his soul, and is satisfied.' Zion, the church, 
in her living members, travails in faith and prayer, and by her, 
as the mother, children are brought forth. Isai. lxvi. 8. Ministers 
in their painful labours and endeavours, travail that souls may 
be born to Jesus. 

Thus, laborious and affectionate Paul travailed in birth again, 
for the apostatizing Galatians. He had been in pain for them 
till they were brought forth at first as a holy seed, in their con- 
version to Jesus ; but now his soul was pained at their turning 
back again to the law Children of God, though little in know- 
ledge, and weak in faith are as dear to Jesus as adult christians ; 
so are they to his faithful ministers. But they are fearful of be- 
lieving too much in, and trusting too much on, the finished work 
of Jesus. Their poor legal hearts are ever, now and then, look- 
ing to the law, and leaning to something of their own ; but the 
Spirit will not leave such to abide in a feeble infantile state. 
Ministers labour and travail for their growth in grace, by the 
knowledge of Jesus. The gracious Spirit, by the word, forms 
Christ more perfectly in them ; he encreases more perfect know- 
ledge of his finished salvation, in the full atonement of his blood, 
the perfection of his righteousness, and the prevalency of his 
intercession for their justification and acceptance with God. 
Also in their sanctification, he more perfectly forms the 
image of Christ in them, as to the disposition of their hearts, 
and the conformity of their lives. ' We are changed into his 
image by the Spirit of the Lord.' 2 Cor. iii. 18- 

Glory to God the Spirit give, Dear Lord, thou Spirit, with us stay, 

From whose almighty power, And let us not thee grieve : 

Our souls their heaveuly birth derive, Oh guide us thro' our desert way, 

And bless the happy hour. And never, never leave. 



SEPTEMBER 18.] 52C> [EVENING*. 

We walk by faith, and not by sight. 2 Cor. v. 7. 

Thus we quit sense for faith, and so overcome the lust of the 
eyes. To gratify this is contrary to the walk of faith. Then is 
it any marvel that we lose the peace, comfort and joy of faith? 
But this is not what is here meant by sight, as opposed to faith. 
Here is an infallible truth. Though a christian by the eye of 
sense can neither see God, Christ, or the things of the heavenly 
world ; yet he walks in the firm belief of what the word of God 
testifies of them : and hence they have the supreme affection of 
his soul from day to day. Faith supplies the sight of them. 
They are as real to the mind, as though seen by the bodily eye. 
Thus a lively hope of enjoying them, is kept up in the heart. 
f We are always confident/ we are as sure of the existence of 
spiritual, heavenly and invisible objects, as we are of our own 
being. Oh ye sons of carnal sight and sense, ye deride us ; but 
we pity you. Ye look only at temporal shadows, we at eternal 
substance. ' The things which are not seen are eternal.' 2 Cor. 
iv. 18. See the preciousness of faith. For, (1st.) Though we 
do not now or ever have seen Christ, yet we love him : believing 
in him, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 1 Pet. 
i. 8. (2d.) We see in ourselves nothing but sin and misery. Bu> 
by faith we know that we are perfectly righteous in Christ, per. 
fectly accepted of God, perfectly justified in his sight, presented 
without any spot of sin. (3) We see our bodies under the sen- 
tence of death, daily dying, hasting to the grave. Natural sight 
can look no farther. There we see an end of our existence : the 
body turns to dust. But by faith we look through death and 
the grave ; we see, and say, ' We know, that if our earthly house 
of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a 
house not made with hands eternal in the heavens/ 2 Cor. v. ] . 
(4) Though we do not see how, nor can explain the manner of 
the Spirit's work upon our souls, no more than we can tell from 
whence the wind cometh, or whither it goeth : yet by sweet ex- 
perience we can say, ' He who wrought us for this self-same 
thing, is the Spirit of God,' ver. 5. For we find ourselves form- 
ed to live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us and 
gave himself for us. Gal. ii. 20. Hence we are dead to the plea- 
sures of sense, and the joys of carnal mirth. For we see Jesus 
at the right hand of God, where is fulness of joy, and pleasures 
for evermore. Psal. xvi. 11. 

Blest be our Lord who gave us faith, Keep up this quick and piercing sight, 

Things out of sight to see, Dear Lord, of things above : 

To live and walk by what he saith, . That we may walk with thee in light, 

This shall our glory be. Rejoicing in thy love. .v 



SEPTEMBER 19.] 527 \J>I0RNING 

Jesus said unto Peter, Wherefore didst thou doubt 7 . Matt. 
xiv. 31. 



The best of men are but men at the best. The most eminent 
saints of God have experienced doubting fearful frames, as well 
as believing joyful ones. We have many instances of this in 
the bold and courageous Peter. Now at the command of his 
Master, we behold him safely walking on the surface of the great 
deep. Here he honoured his Master's word, was very safe and 
comfortable while he believed his power. To see Peter walking 
upon the liquid ocean, is not more beyond the power of reason 
to comprehend and account for, than to see a poor sinner com- 
fortably living and walking by faith on the Son of God, in spite 
of all the raging waves of unbelief, lusts, and corruptions. 

But as it was with Peter, so is it often with the believer. The 
workings of Peter's natural senses, the suggestions of his car- 
nal reason, opposed the actings of his faith ; he heard the roar- 
ing winds, he saw the boisterous waves, he considered the 
bulk and weight of his body, and then, up reason, down faith. 
Reason assures him fluid water cannot support him. Hence 
he doubts, he fears, he sinks. So the poor sinner, who hath 
heard the inviting voice of Jesus, and obeyed the word of 
his grace, to believe on Him, walks sweetly and comfort- 
ably for a season ; but anon, corruptions, like the surging bil- 
lows, lift up their threatening heads, temptations like the 
stormy wind blow violently upon him, the thunderings of a fiery 
law are heard, he thinks incensed justice pursues him, and that 
the face of Majesty looks stern upon him. Hence he reasons 
upon what he is, what he has done, and what he may expect ; 
and all in nature, sense, and feeling is against him. Then he 
doubts in his mind, and sinks in his spirits. But when he re- 
flects, Jesus above all, he is mighty to save; then, seeing all 
hope in him, and none besides him, he cries, ' Lord save, or I 
perish/ This is right. Our Saviour loves to hear his poor dis- 
ciples cry to him. He is near them, and as Peter was, they are 
always within the reach of his arm. He loves their persons, ap- 
proves their crying, but reproves their doubting. Wherefore 
didst thou doubt? Though thy sins have reached to heaven, 
yet my blood is before the throne. Who shall lay any thing to 
thy charge? It is God that justifieth, who shall condemn thee? 
I have died, what shall destroy thee, seeing I am able to save 
to the very utttermost? Verily, oh Jesus, to the poor and needy 
in their distress, thou art a refuge from the storm. Isai. xxv. 4. 

What tho' the host of death and hell, A Friend and helper so divine, 

All armed against me stood ; Does my weak courage raise ; 

Why should their terrors shake my soul ; He makes the glorious \ ictory iniue, 

My refuge is my God. And his shall he the praise. 



SEPTEMBER 19.] &> 8 [liVKNING. 

With clouds he covereth the light, and commandeth it not 
to shine, by the cloud that cometh betwixt. Job xxxvi. 32. 

The sun, from its first formation by its almighty Creator, 
shines at all times alike. There never was, is, or can be any ad- 
dition to, or diminution from its light and heat. But we perceive 
a sensible difference. Even the intervention of a cloud coming 
between us and the sun, hides and obscures the glorious rays 
of light from us. There are fixed laws in creation: all nature 
acts under the direction of those laws, prescribed by our all-wise 
Lord. As in nature, so in grace : as by the natural sun, so it 
is by the Sun of righteousness. It shines with an equal degree 
of resplendent glory, light, love and grace, at all times : but we 
are not always alike sensible of it. Why not ? As clouds and 
vapours arise from the earth, and interrupt the light of the na- 
tural sun, by coming between that and us; just so, the clouds 
of sin, the vapours of corruptions, the thick fog of unbelief, 
which arise from our earthly carnal nature, come between us, 
and our glorious Sun of righteousness ; so its light is obscured, 
its heat interposed, and its comforts prevented. Then our poor 
hearts are distressed, and our spirits dejected. The Lord hides 
his face, and we are troubled. Isaiah gives a very striking ac- 
count of this. s The stars of heaven and the constellations 
thereof shall not give their light. The sun shall be darkened in 
his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine/ 
xiii. 10. Hast thou not known somewhat of such a day of dark- 
ness and distress? My soul has mourned on the account of it. 
But methinks, I have found it sweet in experience, when Sal an, 
or an unkind enemy, hath tried and strove to raise a dust, and 
bring a cloud over one's mind in vain. It is true, they have dis- 
turbed and perplexed one; but they could bring nothing between 
one's soul and Jesus, our glorious Sun of righteousness. They 
have agitated the air, they have tried their efforts upon nature ; 
but could raise no cloud of sin, no vapour of corruption. Jesus 
shone without a cloud, no intervening obscurity darkened one's 
views. Then love reflected its strong and powerful rays. Then 
it was sweet. Well, a few more cloudy and sun-shiny days, 
and we shall be at home. But we have always this precious 
promise to support us. ' Unto you that fear my name, shall (he 
Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.' Mai. 
iv. 2. 

Without thy light and love, Let no preventing cloud, 

Dear Lord, what is this life ' Obscure thy glorious face, 

Thy precious beams dart from above, Leave not my soul in darkness bowed. 

Or all is pain and strife. Thou Sun of righteousness. m. 



SEPTEMBER 20.] 529 [MORNING. 

If ye know these things ■, happy are ye if ye do them. John 
xiii. 17. 



Jesus is a prophet to teach, a priest to atone, and a king- to 
reign by love in the hearts of all his subjects. So every chris- 
tian receives him. Faith in him begets an ear of love to his doc- 
trine, and a heart of obedience to his commands. Let no one 
call evangelical obedience legal bondage; for every precept 
that dropt from the mouth of Jesus flows from love to us. When 
he saith, ' Do this ;' it is for our happiness, oh soul. ' A.void 
that;' love is careful of thee, ' Do thyself no harm.' This is 
pleasant to the renewed soul to hear, and his happiness to obey. 
Faith in Jesus makes all things easy ; \ his commands are not 
grievous/ To know them is our privilege, to do them is our de- 
light. Knowledge without practice is vain. 

Say, oh christian, is not this thy experience ? Art thou not 
happy in doing the will of Jesus, who died for our sins? Art 
thou not delighted in obeying him, who hath made peace be- 
tween God and thy soul ? Art thou not joyful in glorifying thy 
Father, by bringing forth the fruits of righteousness, which are 
by Jesus Christ? Verily, in keeping thy commandments, oh 
Lord, there is great reward of grace ; in peace and happiness of 
soul now, and hereafter such shall hear that joyful sentence from 
our loving Saviour, ' Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the 
kingdom prepared for you, from the foundation of the world. 
Matt. xxv. 34. Then shall the works of the righteous be pro- 
claimed by the Judge. They are called to inherit the kingdom. 
Why ? Because blessed of God the Father, with all spiritual 
blessings in Christ Jesus. Hence the kingdom was prepared 
for them before the foundation of the world. But it constitutes 
no part of the believer's happiness to do any work whatsoever, 
whereby to entitle himself to the favour of God, or to make the 
work of salvation more effectual than the blood and righteous- 
ness of the Son of God hath done. No, this is to be rejected as 
the vilest slavery, the worst of drudgery ; contrary to faith, in- 
consistent with Christian love, and derogatory to the salvation 
of Jesus. Luther was wont to say, ' If picking up a straw would 
save me, I would not do it ; it would be an act of unbelief of 
my dear Lord's salvation,, But being already saved by Jesus, 
through his grace, I would go through fire and water to obey 
his commands.' Where Jesus is the life of the soul, this will 
be manifest, in obedience to his commands. ' Blessed is the 
man who delighteth greatly in his commandments.' Psal. cxii. 1 

I hear tliy word with love, For ever sure thy promise, Lord, 

And [ would lain ohey : Here I securely trust. 

Send thy pod Spirit from above Wh j, of {h kg I 



To guide me, lest I stray. 



Thy glory to prod 



aim, 



How perfect is thy word, Accept the praise, ray God and Kin^ 

And all thy judgments just, lu mv Redeemer's name. 

3 Y 



I 



SEPTEMBER 20.] 530 EVENING, 

Give us this day our daily bread. Matt. vi. 11. 

Happiness, that inestimable jewel, springs only from content. 
Christian content is founded in humility. The humble christian 
lives upon the fulness of God : thence he seeks all his supplies. 
Our Lord not only teaches his disciples the words of prayer, 
which any body may use, but also gives the Spirit of prayer, 
peculiar to themselves only. This consists in knowing our 
wants, and seeking a supply of them from the Lord. ■ Give us 
this day/ just from hand to mouth : * daily bread,' all the bless- 
ings of providence and grace needful for us, as men and as 
christians. (1) Do we know our wants? The sight and sense 
of this will make and keep us very low and humble in our own 
eyes ; for we shall go out of ourselves, and live out of ourselves. 
Do we want daily bread to support our bodies ? Have we no 
spring of life in ourselves, but what must be fed and nourished, 
from the food we receive from day to day? Just so it is with 
our souls. Christ saith, ' I am the bread of life.' ojohn vi. 48. 
We have no inherent stock of spiritual food in ourselves. The 
man who thinks so, is as foolish as he would be, who should 
say, he has a supply within himself for natural food : he needs 
not pray for it. (2) Do we seek supplies from our Lord? He 
says, ' Blessed are they who hunger.' Matt. v. 6. Their blessed- 
ness consists in coming empty to him to be filled. ' Give us.' Dear 
Lord, I am just the same, hopeless, helpless, miserable sinner 
in myself, as I was when I first heard of thee, and came unto 
thee. (3) • Give ' me this day my daily bread ; thy flesh to eat, 
and thy blood to drink. Thy flesh is meat indeed, and thy blood 
is drink indeed. John vi. 55. Lord, thou hast said, ' he that 
eateth me, even he shall live by me,' ver. 57. Oh that in feeding 
on thee by faith, I may know that 1 have eternal life, and that 
thou wilt raise me up at the last day. This feeding is vastly 
preferable to disputing. True, we are exhorted to contend ear- 
nestly for the faiih ; but then it should be with a desire that our 
own souls, and the souls of others, may be edified, fed and nour- 
ished by the faith of Jesus. Else, it is but vain jangling. Who 
would not contend for his natural food ? How jealous, how 
watchful should we be against every enemy, who would prevent 
our comfortable feeding upon Christ, the bread of life? The 
more we feed upon this bread, the less appetite we have to the 
pleasures of the world, and the vanities of sense. Our spiritual 
food transforms us into the image of our Lord, and causes us to 
aspire after him, and long to be with him. Precious promise ! 
' Jesus shall feed his flock like a shepherd. Isai. xl. 11. 

Jesa w)io art the bread of life, And grant us 1o grow strong in thee, 

Oh feed our souls this dav, To run the heavcr.lv way, ]» 



SEPTEMBER 21.] 531 [MORNING. 

Many there be who say of my soul, There is no help for 
him in God. Selah. Psalm iii. 2. 

Had David's foes said of him, He deserves no help from God, 
he would readily have owned this as a great truth. As God's 
children are comforted by the truth, so the enemy advances lies 
to distress them. When he attacks their faith and comfort, he 
boldly impeaches the love and faithfulness of their God. * No 
help for me in God !' Oh my soul, wilt thou listen to this sug- 
gestion? Canst thou indulge such a thought one moment? Art 
thou beset with distress of soul, and surrounded with troubles 
and difficulties? Art thou singing a melancholy note? ' Selah,' 
saith David. Pause, consider this; lift up thy mind to attend, 
how dishonourable to thy God, how destructive to thy faith, 
peace, love, and holiness, is this ? Know the voice of thy enemy. 
Hear the voice of thy Saviour. His word is adapted to thy cir- 
cumstances, however distressing or desperate. ' Thou hast de- 
stroyed thyself.' What is added ? Perish in thine own undoings, 
<ake it for thy pains? No : for Almighty love proclaims its own 
triumph. '. Bat in me is thy help found.' Bos. xiii. 9. 

' Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.' When 
born again, he finds moie enemies and troubles than ever. A 
sinful nature burdens him, carnal lusts perplex him, Satan 
tempts and accuses him, unbelief besets and dejects him. But, 
most joyful truth, God is his dear Father, Jesus his precious 
Saviour, the holy Spirit his loving comforter. Where should 
the poor sinner look ? To whom should the exercised afflicted 
soul go ? Happy for him when, with David, he goes with child- 
like simplicity, and tells his sorrowful complaints to his dear 
Saviour. ' Lord, how are they increased that trouble me. Many 
•rise up against me.' They say of my soul, l There is no help for 
me hi God.' The Saviour loves to hear his members' complaints ; 
he delights to redress them. Thus, when driven from all hope 
and help from within and without, then they honour him in faith 
and prayer, As. when the little child is affrighted with lying 
stories, ic flies to the arms of its father for safety, tells him of 
its fears, and thus its little heart gets ease, so David found it. 
His experienced heart cries out, * Thou, oh Lord, art a shield 
for me; my glory, and the lifter-up of my head. Salvation be- 
longeth unto the Lord ; thy blessing is upon thy people.' Thus, 
though a mournful complaint ushers in this psalm, yet it con- 
cludes in the joy and triumph of faith. ' Though weeping may 
endure for a night, yet joy cometh in the morning.' Psal. xxx. 5. 

Tho' weeping for a night endure, Oil listen then onto his word, 

And foes distress my heart ; In his sweet promise trust : 

Yet in the morning joy is sure, Thy foes shall flee before thy Lord, 

Our Saviour takes my part. v ho faithful i* and just. m. 



SEPTEMBER 21.] 532 [EVENING. 

The blood of Jesus Cknst his Son elect nseth us from all 
sin J 1 John i. 7. 



Most precious truth for guilty sinners ! Lord, help us most 
deeply to consider what is implied in these words. 8-ee the 
exceeding sinfulness of sin. It has brought these dreadful evils 
upon us; the loss of God's image, obnoxiousness to his wrath, 
and a rejection from his presence. (L) We are by sin totally un- 
clean. Tha pollution of sin has brought the curse of Gods law 
upon us, armed his justice, shut his kingdom against us, and 
opened to us the gates of hell. The bitter cries and exquisite 
torments of the damned in hell, will eternally proclaim the ma- 
lignancy of sin. The everlasting songs of the saints in glory, 
will for ever proclaim the praises of the Lamb, who washed them 
from their sins in his own blood. (2) This proves the curse and 
defilement of sin. The blood of Jesus Christ, and that alone, 
cleanseth us from all its deepest stains. Oh the infinite love of the 
Son of God, to shed his blood for guilty sinners. Oh the infinite 
virtue of his precious blood, to cleanse us from all sin ! Remem- 
ber God's justice would have been eternally glorified, and thy 
soul eternally suffering his wrath due to thy sins, if the blood of 
his Son had not cleansed thee from all sin. Reflect on this, and 
say, canst thou think light of sin, or count the blood of Jesus of 
little value ? Oh see sin's crimson dye, in the purple gore of the 
Son of God, which was shed to atone for it, and cleanse from it. 
(3) ' Cleanseth us.' Not only hath cleansed, and shall cleanse, 
but it continually doth so. It removes all the tilth of sin from 
before God, and takes all the guilt of sin out of our consciences. 
So that we are perfectly clean, and without spot of sin in Gods 
sight, and perfectly freed from all condemnation for sin in our 
consciences. (4) ' The blood of Jesus Christ.' This means the 
last act of the tragedy, in the life of our anointed Saviour. His 
blood being the ransom of our souls, the price of our redemp- 
tion, and the expiation of our sins. (5) ' His Son :' the Son of 
God : very God of very God. Here let faith fix, and conscience 
be satisfied. Not only the blood of the Son of the Virgin, but 
it is the blood of the Son of God. Neither the greatness nor the 
number of sins can remain in their guilt, nor expose any sinner 
to wrath, who believes in the Son of God. No guilt so great 
but it can cleanse ; no stain so deep but it can purge. Unbe- 
lief shuts this blood out of the conscience. By faith we receive 
its cleansing virtue, and peaceful effects on our souls. 

Thy blood alone, Jehovah Man, Come, let us sing, adore and praise, 

Doth cleanse our souls from guilt of sin, Ye sinners who are foul as me, 

This precious truth we'd ever scan, The dying love, the precious grace. 

For peace and love and joy within Of Jesu's sufferings on the tree. m. 



SEPTEMBER 22.] 533 [MORNING. 

/ beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, 
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, accept- 
able unto God, which is your reasonable service. Rom. 
xii. 1. 



Just before our dear Saviour left his apostles, he gave them 
this commission, ' Preach the gospel ;' glad tidings of the ever- 
lasting love and mercy of God, in Christ, to poor sinners. By 
this truth, through the power of the Spirit, souls are brought to 
repentance, faith and salvation ; and by the sweet force and con- 
straining influence of the same truth, believers are to be ex- 
horted, animated, and stirred up to glorify God in their souls 
and bodies which are his. This was the apostle's practice. 
With what affection and love do they address the members of 
Jesus. The sound of wrath and terror, the thunderings of hell 
and damnation, are not used to soldiers in the camp of Jesus. 
No ; they are exhorted by love and ' mercy.' So we delight to 
hear ; and from these most powerful motives we cheerfully obey. 
We present our bodies a living sacrifice upon that altar which 
consecrates the gift, even Jesus, We are holy in him, accept* 
able unto God through him. We own it as ' our reasonable ser- 
vice:' we are not our own. We acknowledge it our bounden 
duty. Christ hath bought us with the price of bis own blood. 
Lord, give power to obey, and command what thou wilt. Con- 
sider, oh christian, while thy poor soul was dead in trespasses 
and sins, thy body a wretched slave to the drudgery of Satan 
and thy vile lusts. Now a better master demands its service. 
It is of God's mercies in Christ thy soul is quickened, and by 
the same mercies thou art required to yield thy body as a living 
sacrifice. It is now the temple of the Holy Ghost, therefore to 
be consecrated- to holy purposes. 

Was David so struck with the distinguishing favour of being 
a king, as to dance joyfully before the ark ? 2 Sam. vi, 14. Oh 
consider our eternal mercies in Christ, being kings and priests 
unto God. Meditate daily, hourly on this. How should it af- 
fect our hearts with love, raise our spirits in triumph, inflame 
our affections with zeal for God's glory. Our spiritual mercies 
are not common to ail. Carnal men are ignorant of, and despise 
them. Study then to approve yourselves as the peculiar, highly- 
distinguished favourites of heaven. As the elect of God, be 
clothed with humility : yet, as king's sons, live upon heavenly 
food, and act as those who dare not demean themselves by a 
practice below their royal dignity. ' He that saith he abideth 
in Christ, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.' 
1 John ii. 6. 

The tender mercies of tliv God, Thv sonl and body offer up, 

Daily recount my snul, A living; sacrifice, 

Oh 1m e and spread his praise abroad Holy to Gcd thro' Jesn's love : 

While love thy powers contioul Let nothing less suHice. v. 



SEPTEMBER 22.] 534 [EVENING. 

If ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 2 Pet. i. 10. 

What things ? Add to your faith, every christian grace and 
good work. If ye live in the exercise of grace, and the discharge 
of duty, ye shall never faiL But it is here plainly implied, if ye 
do not these things, ye certainly will fall. How fall? Into ail 
manner of sin: yea, and into hell too, if the Lord Christ keep 
you not. But he most assuredly will keep all his sheep from 
thus falling : for he has said, they shall never perish. I give 
unto them eternal life. But what evidence can any one have 
that he is of Christ's sheep, if he do not hear his voice, and 
obey his word? My dear fellow sinner, deceive not thy own 
soul. Beware of corrupt notions, and unscriptural ideas. It is 
most true, salvation is sure. Every one who believes in Christ 
shall most assuredly be saved. But there is as surely such a 
thing as living and walking close with Christ, cleaving to him 
with purpose of heart, cheerfully obeying him in love, and stu- 
dying to glorify him in righteousness and true holiness. And 
there is such a thing also as falling away from this lively exer- 
cise of grace, stedfastness in the faith of Christ, and warm love 
to him. Hence, great dishonour is brought upon the Lord, great 
grief to his dear disciples, and great darkness and distress upon 
the souls of such professors. Is it not to be dreaded, to have 
Christ withdraw himself? To have guilt, and fear and tenor, 
let loose upon thy conscience, while the enemy is saying, where 
is now thy God, thy Saviour, thy salvation ? Peter thus fell : 
David thus fell : saints in all ages have thus fallen. They have 
told us, and the sinner who writes these words can tell thee, 
somewhat of the gall and wormwood of this falling. Are you 
ready to say, this is very legal and very terrifying? Not legal : 
for this text is an evangelical exhortation. Much of the preci- 
ousness of gospel salvation lies in it. It is a means to keep from 
falling, and a spur to final perseverance. As to terror : take 
warning by the assertion, and thou hast nothing to dread from 
the consequence. Absolute declarations of salvation are to 
strengthen the faith, and comfort the hearts of God's people. 
Precious promises support them, suitable exhortations quicken 
their diligence. Assertions of their danger of falling are to con- 
vince them of their weakness, to excite their cry unto the Lord, 
and cause them to walk close with him, ' who is able to keep 
them from falling, and to present them faultless before the pre- 
sence of his glory with exceeding joy.' Jude 24. 

In Christ I stand, by faith I work, Fresh unction from thyself, dear Lord, 
Kroin Clirist I ne'er can fall : Pour out upon my heart : 

Uut if I'm careless in mv walk, Make me take heed unto thy word, 
I'm sure to £et j n thrall. Lest conscience feci the smart. >* 



SEPTEMBER 23.] 535 [MORNING. 

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst afte^ righteous- 
ness : for they shall be filled . Matt. v. 6. 

To thirst after happiness is natural ; to seek it from wrong- 
objects as natural, To desire to escape a hell of misery, and en- 
joy a place of happiness, is equally natural. If this may be 
called salvation, all men wish to be saved. The most wicked 
may wish to l die the death of the righteous, that their last end 
may be like his.' This, every man is capable of, as a rational, 
intelligent being : and many are striving to make themselves 
righteous in order to be saved. But to desire salvation in God's 
way, to hunger and thirst after Christ and his righteousness, is 
peculiar to the quickened only. The dead hunger not. Spiritual 
appetites spring from spiritual life. A natural man can as soon 
seek to fill his belly with the east wind, or allay his thirst with 
the sunbeams, as do this. 

To know ourselves to be miserable sinners, destitute of righ- 
teousness ; to believe Christ has obtained it for us, and to hun- 
ger and thirst after it; this lies at the foundation of true godli- 
ness, this enters into the very essence of our religion. Such 
self-emptied, hungry, and thirsty souls are blessed, for they shall 
be filled; filled with all the blessings of Jesus' everlasting righ- 
teousness, acceptance with God, pardon of sins, and peace from 
God; filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus 
Christ, with all the graces of God's Spirit on earth, and with all 
the fulness of God in glory. * This is the heritage of my servants, 
and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.' Isai. liv. 17. 
'The skies pour down righteousness, the faithful open their hearts 
to receive it.' Oh what delightful fellowship and intercourse subsist 
between heaven andearth; between hungry souls, and a righteous 
Jesus. Says Bishop Hall, If Jesus had not said, ' Blessed are 
those who hunger,' I know 7 not what could keep weak christians 
from despair. Many times, all I can do is to find and complain 
that I want Jesus; I wish to enjoy him. Now this is my stay ; he 
in mercy esteems us, not by having, but desiring also. There 
never was a soul miscarried with longing after grace. Oh blessed 
hunger that always ends in fulness. I am sorry I can but hun- 
ger, yet would not be full ; for the blessing is promised to the 
hungry.' As verily as the righteous Jesus wrought out righte- 
ousness for sinful man, all thirsty souls who come to him shall 
be filled with righteousness. For he ' fills the hungry with good 
things,' while ' he sends the rich, the self-righteous, empty away.' 
Luke i. 53. 

Our new-bora souh do ever crave Lord, fill our hungry tliirsly souls, 
For righteousness we'\e lost ; With satisfying food : 

That we in Jesus may be lound, Blest in thy merits may we be, 

And by him be made just. And pardoned by thv blood. m. 



SEPTEMBER 23.] 536 [EVENING. 

Jesus said, what manner of communications are these that 
ye have one to another, as ye walk and are sad. Luke xxiv. 
17. 



Time is the best physic for most diseases, whether of body 
or mind. A present hour may cause sadness, the next may 
bring joy. This is a living comfort, in saddest season. Christ 
knows both our sorrows, and the cause of them. He is always 
near to us, though we see him not. His sympathizing spirit ma- 
nifests itself in this question. Observe, (1) Here were two dis- 
ciples communing together, and reasoning with one another. 
This is right. It is pleasing to our Lord, to see his dear mem- 
bers converse with and strive to edify each other in the faith 
of him, and that they may bear each other's burdens. (2) 
Jesus joined company with them. Disciple, how often have 
you found it so ? Christ delights in the fellowship of his saints. 
* How can one be warm alone?' Eccles. iv. 11. (3) Christ en- 
quires of their conversation, and the cause of their sadness. Dis- 
ciples of Christ have their sad seasons. It is good that they 
should converse freely with one another about them. But 
whence do they spring ? Chiefly from unbelief. These poor 
souls were sad: why? They did not believe their Lord was 
risen. But, ah, there was another reason for sadness. They 
had basely forsaken, and cowardly deserted him. This also 
arose from the same cause, unbelief. Well, notwithstanding all 
this, oh the free grace of Christ ! (4) He follows them, though 
they forsook him : he owns them, though they denied him. He 
cares for them, though they shewed no care for him : he comes 
to comfort them, though they had grieved him. Says the prince 
of peace, ' Why are ye sad ?' Then they opened their minds to 
him. They told him of the ray of hope, and the gleam of con- 
fidence which they possessed. ' We trusted,' &c. But delays 
begot doubt. 'This is the third day ;' ver. 21. What was the con- 
sequence? Christ chides them for theirunbelief. He expounds the 
scriptures to them, and causes their hearts to burn within them. 
Oh christians, though you are perplexed in your mind, walk and 
are sad, yet forsake not the assembling of yourselves together. 
Expect and pray for your Lord's presence. This, like the rising- 
sun, will scatter the clouds of doubt, fear and sadness, which 
hang over your minds. Remember with the confidence of faith, 
and the joy of hope, your Lord's precious promise : * Where 
two or three are met together in my name, there am I in the 
midst of them.' Matt, xviii. 20. 

Oh Jesus in my saddest hours, When lost to God and dead in sin, 

Flelp me to look to thee ; Thy love sought after me ; 

And call up all my thinking 1 powers, Tho' saved, I've flesh and sin within, \ 

Of what thou art to me. * Mv comforts' all in thee. T* 



SEPTEMBER 24.] 537 [MORNING. 

There is, therefore now, no condemnation to them that are 
in Christ Jesus. Rom. viii. 1. 



Mr. Burkitt observes, ' this chapter is a summary of evange- 
lical duty, and a magazine of christian comfort: it begins with 
no condemnation to believers, and ends with no separation from 
the love of God.' It is natural to conceive, if we had never 
sinned, there would be no condemnation against us ; but, that 
now we are sinners, and naturally under the condemning sen- 
tence of God's holy law; yet that there is now no condemnation 
to us, this our carnal reason cannot conceive, and therefore op- 
poses it. But it is God's truth, and the joy of faith. This un- 
folds the great mystery, that we are one with Christ; viewed, 
beloved, and chosen in him. This gloriously displays the attri- 
butes of Jehovah's justice and holiness; while a full and ample 
discharge from all condemnation is obtained, from his righteous 
law, to all Christ's members. Therefore, that blessed name 
Jesus is above every name to us. In this and every other matter 
of salvation, to him every believer's knee will bow, and his heart 
confess, that Christ is all in all. Rich privilege to be in Christ 
Jesus. Unspeakable happiness to be freed from all condemna- 
tion. Blessed effects of covenant-union with Christ. Joyful 
experience of the grace of faith in him. To have such a know- 
ledge, and pass such a judgment upon thy soul, oh christian, is 
just and right. It is thy duty and privilege at all times: Prac- 
tise it. 

As to Jesus, how readest thou ? * The Lord hath laid upon 
him the iniquity of us all.' Christ bore our sins in his own body 
on the tree. Christ suffered, the just for the unjust. We have 
redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. He was 
made sin for us, who knew no sin.' Can we read all this with- 
out singing a triumphant challenge, 'Who then shall lay any 
thing to the charge of God's elect? God that justifieth V No : 
who is he that condemneth ? Christ that died, yea, rather that 
is risen again, who is ever at the right hand of God, who also 
maketh intercession for us?' Rom. viii. 33, 31. Here is the 
glorious triumph of faith. Thou art ' carnal, sold under sin.' 
Bom. vii. 14. In thy flesh dwelleth no good thing; though thou 
nast no reason for confidence in the flesh, yet always abundant 
cause to rejoice in Christ Jesus ; for in him thou art perfectly 
righteous ; in him for ever freed from all condemnation. Oh be- 
liever, thou art called ever to rejoice in this liberty, and to evi- 
dence it by walking, ' not after the flesh, but after the spirit.' 

Strange mystery of won'drous grace ! Oh may tlie precious faitti of this 
I'm full cf sin, yet not condemned, Daily enliven all mv powers 

I stand in Jesu's righteousness : To run the road to heavenly bliss, 

By trim from every sin redeemed. n Christ rejoicing all my hours. m. 



;j v, 



SEPTEMBER 24.} 538 [EVENING, 

There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger 
of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 
2 Cor. xii. 7. 



I dearly love Paul's experience, for there is so much of the 
artless simplicity of the poor humble sinner, such a dread of 
self-glorying, while it ever exalts the rich grace of the dear Sa- 
viour. Let us make a few remarks on it, and pray our dear Lord 
to bless them. (1) Here is a painful experience, * a thorn in his 
flesh/ What was that? Some say the cholic, others the ear- 
ach, others ihe head ach. If it was a bodily pain, we may as 
well guess the gout in his great toe. But would Paul have made 
such a-do, to have a bodily pain removed ? Would a bodily 
pain prevent soul exalting ? Surely it was somelhing more. It 
was the heart-ach. He plainly tells us it * was the messenger of 
Satan to buffet him.' His very soul was harrassed and sore dis- 
tressed by some violent temptation, injection, or suggestion from 
the devil ; either concerning his own state, or the truth as it is 
in Jesus. This was teazing, painful, and tormenting to him, as a 
thorn in the flesh. This brought him to a proper feeling of him- 
self, after his abundant revelations. He found that he was the 
subject of corruptions like another sinner. He had the irksome 
feelings of the ' flesh,' in which, he says, ' dwells no good thing/ 
Rom. vii. 18. He could not say as his Lord, ■ Satan cometh 
and hath nothing in me.' John xiv. 80. For he found in Paul 
an evil and corrupt nature to work upon : therefore he buffeted 
him from day to day. If you experience somewhat of this, be 
not dejected. Call not your state in question. Resist Satan, 
and cry to your Lord. For know with Paul, (2) ' It was given 
to me.' The Lord for wise and good end, in love to our souls, 
permits these buffetings. Satan thinks to destroy us, but the 
Lord hereby profits us. He suffers his dearest children, and ho- 
liest saints to be vexed by Satan, and all kinds of temptations. 
To what end? (3) f Lest I should be exalted above measure.' 
Could not so holy a saint as Paul be favoured with rich experi- 
ence of heavenly visions, without danger of being puffed up 
with pride by them ? See hence, oh believer, your danger. These 
pungent feelings bring down from our altitudes to humility. Then 
(4) Prize the throne of grace. Flee to your precious Lord, as 
Paul did. Lay all your distress before him. (5) Remember the 
precious answer he got from Christ: ' My grace is sufficient for 
thee.' As though he had said, you are not to live upon your 
self-exalting frames and feelings; but as a poor sinner, upon 
the all-sufficient grace of me, your precious Saviour. Thus self 
was laid low, and the Lord alone exalted in that day. Isai. 
ii 11. 



SEPTEMBER 25] ^ [MORNING. 

1 will put my fear' in their hearts, that they shall not de- 
part from me. Jer. xxxii. 40. 

I * will' and they ' shall.' Such is God's gracious way of sav- 
ing his people, while proud legal hearts, and self-righteous spi- 
rits, puft up with notions of free will, are ever contending for 
terms and conditions to be performed by dead sinners, in order 
to be saved ; or by creatures, insufficient of themselves to think 
a good thought, to secure and make effectual salvation to their 
own souls. But this ' fear' of God is a blessing of the covenant 
of grace. Naturally the fear of God is not in our hearts. It is 
one black mark of an unregenerate person, ' he has no fear of 
God before his eyes.' How awful, how deplorable is this. Yet 
naturally we fear not the power of the Lord, nor dread his wrath : 
nor are we at all sensible of our danger. What wonder of love, 
what matter of thankfulness, that the Lord hath put his fear in 
thy heart, oh christian. The fear of the Lord is the beginning 
of wisdom. It is perfectly consistent with the strongest faith, 
the most, inflamed love, and the highest spiritual joy. Though, 
by faith in Jesus, we are delivered from a servile slavish fear of 
God, which fills us with legal terrors, yet we are possessed with 
a filial loving fear towards him, as to a tender and affectionate 
Father. 

This fear shall dwell in the hearts of saints all their days. 
This fear keeps souls from sinning against the God of love The 
blessed effect of it is, that they shall l never depart from me,' 
saith the Lord. Thy soul, believer, being rooted and grounded 
in the truth as it is in Jesus, by the holy Spirit, expecting life 
and salvation through faith in him, shall * never depart' from 
this good old way of the Lord, into by-paths of human errors 
and destructive ways of total apostasy and final unbelief. The 
Lord's fear shall preserve thee in his truth. Though thine ene- 
mies, the world, the flesh, and the devil, should suprize thee into 
sin against thy Lord, or draw thee from sweet communion with 
him ; yet shalt thou fear to ' lie down in thy shame, while con- 
fusion covers*thee.' Thou shalt remember, Jesus ever lives to 
save to the uttermost all sinners who come unto God by him. 
Thou shalt fear to seek to any other object but him ; so shalt 
thou return by faith and repentance to him. f Happy is the man 
that feareth always,' Prov. xxviii. 14. 

Solvation is for ever nigh Christ's righteousness is gone before, 

The souls that fear and trust the Lord ; To give us free access to God ; 

And grace descending from on high, Our wandering feet shall stray no more, 

Fresh hopes of glory shall afford. Rut mark his steps and keep "the road 



SEPTEMBER 25. j 540 ^EVENING. 

When I am weak, e'en am I strong. 2 Cor. xii. 10. 

We have heard of Paul's revelations, exaltings, bufferings* 
and his praying : now of his humbling. He is brought down to 
his right place, low in himself; and to his right feelings, weak 
in himself. Hence we see the true nature and blessed end of 
christian experience. It keeps the soul from being puft up with 
pride, lest it fall into the condemnation of the devil. It sinks 
it low in humility, under a sense of weakness; and it leads it 
out of itself, to look for all its strength in Christ. Here the 
strength of faith is opposed to the weakness of sense, when 1 
am sensibly weak, then am I believingly strong. This, though 
a difficult lesson, yet is a precious one. (1) Do we see ourselves 
weak? Christ is held forth to us as our strength, and he calls 
upon us to be strong in him. ' Trust in the Lord for ever, for in 
the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.' Isai. xxvi. 4. But 
surely, folly is bound up in the heart of the weak. For instead 
of obeying, and trusting in him, how many are saying, I am the 
weakest of the weak. I have no might, no power. You are the 
very person here addressed : you can get no strength but from 
the Lord. By trusting in the Lord, you will say, though weak, 
I am strong : I have everlasting strength. Again, (2) To en- 
courage to this, the Lord commands, ' let the weak say, 1 am 
strong.' Joel. iii. 10. Let them believe it in their hearts, and 
confess it with their lips. What, if they find no strength in them- 
selves ? Yes, it is a command to the weak : yea, to the weakest 
of the weak. Then this exactly suits you and me. Here again, 
(3) ' Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the ever- 
lasting God, the Lord, giveth power to the faint; and to them 
who have no might, he encreaseth strength/ Isai. xl. 29. Here 
we are rebuked and reproved. Faint, and have no might : this 
is our state. Have you never heard, nor known, how the Lord 
dealeth with such? Oh look up to him. Though not sufficient 
of yourself to do any thing as of yourself, know that your suffi- 
ciency is of the Lord. Though we can do nothing of ourselves, 
yet we can do all things through Christ who strengthened us. 
Phil. iv. 13. How do we get strength from Christ? By believ- 
ing his promises, going to him in the faith of them, pleading 
them before him, and praying him to fulfil them in us. Thus 
we put our cause upon the strength of Christ's truth. He is 
faithful, he cannot deny us. He will say, ' According to your 
faith, be it unto you/- Matt. ix. 29. 



Wlien frames are warm, and comforts strong, Then Jesus sends some humbling sfroki 
Oh then we'ie mighty great : In love, to mar our pride, 

Self is the hero of our son^, That we may glory of his work, « 

Our weakness we forget. nd trust in nought besiot. at. 



SEPTEMBER 26.] 541 [MORNING 

For we who have believed, do enter into rest. Heb. iv. 3. 



When Christ is known and believed on in the heart, ease and 
rest are enjoyed in the conscience : therefore Jesus is esteemed 
a precious Saviour. The operations of the Spirit prove that he 
is the Comforter, by thus leading us to Christ: hence faith and 
experience go hand in hand. There remaineth for the people of 
God a rest, perfect and uninterrupted in glory. We have the 
earnest of the inheritance of it on earth : by faith we enter into 
it : and while we abide in Jesus, we enjoy rest. Who is able 
to conceive ; who can describe the tumult of conscience, the 
distress of soul, under a feeling sense of sin and fear of wrath ? 
None can, but the heart which knows its own bitterness. Who 
can express the sweet peace, the calm repose of that soul, who 
finds rest in Jesus'? It is a joy which a stranger intermeddles 
not with. 

It was God's command under the law, l When a man hath 
taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war for one year.' Deut. 
xxiv. 5. This is sometimes the case with the children of faith. 
When they are first married to the Lamb, and have just entered 
into his rest, the sound of war is not heard in their camp for a 
season. Jesus keeps their souls in undisturbed repose ; no ene- 
my is suffered to annoy them. The joyful sound of the jubilee 
L\impet proclaims in their heart full freedom and sweet liberty 
from the guilt of sin, the bondage of the law, and the tyranny 
of Satan. Hence they are apt to conclude that their enemies 
are all dead, and they shall see war no more ; but it is not so ; 
our enemies live and are mighty. Bless Jesus for rest; fear not 
thine enemies ; know thou must continue in the militant state 
whilst in the flesh ; but here is the mystery of faith, to triumph 
in the victory of Jesus. Whilst all are in arms against the soul, 
though troubled, distressed, perplexed on every side ; fightings 
without, fears within ; although there is no rest from any other 
quarter, yet it is the sweet privilege of disciples to rest in Jesus. 
Saith Paul to his dear children, ' You, who are troubled, rest 
with us/ 2 Thess. i. 7, Abide in Jesus, rest satisfied ; shortly 
your Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, to destroy all your 
enemies, and to make you for ever happy in his rest in glory. 
Disciple, indulge not a, murmuring thought against thy sove- 
reign ; expect no rest any where but in him- If the world smiles, 
it is pleasing to the flesh, but it often proves a snare to the soul ; 
therefore saith thy ever-loving Jesus, ' In the world you shall 
have tribulation;' that is his legacy. Here is thy rich, thy 
never-failing portion, ' In me you shall have peace.' John 
xvi. 33. 



SEPTEMBER 26.] 542 [evening. 

Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. 
John xx. 20. 



' Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the 
eyes to behold the sun.' Eccles. xi. 7. But oh how much more 
sweet and pleasant to see the light, and behold the glory of the 
Sun of righteousness. This inspisres the heart with gladness. 
These disciples had lost their dear Lord, and mourned in dark- 
ness for his absence. Tongue cannot tell their inexpressible joy, 
at seeing him again. Their sight was by the eye of sense ; ours 
is by the eye of faith. Yet our sight is not less real than theirs, 
and it brings the same gladness to our hearts also : therefore it 
is highly prized by us. For we can neither live comfortably, 
walk holily, nor die happily, without seeing the Lord Christ. 
(1) A sight of Christ by faith, brings peace to the conscience. 
There is ever a war within, between the flesh and the spirit, 
grace and nature, the old man and the new. The motions of sin 
in our members are ever warring against the law of holiness in 
our minds. Wicked nature, is like the troubled sea, which can- 
not rest; it is continually casting up mire and dirt. But the 
winds and seas of corrupt nature obey Christ. He says, peace, 
be still, and there is a great calm in the soul. Christ is our 
peace: he hath made peace with God by his blood. Pie makes 
and keeps peace in our souls by his presence. Our stubborn 
lusts will fight and reign, if Christ be absent from our hearts : 
therefore we cannot but be glad when we see the Lord. (2) The 
sight of Christ quells our doubts, and dispels our fears. Our 
poor hearts, seeing sin and all manner of evil dwelling in us, 
are ready to fear and doubt, whether we are the children of God 
or not. But when we see Christ by faith, our consciences are 
satisfied : our minds are divinely assured, that Christ hath re- 
deemed us to God by his blood. We then cry. out, this is our 
beloved and our friend, in whom we have redemption, even the 
forgiveness of our sins. We believe and are sure that he is the 
Christ of God, the Saviour of sinners. (3) The sight of Christ 
gives victory over death, opens the kingdom of heaven to our 
view, and gives us to see a smiling God and Father, ready to 
receive and embrace us. O most joyful sight ! If so, oh chris- 
tian, beware, beware of gratifying your sight with any vain, sin- 
ful and carnal pleasures. These will draw away your sight, and 
take off the attention of your minds from looking unto Jesus, 
and prevent your gladness of heart, and joy of soul in and from 
him. ' Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity. Psal. 
cxix. 37. 

A. sight of tliee, my Saviour dear, Repeat lliy visits o'er and o'er, 
Makes glad my mournful heart, While in this vale I dwell. 

Expels my doubts, brings heaven near, That 1 may view thee every hoar, 
And sensual joys depart. Who saved my soul from hell. **. 



SEPTEMBER 27.] 543 [MORNING. 

Thus saith the Lord God, Behold I lay in Zion for a 
foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a 
sure foundation : he that believeth shall not make haste, Isai. 
xxviii. 16. 



A day is coming when every man's work shall be tried. The 
foundation of the Lord stands sure ; but every other foundation 
shall be destroyed. He who is built on Jesus, and derives all 
his hopes of life and salvation from him, is safe in time, and se- 
cure to all eternity. Before men begin to build, they draw a 
plan ; and every wise builder looks carefully to the foundation ; 
for on this depends the safety of the superstructure. 

The plan of salvation was drawn in the eternal council. It is 
founded in the love of the Father, effected by the obedience and 
sufferings of his Son Jesus. Hence what was contrived in infi- 
nite wisdom above, is laid as a sure foundation in the church 
below, by the love and power of the Spirit the Comforter. It is 
his peculiar office to lay this foundation in Zion, and to mani- 
fest and make known to the prophets and apostles, teachers and 
saints, that Jesus is the only foundation. As a stone, for strength ; 
a tried stone, approved of by the Father, and by his children in 
all ages ; a precious corner-stone ; the ornament and beauty, as 
well as strength and security of the whole church. Precious is 
Jesus in all his offices to them that believe, a sure foundation ; 
sure to all the seed, certain to all the purposes of their salvation. 
And as the Lord the Spirit lays this foundation in the church, 
in the truth of doctrine, so also in the faith and experience of 
redeemed souls. 

What the word speaks of Jesus, that we prove and find him 
to be. This is our mercy. ' He that believeth shall not make 
haste.' Such is his serenity and composure of mind, that he 
shall not be frightened in times of distress and calamity, to quit 
his confidence in Jesus— he shall not be ashamed of his hope in 
the Lord. Being well satisfied that Jesus reigns, that the go- 
vernment of his church is upon his shoulders, and the residue of 
the Spirit is with him, he will patiently wait, and quietly hope 
for the fulfilment of every promise. Sin and Satan shall not 
overcome the believer in life ; in the awful article of death, he 
shall not be confounded/ because his heart standeth fast, believ- 
ing in the Lord ; and when Jesus his friend appears, he shall 
stand forth with boldness, and shall find an abundant entrance 
into the presence of God and the Lamb, to live, and love, and 
reign in glory for ever and ever. 

Oh for a strong and lasting failh To build npon God's only Son, 

To credit what th' Almighty saith, d call liis righteousness my own. 



SEPTEMBER 2?.] 544 [K7ENING. 

/ know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good 
thins . Rom. vii. 18. 



This is the knowledge which puffeth not up ; but like love, it 
edifieth the soul in deep humility ; while it excites overflowing 
gratitude in the heart to Christ for his righteousness, to justify 
such vile sinners It is the knowledge of regenerate souls. ' I 
know,' not only doctrinally, in notion and theory ; but it is a 
confirmed truth, by heart felt experience. I know it from day 
to day. I have proved it again and again. 1 am as fully as- 
sured of it, as I am of my own existence, l that in my flesh 
dwelleth no good thing.' Paul's judgment of himself was con- 
firmed by experience. But was not Paul a most eminent apos- 
tle, and holy saint? Yes: still he confesses publicly before 
God, angels and men, that he was the subject of a nature which 
is earthly, sensual and devilish. If no good thing dwelt in his 
flesh, is it not implied, that every evil dwelt there? Doubtless, 
he would be so understood. Then were evil thoughts, murders, 
adulteries, blasphemies, in the flesh of this holy saint? Yes, 
his knowledge of the total corruption of his fallen nature, agrees 
with his Lord's doctrine. Matt. xv. 19. He had been a murderer 
and a blasphemer by practice. Then he was in a state of ignor- 
ance and unbelief. But now he was regenerated, his state 
changed, and his practice altered, therefore, surely his flesh 
could not be so bad. Yes, it was, just the same : the flesh, the 
old man, the corrupt fallen nature is, and ever will be the same 
in the regenerate. ' It ever lusts against the Spirit/ Gal. v. 17. 
Why is this woeful experience of Paul's left upon record ? For 
our profit. (1) That we might judge and try ours by it. If we 
are taught by the same Spirit, we shall have the same humbling 
views of our flesh. Our flesh is not worse than Paul's, nor was 
his one whit better than ours. If we are left in nature's pride, 
we shall join the ignorant cry of those who say, ' all who are con- 
vinced of sin, greatly undervalue themselves.' (2) Not to be 
cast down with despondency, nor give way to despairing- 
thoughts, though we find every evil, and nothing but evil in our 
flesh. For this cures us of all confidence in the flesh. This we 
are prone to : but this opposes the faith of the gospel. (3) Look 
out, and go entirely out of yourself: look wholly to, and trust 
entirely in the Lord Jesus and his righteousness, that though 
you have no confidence in the flesh, you may ever rejoice in him. 
This is the character and conduct of true believers. Phil. iii. 3. 
(4) Adore the holy Spirit, who when you had no goodness to 
deserve it, no meetness to qualify for it, but all in you to oppose 
it, gave you a new birth into Christ, in whom you have every 
spiritual good. Therefore, ' walk in the Spirit, and ye shall 
not fulfil the lust of the flesh.' Gal. v. 1G. 



SEPTEMBER 28.] 545 [.MORNING. 

But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, whom the Fa- 
ther will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and 
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have 

said unto you. John xiv. 26. 



Our blessed Lord here gives us the clearest discovery of the 
ever-glorious three persons, in covenant, for the salvation of 
lost sinners. In this knowledge lies all our hope ; from this be- 
lief springs all our comfort. In the love of this, our heaven is 
begun on earth ; for the knowledge, belief, and love of this truth 
in our hearts, we are wholly indebted to the Comforler. He 
teaches all things. Not by any new lights or fresh revelations; 
but he graciously instructs our minds and comforts our hearts, 
by the same light of truth and love which beamed forth in the 
first promise, and which shone brighter and brighter in prophe 
cies, types and shadows of the covenant, until Jesus the sub- 
stance was come. Then the canon of revealed truth was com- 
pleted by the apostles, under the teaching of the holy Spirit ; 
the substance of which is, the things which Jesus spake, did, 
and suffered on our account, as our substitute, and for our sal- 
vation. 

It is the peculiar office of the Spirit to glorify Jesus, and to 
sauctify our souls. This he doth by the word of truth ; teaching 
our minds the Father's electiug love, as centering in Jesus, and 
directing our eyes to him, as made of God to us, wisdom, righ- 
teousness, sanctiflcation, and redemption. Let no man deceive 
us with expectations of any new revelations from heaven, of 
new truths to comfort us, but ever hear Paul : ' Though we or 
an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than 
that ye have received, let him be accursed.' Gal. i. 8. Let us 
prize and study God's word ; in and by that the Spirit teacheth 
and comforteth our minds ; in everlasting love and the most 
ancient truth he establisheth us ; we are poor sinners from day 
to day ; we feel many things in and around us to deject and dis- 
tress us. When we remember what sin hath done to us, brought 
upon us, and exposed us to, our hearts are in fear and doubt 
what will become of us. Oh then the Comforter brings to our 
minds and consciences the transcendently rich love of Jesus ; 
what he undertook, spoke, and did in life, suffered in death, and 
still lives to plead in our behalf before the -throne. Oh the heart- 
felt joy of this ! So he relieves our minds and refreshes our spi- 
rits, through the faith of Jesus, in the knowledge of the truth ; 
^o he teaches us self*despair, animates us with courage to go on 
in the path of holiness, and fortifies our minds to withstand all 
that is against us. ' Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby 
ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.' Ephes. iv. 30. 



4 A 



SEPTEMBER 28.] 54(> [EVENING. 

If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin, but 
the spirit is life because of righteousness . Rom. viii. 10. 

Paul was an experimental teacher. He applies himself to 
the heart, he appeals to the conscience, he aims to quicken and 
animate the soul, and to draw out the affections to Christ, from 
what it had inwardly experienced of the grace of Christ. Oh 
christians, let this be your study, when you meet and talk toge- 
ther. Yea, often do as David did : converse freely with your 
own soul. *■ If Christ be in you :' that is, dwells in your heart 
by faith. If you have an inward approbation of him, delight in 
him, and love to him in your heart : if you believe in him as the 
Son of God, anointed by the Holy Ghost, to be the only Re- 
deemer, Justifier, and Saviour of perishing sinners — what then? 
I will tell you, says Paul, what will be the experience of your 
heart. (1) ' The body is dead because of sin.' You will find, 
and groan under, the weight of a dead body, when in your most 
solemn duties; yea, and in your best frames too, you will find 
its deadness, and feel its pressure. So that, as one says, a chris- 
tian is often weary in, though never weary of serving God. 
Because of sin, the body is dead to all spiritual delights. It 
has no relish but for carnal joys, and earthly pleasures. It is 
under the sentence of the law to death, because of sin. No good 
thing dwells in the flesh : expect none from it. Be content to 
leave it dead to spiritual purposes, as you found it. Do not 
gratify, but mortify it. Be not discouraged under this irksome 
sense and feeling. Rejoice: it is from experience, (2) That 
4 the Spirit is life because of righteousness.' Sin, and the loss 
jf righteousness, brought death upon body and soul. A sinless 
man, with perfect righteousness, restores life to the soul. Some 
talk of their own righteousness, and the work of the Spirit upon 
the soul : and yet deny the obedience, and righteousness of 
Christ's life ' for us.' This is contrary to the faith of the gospel. 
We find our souls alive to God, we own it is by the Spirit of 
God, because of the righteousness of the Son of God. There- 
fore we live by his righteousness, live upon him, and live to him, 
who wrought it out for us. This is the life of the soul, the life 
of faith. Oh what a special mercy for the soul to be alive to 
God : what joy, under a sense of all deadness, dejection, short 
comings and imperfections, to have the perfectly glorious righ- 
teous of Christ to plead before God ! For though we are not 
righteous in ourselves, yet, ' Christ of God is made unto us righ- 
teousness.' 1 Cor. i. 30. 

What tlio' we find the body dead, Christ in us lives by precious faith, 

Under the curse of law : The life of every grace : » 

We're righteous in our living- head, We feast with joy on what he saitb, 

From hence we comforts draw. We soon shall see his face. m 



SEPTEMBER 29.] 547 [MORNING. 

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, tc 
live after the flesh. Rom. viii. 12. 

Christianity teaches us to owe no man any thing. He is a, 
prudent man who keeps his accounts clear, and knows to whom 
he is indebted ; he is a grateful man who acknowledges favours 
with just sentiments. If this is necessary and commendable in 
the ceconomy of this short life, how much more so in things of 
a spiritual and eternal nature. How wise, how just is it to fen- 
der to all their dues. If we are debtors to the flesh, let us serve 
that ; but if debtors to the Lord, it is then our duty and privi- 
lege to serve him. What owest thou, oh christian, to the flesh ? 
Verily, neither suit nor service : but alas, thou hast obeyed its 
sinful motions, gratified the corrupt lusts (hereof: and what hast 
thou reaped for it but shame and sorrow. These are the only 
fruits that sin and folly bear. The flesh with its corruptions and 
lusts, is at enmity to thy God, and at war against thy soul. Wil- 
lingly to give place to such an enemy, to fulfil the lusts and live 
after the sinful desires of the flesh, will most assuredly weaken 
thy confidence in Jesus, and bring death upon thy peace and 
comfort ; yea, ' if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die. ' The Lord 
strengthen us daily to deny its demands, and to mortify its lusts ! 
We are not debtors to the flesh, but to the spirit; debtors, in an 
immense sum of love and gratitude ; time can never discharge 
it. With inexpressible joy and delight we shall ever be paying, 
but never discharge this debt, through a never-ending eternity. 

The gospel of the grace of God is no licentious doctrine ; it 
sets at liberty, it is true ; but it is from the most galling yoke, 
and most servile drudgery to sin and lusts ; yet it binds the soul 
in the sweetest bonds of grateful service and loving obedience 
to Jesus, the best of masters. What owest thou to the Spirit, 
oh christian ? Write upon thy heart, even all thy present peace, 
all thy future hopes; for he it is who convinced thee of sin, re- 
vealed to thee the love of God in Christ, gave thee power to be 
lieve on Jesus, and grace to repent. He fills thee with joy and 
peace in believing, he bears witness with thy spirit, and assures 
thee of thine adoption, that thou art a child of God. It is through 
his influence only that thou art able to mortify the deeds of the 
flesh, to love thy God an,d Saviour, and live to his glory. And 
canst thou deliberately grieve the Spirit, this blessed inhabitant, 
this loving comforter, by yielding service to thy inbred enemy? 
Oh with what fire of indignation against lust, with what warmth 
of affection to his God doth Joseph cry out, under the solicita- 
tions of a strong temptation. How can 1 do this great wicked- 
ness? and what?— sin against the best of masters, against my 
own soul? No, but against my most kind, most loving, and 
eternal friend, the Lord my God ? Gen, xxxix. 9. 



SEPTEMBER 29.] 548 [EVENING 

We are perplexed, but not in despair. 2 Cor. iv. S 

God's dear children have not all the same clear judgment of 
truth. They are not all of* one mind, nor of the same sentiment 
in all points. Yet they all have one Lord, one faith, -and one 
hope. And there is a uniformity in their experience, in regard 
to the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the depravity of their nature, 
their perplexities from the world, the flesh, and the devil ; their 
love of the scriptures, and the exceeding preciousness of Christ. 
This proves that they are taught by one and the same Spirit. 
We have perplexities of a spiritual nature, besides those in com- 
mon with others, which natural men are utter strangers to. These 
are no weak evidences of our spiritual birth. To be perplexed 
with a body of sin and death, with a sense of unbelief, with 
deadness, formality, wanderings in spiritual duties, with Satan's 
temptations, injections, accusations, corrupt reasonings, and 
carnal pleadings : the feeling all these makes it manifest, that 
the soul is born of God, and alive to God. For when dead in 
sin, we felt nothing of them. How exceeding absurd and fool- 
ish then, do many act? Because thus perplexed, they are ready- 
to give up hope, cast away confidence, and deny that they are 
God's children. But their sense of these things, and groaning 
under them, are evident tokens of salvation. l Perplexed, but 
not in despair.' Take heed of giving the least way to despair, 
of desponding, of letting go your confidence in Christ, of giving 
up for one moment the least degree of hope in Christ. For con- 
sider the evil of this : you hereby slight the everlasting love of 
God the Father to sinners, you dishonour the work and salva 
tion of the Son of God for sinners, you grieve the holy Spirit 
the Comforter of sinners, you disregard the gospel of grace, the 
glad tidings to sinners ; and set at nought all God's precious 
promises in Christ to sinners. You give the enemy all possible 
advantage over you. He stands, and cries, There, there, so 
would I have it. You give sin all its strength against you ; you 
perplex, distress, and darken your own soul, whereby you are 
hindered of running the way of God's commands with love and 
delight. A thousand evils are connected with indulging despon- 
dence. Away then with ail false humility : it is devilish. Hold 
fast this * faithful saying, for it is * worthy of all acceptation,' 
at all times, under all circumstances, 'that Jesus Christ came 
into the world to save sinners.' 1 Tim. i. 15. Till the devil can 
blot that truth out of God's word, or make you any thing worse 
than a sinner; you, as a quickened sinner, have the same rea- 
son as Paul, or any other apostle, to say, • I am always confi- 
dent ' 2 Cor. v. 6. 



SEPTEMBER 30.] 549 [MORNING. 

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace 
reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Christ Je- 
sus our Lord. Rom. v. 21. 



Sin, like some mighty conqueror, hath obtained victory, and 
reigns over the whole human race. All men are naturally under 
and well pleased with its reign and government; but sovereign 
almighty grace dethrones this usurping monarch in the hearts of 
the elect ; triumphs over its spoils and conquests, delivers their 
captive souls from its dominion, and reverses the sentence of 
death they were under. All this is effected in a just and righte- 
ous way ; for though salvation is all of grace to poor sinners, 
yet eternal life is a just debt, due to the blood and righteousness 
of Jesus Christ. He hath a right to challenge it from the hands 
of justice, and he doth so by promise. - Father, I will that 
they whom thou hast given me, be with me where i am.' John 
xvii. 24. 

To think of doing something to procure the favour of God, 
and entitle ourselves to eternal life ; this we are prompted to 
from the pride of our natures, and the unbelief of our hearts. 
But such notions ever oppose the gospel of grace, resist the Spi- 
rit of truth, degrade the glory of Jesus, depreciate the perfection 
of his finished work, and make the God of truth a liar. But thou, 
oh believer, art not saved without a perfect righteousness, in 
perfect obedience to the law of God ; and through faith in Je- 
sus, thou hast a just challenge, a humble claim, founded upon 
his righteousness, to eternal life. Oh the rich triumphs of abound- 
ing love : how glorious is the victory of sovereign grace Soul, 
thou must sink into nothing at its discovery, yet rise into a glo- 
rious subject, from the knowledge and experience of it. Grace 
reigns over all the aboimdings of sin ; here is our hope, through 
the righteousness of Christ, over all our unrighteousness ; here 
is our justification in Gods sight, unto eternal life ; here is our 
triumph over the wages of sin and death. Oh sinner, destitute 
of righteousness in thyself, grace demands the daily study and 
joy of thy heart; grace demands the whole devotion of thy life, 
Give all the glory where only it is justly due; to the Father, for 
everlasting consolation and good hope through grace. The more 
thou art enabled to live, upon the divine truth and faithfulness 
of the covenant, as revealed in the word., and shining with full 
lustre in the person of Jesus, thou wilt become dead to every 
hope but him ; out of conceit with all righteousness but his, and 
thou wilt be singing in triumph with the church, ' I will greatly 
rejoice in the Lord ; my soul shall be joyful in my God ; for he 
hath clothed me in the garments of salvation, and with the robe 
of righteousness.' Tsai. Ixi 20. 



SEPTEMBER 30.] 550 [EVENING. 

/ am like a green jir-tree : from me is thy fruit found 
Hosea xiv. S. 



Here is a sweet dialogue, between the Lord and Ephraim, 
which signifies growing. The Lord had just before said, e l will 
be as the dew unto Israel.' See the effects of this grace. 
Ephraim says, * What have I to do any more with idols ?' Now 
I find my Lord, and my love in my heart, get hence, ye cursed 
idols ; my vile lusts, and that vain idol, the work of my hands^ 
my own righteousness. 1 abhor the former. I trample on the 
latter. 1 bemoan my folly in taking up with them so long. The 
Lord graciously answers, ' I have heard him,' his moans and 
complaints. * And observed him,' with complacency and de- 
light returning to me. Oh ever gracious, long-suffering, loving 
friend of sinners ! 'lam like a green fir-tree/ Who says this ? 
Commentators say, Christ. But I would rather boldly presume, 
than boldly assert, that they are the words of the believer: for 
thus the dialogue is kept up. Naturalists say, the fir-tree is of 
itself unfruitful. If so, we may suppose the believer saying to 
his Lord, I find ray soul is alive. 1 do grow. I am a tree of 
righteousness of thy planting, that thou mayest be glorified. 
Isa. lxi. 3. But, ' I am like a green fir-tree.' I bear leaves. I can 
bring forth no fruit of myself. I long to be fruitful to thy glory. 
To which Christ replies, 'From me is thy fruitfound.' Oh we 
can never be too often reminded of this ; it beats down pricie ; 
it keeps us humble before, dependent on, and grateful to, out- 
dear Lord. (1) Christ hath brought forth all rich fruit to us, to 
comfort us : adoption to ennoble us, righteousness to justify us, 
blood to cleanse us, holiness to sanctify us, and heaven to glo- 
rify us. (2) All the graces of the Spirit in us : faith to come to 
and abide in him, love to delight our souls in him, hope to ex- 
pect all from him. (3) All our fruits of righteousness are from 
him. Being married to him we bringforth fruit unto God. Rom. 
vii. 4 All our fruits of righteousness are by Jesus Christ, to the 
glory of God. Phil i. 11. Oh then it should beourchief,ourcon- 
stant concern, to keep our faith in lively exercise upon Christ, 
that we may have a clear sight of our union to him, and a happy 
sense of communion with him. Out of his fulness we receive 
all supplies. Remember this criterion of thy Lord's. Oh that 
it may quicken our diligence, influence our conduct, andanimate 
our zeal in the ways of holiness. * By their fruits ye shall know 
them.' Matt. vii. 20. 

All my salvation is in Christ : Hence I by faith on Christ will live, 

From him are all my fruits That Christ may live in me : 

All other notions I resist, So every grace shall spring and thrive, 

This barren nature suits And I not barren be. M 



OCTOBER 1 ] 551 

Casting all your care upon him, for he caretk for you 
I Pet. v. 7. 



We are called to confess Jesus in a day of outward serenity. 
The fury and rage of persecution are restrained. Bonds and im- 
prisonments do not await us. Yet we must not think to be ex- 
empt from trials and difficulties of various kinds. Our adver- 
sary is not dead. Nature's lusts and corruptions are alive, and 
daily fight against us. The love of Jesus is ever accompanied 
with the world's hatred. His disciples are not stoics. They 
feel the exercise of these things. Sometimes it may be their lot, 
like the disciples, to be in the midst of a sea of troubles : tossed 
with the waves of difficulties : the wind of providence appearing 
contrary : and to the eye of nature and sense, Jesus seems asleep 
to their sorrow's ; as though he intermitted in his kind love to 
them and tender care over them. Here is our trial of faith. But 
this grace never consults nature and appearances; it looks 
through all, to the everlasting love and almighty power of Je- 
sus; knowing that he can save from the uttermost depth of dis- 
tress, and exalt to the extremest height of comfort. 

Thus triumphs the church under all her tribulations, " I will 
look unto the Lord : I will wait for the God of my salvation : 
my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy : 
when I fall, I shall rise ; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall 
be a light unto me/ (Micah vii. 7, 8.) Sweet confession of faith, 
under most discouraging views. For while the Lord careth for 
us, what can harm us? And, while we cast our every care on 
him, we obey his will, honour his word, and gather from that 
heavenly plant the blessed fruit of heart-ease. How composed 
did the three children of faith stand before the wrathful mon- 
arch? How easy were their minds under the dreadful threaten- 
ing of a fiery furnace! How calm their reply ! " O king, we are 
not careful to answer thee in this matter." The Lord careth for 
us. We cast all our care upon him. Ever judge of Jesus' care 
for sinners by his love to them. Ever remember, while we were 
enemies, his blood atoned for our sins? O how unreasonable 
is unbelief! But, if we had no corruptions to conflict with, no 
troubles to exercise us, no burdens to bow us down, no cares to 
be.set us, no fears to attend us, great part of God's word would 
be useless. And as we are not to expect total freedom from 
these, the exhortations of the word are suited to our state, and 
direct to a loving friend, whose kind invitation, under every dis- 
tress, is, " Come unto me." Matt. xi. 28. 

Oil why, ray soul, do anxious cares I cannot happy be, but while 

Thy burden daily prove ? I in God's word can see 

God cares for thee, cast thy affairs His countenance, with loving smiie, 

On him who deigns to love. Through Christ, a smile for me. w. 



OCTOBER I.] 552 [EVENING. 

But ivas in all points tempted like as we are, yet without 
sin. Heb. iv. 15. 



Oh says a soul in heaviness, through manifold temptations, 
surely no one was ever tempted and tried as I am : St. Paul an- 
swers to the contrary. ' There hath no temptation taken you, 
but such as is common to men/ 1 Cor. x. 13. Is this any relief 
and support to you? If not, consider the text. (1) Temptation 
was common to Christ as man. He was tempted in all points 
like as we are. View him beset by Satan. See the hellish arts he 
practised upon him. He tempted him to the lust of the eye — to 
self-murder — to idolatry — to distrust God— to tempt God — yea, 
in all points, like as we are. You cannot feel a trial or temp- 
tation, but what Christ felt before you. Though he had no sin 
in his nature for Satan to work upon, yet, he doubtless felt all 
the assaults, which the power and malice of hell could attack 
him with, yet without sin. Therefore, temptations are not sin. 
(2) Tho.ugh as God, Christ knew all things intuitively, yet he 
could only as a man have a feeling, experimental sense of the 
nature and power of temptations. (3) This is very comfortable 
to his tried, tempted members. For he is ' touched with a feeling 
of our infirmities.' ' Being tempted himself, he is able to suc- 
cour them who are tempted.' Heb. ii. 18. Oh think of this un- 
der all your temptations and trials. What! did Christ feel all 
that I feel before him, and for me ? Had he the most lively sense 
and pungent feelings of temptation ? And was all to this end, 
that he might be able to succour me ? Think, oh my soul, thy 
crowned Head in glory feels for all his tempted members on 
earth. Consider Jesus, once a MAN as thou art, and now, as 
seeing thy distressed, panting heart, and labouring breast, bowed 
down with one temptation after another. Methinks I hear him 
say, Thus it was with me, when in the flesh. My heart yearns, 
my bowels move with tender compassion, to that my brother, 
in flesh. I am touched with a tender sympathy for him. Is it 
so ? Then do not keep the devil's secrets. Does he tempt thee 
from day to day, with some vile, filthy, cursed lust? Go and 
lay all in thine heart open to the Lord. Be neither afraid nor 
ashamed. Christ, knows what sore temptations mean, for he has 
felt the same. Confess the vile, abominable, hellish lusts, and 
corruptions of thy nature. Remember, ever remember, Christ's 
blood is the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Zecb. 
xiii. 1. 

Temptations black beset my soul, My soul, be not dismav'd at this, 
And often make me start : Thy Lord did feel the same; 

How can this be, if grace controul, Satan doth strive to mar thy peace, 
Tint I should feel such smart. But Christ hath conquer d him. m 






OCTOBER 2.] 553 [MORNING. 

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and 
you in me, and I in you. John xiv. 20. 

' To every thing there is a season, and a time for every pur- 
pose under the sun.' ' God hath made every thing beautiful in 
its time.' Eccles. iii. 1, 11. In the beginning of time, God crea- 
ted all things by Jesus Christ. In the fulness of time, the Son 
of God was made flesh ; dwelt among us for a time ; and at the 
end of it finished salvation for lost sinners. The man Jesus ever 
lives in glory, and therefore his members must be made spiritu- 
ally alive upon earth. To him they must all be gathered. There 
is a day of grace appointed them. A time, a set time, to favour 
them. Psal. ex. 3. A day of power, wherein they are made will- 
ing to come to Jesus, choose him for their only Saviour, and 
trust in him as their only hope. Various are the spiritual sta- 
tures of God's children. Different are their degrees of light, 
faith, knowledge, and love. As in the creation, in the first day's 
work, light was produced, perhaps small and glimmering, but 
that glorious luminary the sun was not until the fourth day ; so 
it is in the new creation of souls. Our Lord's first disciples had 
light enough to see him, come to him, and follow him as the true 
Messiah : yet it is amazing to read how dark and confused their 
minds were, about many things which concerned his person, 
sufferings, and kingdom. It is just the same now. Many of 
his sincere disciples are but weak in faith ; know very little of 
this great mystery, that Christ and his Father are one ; that 
Christ is in the Father— that they are in Christ, and he in them. 
Hence, they are often perplexed and hmrassed in their minds 
with doubts and fears. Still they cleave to Jesus. They love 
to hear of his precious name and glorious salvation. Their 
hearts can be satisfied with nothing else. Hence it is most plain 
the light hath shined, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon 
them. But they must follow on to know the Lord. There shall be 
a day of Pentecost: a day of meridian light wherein they shall 
know even as they are known — assuredly know that there is a 
mutual indwelling of 'Christ in them, and they in him ; for the 
Spirit will bear witness to their spirits that they are the children 
of God.' Rom. viii. 16. Most sweetly says Mr. Rutherford, ' I 
am sure my well beloved is God. And when I say Christ U 
God, and my Christ is God, I have said all things, f can say 
no more. I would I could build as much on this, my Christ i-; 
God, as it w T ould bear. I might lay all the world on it.' 'I 
will have nothing to do with an absolute God,' says Luther. 

Lord, I believe tbv word, and wait To kuow the Father in the Son, 

To see that joyful hour, And see myself in Christ : 

When I shall fully know my state, To know that Christ and I are one, 

Bv thv good Spirit's pow'r. Will make me fully hlest. 



4 B 



OCTOBER 2.] 554 [evening 

He wist not that the Lord wa; departed from him. 
Judg. xvi. 20. 

What do I read ? Samson's name enrolled in the list of the 
ancient heroes of faith ? Heb. xi. 32. What ! he who loved 
a harlot, and was so blinded by his lust, as to bring on himself 
the most dreadful evils, even unto death ? Yes. Grace reigned 
then. It reigns still, through the righteousness of Christ unto 
sinners. What ! That they should continue in sin, because grace 
abounds ? God forbid ! See the most awful evils it brought, 
upon this man of God. Behold in him how sin blinds the eyes, 
hardens the heart, and stupifies the conscience. Think of this 
and tremble at the first approach of sin and lust. (1) Samson's 
lust to the vile, unchaste woman, had so blinded his reason, that 
he put his life into her hands three times. Yet he could not see 
she had no regard for him, but only wanted to destroy him. 
Here was a judgment upon his sinful passions. The Philistines 
put out his eyes. (2) As he was fettered by his sin, a slave to 
his inordinate concupiscence, and did the devil's drudgery ; the 
Philistines fettered him, put him into the prison-house, and 
there made him grind. (3) The Lord, who is of purer eyes than 
to behold sin, added this judgment to the others, he departed 
from him. But Samson knew it not. Hence, observe, (1) 
That God doth not wink and connive at sin in his people ; but 
he will most assuredly punish them for it. (2) That the Lord 
may depart from a soul, and he not be immediately sensible of 
it. But when, like Samson, he awakes out of his sleep, and 
says, ' I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself,' 
oh alas ! he finds his spiritual power and strength gone. No 
sweet communion with his dear Lord as heretofore. No pre- 
cious assistance from his Spirit. No inward testimonies of his 
love, and gentle whispers of peace to his soul. He prays, but 
it is with the lips only. The power of prayer is departed 
from the heart. He goes from ordinance to ordinance, but he 
finds not his Lord in them. All is dry formality, dreary and un- 
comfortable. But, oh joyful ! Samson's locks began to grow 
again. The Spirit of the Lord returned to him once more. He 
prays, * oh Lord God, remember me and strengthen me, that i 
may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.' ' Lord, re- 
member me,' was the thief's prayer on the cross. Never forget 
the gracious answer. If you can but find a heart to pray to. Je- 
sus, to be avenged upon your cursed lusts, he saith, ' Return, ye 
backsliding children, and L will heal your backsliding,' Jer. 
iii. 22. 

The Lord still waits to show his grace, 'Tia this revives the dying spark 

And save returning souls from hell : Of hope in a poor dinner's heart, 

Tlio' we offend him to his face, Turns him from sin's most curse;! work * 

God's love In Christ's immutable. To Jesus for his promis'd rest. M. 



OCTOBER 3.] 555 [MORNING 

The work of righteousness shall be peace : and the effect 
of righteousness quietness, and assurance for ever. Isaiah 
xxxii. 17. 



The light of this day assures us that the sun is risen upon the 
earth. This is not a more evident truth in nature than this in 
reason ; that righteousness, once lost, can never be regained by 
all that sinful man can do. Consequently, no peace can subsist 
between a holy, righteous God, and guilty, unrighteous man. 
* There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.' But who 
are the wicked ? Even all who, through unbelief, reject the 
truth as it is in Jesus. It is the essence of wickedness to op- 
pose a righteous God, reject Christ's righteousness, go about to 
establish our own inherent righteousness, and not submit to the 
righteousness of God. Hence the conscience is defiled with 
guilt, the heart impure, and the life unholy. Yet, pride blinds 
men's eyes, and self-righteousness deludes their hearts with a 
false peace. For, as there is but one atonement by which guilty 
sinners are pardoned, so there is but one righteousness, even 
Christ's perfect righteousness, by which alone unrighteous sin- 
ners are made righteous in God's sight. He accepts no other. 
His law is honoured by no other. The Spirit bears witness to 
no other. Sinners have no other to stand in before God, and 
enjoy peace with him. But possessing his righteousness by faith, 
we enjoy a peace which passeth all understanding. 

There are many things, from a sinful nature, Satan, and the 
law, to disquiet our minds daily. But the blessed effect of Je- 
sus' righteousness is quietness to the conscience. This com- 
forting thought, I am righteous ; my Father hath put on me that 
best robe, which Jesus, my elder brother, wrought out for me, 
quiets my mind. I am satisfied. I can seek no better. I dare 
trust in no other. And this righteousness is presented with the 
clearest evidence, the strongest confidence, the fullest assurance. 
The triumphs of Jesus' resurrection proclaim its acceptance 
with God. The Spirit testifies of it in the word, and gives as- 
surance of salvation by it in believing hearts. Hence the holy 
boldness and happy rejoicing of faith before a righteous God. 
David's addresses to Jesus, ' My mouth shall show forth thy 
righteousness and thy -salvation ; all the day I will make men- 
tion of thy righteousness, even of thine only.' Psal. lxxi, 15, 16. 
As there is but one faith, so saints in all ages have had but one 
object to look to for righteousness, even Jesus. Therefore, with 
holy Paul we pray, * that we may be found in Christ, not hav- 
ing our own righteousness.' Phil. iii. 9. 

No peace for wretched dying man That righteousness woich Christ wrought 
But by the Saviour's blood ; The Lord, by faith imputes [out, 

His wisdom form'd the wondrous plan It fills with peace, and quells eacli doubt, 
Which reconciles to God And brings forth righteous fruits. m. 



OCTOBER 3.] 556 [EVENING. 

Behold! I have erred exceedingly :, 1 Sam. xxvi.*21. 

I have selected this text for a peculiar purpose. At the close 
of the meditation, I shall assign the reason. In this chapter, 
we have an account of the heroic act of David's faith jn the 
Lord, his invincible courage, and his amazing tenderness to- 
wards Saul, his enraged enemy, by which he melted his heart, 
and overcame his cruel wrath. Let us view his conduct, and 
pray for grace to improve from it. (1) View his faith. Here 
was Saul, with three thousand chosen men, in pursuit of David, 
thirsting for his blood. They were at a very small distance from 
him. Behold, David proposes to go to Saul's camp in the dead 
of the night, and asks, ' Who will go down with me?' Does not 
this seem to the eye of carnal reason, to be a most rash and 
dangerous attempt? Though it were at midnight — though they 
might be fallen into a deep sleep — yet out of such a number of 
men, one, or more might awake, and seize on David. Surely, 
it was going into the very jaws of death. But David's faith sur- 
mounted his fears. His trust in his God rose superior to every 
carnal suggestion. Oh precious gift, of precious faith ! Preci- 
ous Lord, increase it in our souls. Abishai consents to go with 
him. They pass the king's life guards: Come into Saul's camp. 
For behold, they were all like dead men. David and Abishai 
converse together : not a man hears or stirs. Why was this? 
How can we account for it ? Why ? ' because a deep sleep from 
the Lord was fallen upon them.' Oh my soul, learn courage 
from hence. When Giant Despair (as related in Bunyan's Pil- 
grim's Progress) attempted to pursue the pilgrim, he was seized 
with his fits. All thy enemies are under thy Lord's power. He 
can cast all into a deep sleep, or into the long sleep of death. 
And he will, sooner than thou shalt perish by them. Up faith. 
Down sense. Away with all carnal reasoning. 

March on, nor fear to win the day, 
Tho' death and hell obstruct the way. 

Now, (2) See, how David's faith wrought by his works. 
When they had gotten safe into the camp, Saul lay sleeping, 
and his spear stuck into the ground at his head. Now for a 
strong temptation. Abishai said to David, ' God hath delivered 
thine enemy into thy hands this day ; let me smite him, I pray 
thee, with this spear to the earth at once, I will not smite him a 
a second time.' See this specious reasoning. (1) He begins 
with God, who had delivered Saul into David's hands. (2) Here 
was a fair opportunity, to revenge himself of his cruel enemy, 
and put an end to his troubles. And, (3) He promises to do 
it effectually, at a stroke. Now, who but a man after God's own 
heart, could have withstood this? but David had a better way 



557 
October 3.] Continued. [evening, 



to kill his rage, and save his life. Here see an heroic act of 
faith working by love, and producing an unshaken obedience to 
God. He durst not stretch forth his hand against the Lord's 
anointed. See how conspicuous the grace of God shines in this 
old-testament saint. Blush ye, who make David's faith as no- 
thing, compared to the faith of a christian. (3) See the effects 
of David's conduct. He carried away Saul's spear and cruse 
from under his head, and upbraids the captain of his host for 
not watching over his royal master. Saul hears of the affair, 
and cries out, 'Is this thy voice, my son David ?' Struck with Da- 
vid s fine reasoning, melted down at his noble generous conduct, 
and doubtless recollecting, this was the second time his life was 
in David's hands, when he cut off the skirts of his robe in the 
cave, 1 Sam. xxiv. Saul replies, ' Behold, I have played the 
fool, and erred exceedingly.' 

See hence, that faith works by love and patience. This will 
overcome, wlien wrath and resentment only add fuel to an ene- 
my's rage. May we not all take up Saul's confession, and say 
in many instances, ' I have erred exceedingly ?' It shall begin 
at my door. I will confess, (the Lord of love and patience par- 
don me) I have erred exceedingly, in contending for the truth 
with too much of the fire of nature's passions, instead of that 
holy zeal which is accompanied with love. Those I have of- 
fended, I pray them to forgive, and humbly entreat their prayers 
for me a poor sinner. Oh for a warm zeal, tempered with the 
fire of love! This is the likeliest means to cause ' them who err 
in spirit, to come to understanding, and they who murmur to 
learn doctrine.' Isai. xxix. 24. But this is not the peculiar rea- 
son of my choice of this text. But the printer of the former 
edition confessed he had erred, in printing the pages wrong, 
which obliged me to write a meditation on two pages. The 
reader's excuse is humbly entreated. 

In Isaiah xxix. 19, it is said, ' The meek increase their joy in 
the Lord.' Oh my soul, i the joy of the Lord is thy strength/ 
Neh. viii. 10. Beware then of every work which may interrupt 
thy holy, humble, spiritual joy, in the God of thy salvation. To 
joy in thy Lord always, is commanded, Phil. iv. 4 Ever re- 
member, it is connected with meekness; and the meek increase 
their joy. Seest thou those who err in spirit, and murmur against 
the doctrines of grace ? Take Paul's advice, ' In meekness in- 
structing those.' &c. 2 Tim. ii. 25. 

Lord save me from my daily faults, Let meekness in my soul prevail, 
I'm daily pro-ne to err : And nature's fire subdue : 

Keep me from anger's fierce assau.ts Though in myself I'm weak and frail, 
tJv holy loving fear. Through Christ I all can do. m. 



OCTOBER 4.J 558 [MORNING. 

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not eoc- 
vedient. 1 Cor. vi. 12. 

The constraints of love and jealousy of fear, sweetly unite in 
the believing heart. Where the faith of Jesus prevails, love 
constrains. It holds and keeps us in our station and duty, as 
soldiers are kept together under a banner or ensign displayed. 
What cheerfulness and activity of soul do we experience, when 
we can say with the church in the Canticles, ■ Jesus' banner 
over me was love.' Then how sweetly do we judge and deter- 
mine our conduct by the law of Christ, which is love. This 
excites a godly fear, lest we should allow ourselves a latitude in 
things in themselves indifferent, to the wounding and hurt of the 
souls of our fellow soldiers. Though ali things of an indifferent 
nature, which are innocent in themselves, are lawful to us, yet 
the cause and interest of our dear Saviour, and the good and 
edifying of his beloved members, should be ever near our hearts, 
and make us consider the expediency of them. 

Mow narrow is the path of duty: yet it is pleasant to the 
faithful soul. For Jesus hath strewed it with the fragrant fruits 
of peace, love, and comfort. Peace from God, and with our 
brethren ; love to God and one another. While we walk accord- 
ing to this rule, we bring glory to God who hath called us by 
Jesus Christ to glory, and will also assuredly glorify us together 
with himself. What circumspection becomes disciples in their 
daily walk, that they give no offence, neither to the Jew nor to 
the Gentile, nor to the church of God. The eyes, not only of 
God> angels, and devils, are upon us, but the eyes of men also, 
our brethren, and our opposers. Did the Rechabites wholly ab- 
stain from wine, because Jonadab commanded, ' Ye shall drink 
no wine ?' Did the Lord honour their obedience in this indiffer- 
ent thing with his approbation? Jer. xxxv. How much more 
will Jesus honour his disciples, who, with an eye to his glory, 
and his member's good, abstain from things that are not expe- 
dient. Thou free man of the Lord, with a holy resolution, as- 
sert thy dignity. I will not be brought under the power of any 
thing contrary to the love of Jesus. Happy is he who seeketh 
not to please himself, but to profit others. How then can those 
answer lo the Lord Christ, to their own souls, and to their bre- 
thren, who can indulge themselves at card tables and play 
houses ; and say, These are indifferent things — I see no harm 
in them. Is this l following after the things which make for 
peace, and wherewith one may edify another? Happy is he that 
condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.' Rom. 
xiv. 19—22. 



OCTOBER 4,] 559 [EVENING. 

Is not my word like afire ? saith the Lord. Jer. xxiii. 29. 

How comforting this reflection : ' We who were sometimes 
afar off, are now made nigh by the blood of Christ.' Ephes. 
ii. IS. How happy is the soul, when it finds nearness of access 
to God, and enjoys sweet converse with him ! Then with Jere- 
miah it says, - Let me talk with thee, oh Lord.' Chap. xii. I. 
Then the Lord condescends to hear and reply. As here, the 
Lord appeals to the soul's experience, and asks, What effect 
has my word had on thine heart? Is it not like fire? Let us 
consider this, that the word of the Lord may be glorified by us 
to night. (1) It is the property of fire to communicate light. So 
doth the word : ' The entrance of thy word giveth light.' Psal. 
cxix. 130. When we were darkness itself, how did the word 
enter, and shine into our hearts, and give us the knowledge of 
the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ? In seasons of 
darkness, how often has the word brought light into our souls? 
e Thy word is a light to my paths.' Psal. cxix. 105. (2) Fire 
gives heat. Mow often has the Lord warmed our cold hearts, 
and melted down our hard hearts, with the fire of his word 
of love and grace ? ' I have loved thee with an everlasting 
love, therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.' Jer. 
xxxL 3. Say, has not such a word as this been in one's 
heart, as burning fire shut up in our bones? Jer. xx. 9. 
Lord, multiply such burning seasons. (3) Fire consum- 
eth : so doth the word. When it burns in the heart, it consumes 
our cursed lusts, hateful pride, deceitful self-righteous hopes, 
vain and worldly desires, legal terrors, and tormenting dread of 
death. Lord, cause this heavenly fire to burn in our hearts, and 
consume more and more. For, (4) The word, like fire, purifies. 
' Ye have purified your souls, in obeying the truth, through the 
Spirit.' 1 Pet. i 22. While the fire of the word burns within, 
purity is preserved in heart, lip and life. (5) Fire causeth smoak. 
No sooner doth the word kindle fire in the heart, but the smoak 
of incense, of prayer and praise, ascend up to the Lord. Christ 
compares his church to ' pillars of smoke,' Song iii. 6; and his 
people to smoaking flax. Matt. xii. 20. For the word of the Lord 
is like fire in their heart, and their affections Ike smoke, ascend 
up unto him. Oh thou great Inditer of the word, cause the word 
of Christ to dwell in us-richly in all wisdom, that we may conti- 
nue in his word, that it may be manifest that we are his disci- 
pies indeed. John viii. 31 . 

The Lord appeals unto each soul, Like fire, it burns within our heart, 

For proof of what he saith : And doth our lusts consume, 

Doth not his word our powers controul, And fills with love our every part, 

When it is known by £aitti ? \nd doth our works perfume. m 



OCTOBER 5.] 560 [MORNING. 

What dost thou here, Elijah ? 1 Kings xix. 18 

The prophets, as well as the children of the Lord, are some- 
times found where they ought not to be. Elijah had now ta*en 
up his residence in a cave in the wilderness. What work could 
he do for his master here ; what glory could he bring to his 
name in a barren mountain? Here were no lambs of God's 
flock to be gathered, no sheep of Christ's pasture to be fed, no 
torn sheep to be healed and nourished by his word and doctrine. 
It seems as though he thought all his work was at an end, his 
zeal quite worn out ; and in a fit of fear, unbelief, and despon- 
dency, he retreated from public opposition to the dreary man- 
sions of a mountainous cave for rest and quiet. But the Lord 
followed him, caused him to hear his voice, calls him to a new 
work, endues him with fresh strength, and animates him with 
the pleasing assurance that he had seven thousand faithful ser- 
vants yet in Israel. But poor Elijah thought he was left alone. 

See the effect of judging according to appearances. Carnal 
reason is a bad judge in spiritual things. The wisdom of the 
flesh ever determines contrary to the wisdom of God. Beware 
of your frames, oh disciples. If on the mount, in the sunshine 
of comfort, be not. vain and confident with, I shall never fall If 
in the gloomy valley, where light and joy are obscured, be noi 
cast down and dejected. ' The Lord reigneth, rejoice in him.' 
Though clouds and darkness are round thy God and Saviour, 
yet ' righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his 
throne.' Psal. xcvii. Above all, beware of thy conduct : fly not 
to places of sinful vanities and vain gratifications These can 
never profit thy soul. Nay, if dark and uncomfortable, what 
canst, thou expect but to be darker and more uncomfortable 
still ? This is a farther remove from the Saviour's love and pre- 
sence. What canst thou expect but this cutting reproof, this 
keen interrogation, thou man of God, ' what dost thou here? 
If Elijah was reproved for being in a barren wilderness, how 
canst thou answer it to God thy loving Saviour for being found 
on worse than barren ground, where the alluring baits of sin, 
the poisonous weeds of Satan grow in abundance, to beguile 
and destroy unstable souls. Hear the call of thy beloved Lord. 
' Depart ye, depart ye, this is not your rest.' Know your glo- 
rious privilege : ' Ye are the temple of the living God: God 
dwells in you and walks in you.' Listen to his voice speaking 
to your souls : ' Wherefore, come out from among them, and be 
ye separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you ; and I will 
be a Father unto you (ye shall enjoy the sweet knowledge of it) 
and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty/ 
2 Cor. vi. 17, 18. 



OCTOBER 5.] 561 [EVENING. 

Forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in 
the Lord. 1 Cor. xv. 58. 



Christian knowledge is the source of comfort, and the spring 
of obedience. The knowledge of God's love to us in Christ, re- 
ceived into the heart by faith, animates us to be and to do, what 
the Lord calls us to in our lives. Paul appeals to christians 
'Ye know:' what? That you are called, not to loiter, but 
to labour ; not to stand idle, but to work ; not merely to talk ol 
the truths of Christianity, but to walk in the ways of the Lord. 
But oh sweetest of all labouring, working and walking, it is the 
labour of love, the work of faith, and the walk of hope. And we 
have Christ's presence and power in all. We know, we are fully 
persuaded, we are divinely assured, our labour is not in vain : 
for it is in the Lord, [t is begun by his grace, carried on by his 
power, in sweet fellowship with him, in love to him, in depend- 
ence on him, in assurance that we are accepted in him ; and 
therefore, in a humble hope, and loving desire to glorify him. 
Such a soul labours lawfully : his labour is accepted. His work 
shall be crowned, he is blessed now by his Lord, he shall be 
blessed eternally with his Lord. The humble soul draws back, 
The self abased heart, jealous of his dear Lord's honour, cries, 
Forbear. I am an unprofitable servant, I have no merit. I come 
short in all I do. My desert is hell. I claim nothing at my 
Lord's hand. I am a poor sinner, who must be infinitely and 
eternally indebted to the riches of free grace. 

True, oh soul. Thou dost not work, like free-will hirelings, 
for wages ; yet, as a free-grace labourer, thou shalt have a free- 
grace reward. Not of debt, due to thy merit; but of grace, by 
thy Lord's free promise. Not a crumb of comfort, not a drop 
of cold water given in the name of Christ, to one of his, but thy 
Lord notices in love, takes kindly at thy hand, and will never, 
never forget. Oh matchless love of Christ: he gives grace to 
miserable sinners, his grace works to will and to do in their 
hearts ; and he rewards hell-deserving sinners with gifts of grace 
in time, and with the riches of glory in eternity. Oh blessed 
master: oh precious labour: oh joyful recompense of reward! 
Say now, christian, is not here all encouragement to diligence 
and activity ? Oh go on labouring for thy Lord's glory. Large 
wages seeking in, not for, thy works. Confidently mayest thou 
say, with Paul, ' There is laid up for me a crown of righteous- 
ness. 2 Tim. iv. 8. 

I dare not work my soul to save, No works of faith can be in vain, 
That work niy Lord hath done : Because they 're wrought in love : 

Yet I would work like any slave, Since now our enmity is slain, 

From love to God's dear Son. We work for Christ abov. m. 



4 c 



OCTOBER 6.] 562 [morning. 

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so 
easily beset us. Heb. xii. 1. 

Christian, thou art called to run a race. The eyes of innume- 
rable spectators are upon thee, the powers of many enemies are 
against thee, but fear not. In the strength of Jesus, through the 
power of faith, thou shalt obtain the prize, even the salvation of 
thy soul. It is thy wisdom to know thy foes and to guard against 
them : to know thine own vileness and weakness, and to look 
to thy friend for power. Thou hast a heavy burden, which hin- 
ders thy running with alacrity and delight: this, in the exercise 
of faith, thou mayest lay aside ; therefore ' put off the old man 
with his deeds.' This through the Spirit is to be thy daily work. 
Every sin is a weight, and as such is to be laid aside. * The 
body of sin' is a sore burden, therefore to be put off. But thou 
hast a besetting sin : thine own conscience best knows its name 
and nature : this thou art called to lay aside. In the nature of 
all men there is one sin, a master sin, the source and spring of 
every other sin, which even believers are not exempt from; but 
it is ready at all times easily to beset them. It is (hat monster 
of iniquity, unbelief. ' Faith is the substance of things hoped 
for, and the evidence of things not seen.' Heb. xi. 1. Here we 
see what glory is given to God, and what wonders were wrought 
by faith, in th \t chapter. It is the nature of unbelief to deny 
the substance of what is hoped for, and to oppose the evidence 
of invisible realities. It tends to make faint hearts, weak knees, 
and feeble hands : it stops us in our race, it puts us to a stand ; 
and we should give up all, and give over all, unless Jesus prays 
for us, and we are endued with power from on high. But glory 
to our Jesus, he does pray for us ; therefore, our faith fails not ; 
we are strengthened by the Spirit's might in the inner man to 
hold on. Yet shame on thee, oh soul, instead of laying aside 
this sin, how often dost thou treat it as a bosom friend. How 
frequently consult it as a sweet counsellor, especially when its 
arguments are backed by its constant companion, carnal rea- 
son. But being assured the matter of thy faith is the word of 
truth, the author and finisher of thy faith Jesus, thou art not 
called to answer every cavil from carnal reason, nor to silence 
unbelief by explaining the mysteries of grace and salvation ; 
but to lay it aside, put it off, as David did Saul's armour; put 
it away as men do childish things ; cast it out, as Abraham did 
the bond woman and her son ; — and so run with patience the 
race that is set before thee, every step c looking unto Jesus.' 

By glimm'ring hopes and gloomy fears See tlie kind angels at the gates, 
We trace the sacred road ; Inviting as to come : 

Thro' dismal deeps and dangerous snares There Jesus the forerunner waits, 
We make our way to God. To welcome travellers home. 



OCTOBER 6. J 5G3 [EVENING. 

My soul fainteth for thy salvation : but I hope in thy 
word.- Psal. cxix. 81. 

David's words furnish us with these observations. (1) That 
it is a sure evidence that that sinner is savingly convinced of 
sin by the Spirit of God, when the salvation of Jesus is the de- 
sire of his heart. (2) That the soul, though destitute of the joy 
of faith, in the assurance of interest in Christ's salvation, yet 
may have the grace of hope in lively exercise. (3) That in faint- 
ing frames of soul, the word of the Lord is the sure support of 
hope. Study these points, settle them in your hearts, and 
the Lord give comfort from them. When a person faints, the 
blood returns to the heart: it ceaseth to flow through the veins. 
Hence the spirits sink, nature fails, life and strength depart, the 
eyes see not, the hands cannot hold, the feet cannot walk. Ha% e 
you not experienced it thus with your soul? Have you not 
found things at a very low ebb with you, just ready to give up 
all hope, and let all confidence go, just at the last gasp? See 
the actings of a gracious soul. Learn experience by David's 
conduct. He thinks of his best friend, his dear Saviour. He 
looks up to him, and tells him what he faints for: Thy salva- 
tion. For fresh knowledge of interest in it, for the joys and 
comforts of it. What, when his sins stared him in the face? 
When his conscience was burdened with «uilt; when his spirits 
failed him, his soul fainted within him, and without assurance in 
his heart of interest in Christ's salvation? Is this a time to go to 
Christ ? Yes, the very time ; the proper time, the time of ' need," 
in which we are exhorted to come boldly. Heb iv. 16. Oh my 
fainting fellow sinners, what a precious Saviour is Jesus ? What 
a glorioussalvation hathhefinishedforus? What a special mercy, 
that the loving Spirit excites desires in our souls, after the en- 
joyment of it ? Well, though David's soul faints, yet, says he, 
{ 1 hope in thy word.' What, without faith? No, he had living 
faith in his heart, though he fainted for the joy and comfort of 
faith. He believed the word of grace and salvation, and he 
hoped for the fulfilment of the promises of his Lord, to the re- 
viving of his soul. He honours his Lord's word, trusts in his 
faithfulness, and casts the anchor of his hope upon his truth. 
Go and do likewise ; fo,r we are saved by hope. Rom. viii. 24. 
\ Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and 
stedfast, and which entereth into that within the vail, whither 
Jesus is for us entered.' Heb. vi. 20. 

My spirits *ink, my heart doth faiut, On that I daily will rely, 
For thy salvation Lord, 'Till thou nfy soul revive, 

Thy peace bestow, thy presence grant, Thy word of tmth can never die, 
My hope is in thy word. Therefore by faith 1 live. m 



OCTOBER 7.] 564 [MORNING. 

That I may know him. Phil. iii. 10. 

' There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four — 
the fire which saith not, it is enough.' Prov. xxx. 15, 16. So 
true is this of the fire of love, when kindled in believing hearts. 
It burns with insatiable desire towards Jesus. Amazing ! Had 
Paul so long known, loved, and preached a crucified risen Je- 
sus, and yet now desires to know him? Yes : such is the na- 
ture of faith, that like riches to a miser, the more they increase, 
the more the desires of his heart increase after them. His wants 
are greater than his possessions. So the living members of pre- 
cious Jesus see such inexhaustible treasures in him their living 
head, and such numerous wants in themselves, that their hearts 
are ever crying after, looking to, and longing for more of his 
presence, blessings and comforts, in knowledge and experience. 
And, like a chaste virgin espoused to an affectionate lover, her 
desires will never be completely satisfied till she is brought into 
the nearest relation and closest embraces, when she takes up 
her abode, and enjoys the presence of the object of her love. 
Lovers of Jesus can never be satisfied with any other but him, 
nor will they be fully satisfied nor perfectly happy, till they are 
for ever present with their everloving Lord. 

But the knowledge of him, even now, creates a paradise of 
peace, a heaven of love and holiness in the soul. Hence there 
is a godly jealousy in espoused souls, lest other objects should 
steal upon their affections. If at anv time their eyes have been 
turned from their Lord, there is a holy shame; they blush at 
their folly, and cry, oh that I may know him who rests for ever 
alike in his constant love to me a poor sinner. In this consists 
the life and. joy of the heart, to know that Jesus hath made 
peace for us by the blood of his cross, that he hath wrought out 
a robe of righteousness by the obedience of.his life to adorn us, 
that he ever lives to pray for us. Yea daily, constantly to know 
him, as dwelling in my heart by faith, ever present with me to 
the joy of my mind, and to the peace of my conscience. And 
truly, beloved, if thou art not thus kept knowing Jesus, looking 
to Jesus, feeding upon him continually in thy heart by faith, 
thou wilt know and feel other things, which will creep in and 
sadly distress thy mind. The voice of the law will be heard in 
thy conscience, backed by Satan's injections, and thou wilt find 
anguish of Spirit and bitterness of soul. But by sweetly abiding 
in the knowledge of Jesus by faith, thou shalt manfully stand 
thy ground, and courageously conquer and triumph. So shall 
grace and peace be multiplied, through the knowledge of God 
and of Jesus our Lord 2 Pet. i. 2. 



OCTOBER 7.] 5()5 [evening. 

Ye are risen with him, through the faith of the operation 
of God. Col. ii. 12. 

Who are risen with Christ ? All the members of his mystical 
body : he is their head and representative. They are all mysti- 
cally risen with him ; but they have no knowledge or comfort of 
this, till another resurrection is experienced by them. This is 
what the apostle here alludes to, and it is by faith. As soon as 
any poor sinner knows, understands and believes, that Christ 
died for our offences, and was raised again for our justification, 
that soul is actually risen with Christ. Here behold the preci- 
ousness of faith, whose operation it is, and the glorious effects 
it hath upon the heart and life. It brings Christ into the soul. 
Faith causes the soul to ascend up to Christ. Thus, this living, 
powerful, influencing grace, which is the work of the Holy 
Ghost, is distinguished from a dead faith, a lifeless assent, a 
barren notion, which floats in the heads of carnal professors. 
Examine yourselves, prove and try your faith this night. Is 
your faith from Christ above ? Then it leads your hearts and 
affections from things below, to Christ above. Be not deceived ; 
take not up with a notion of faith in your head, instead of the 
grace of faith in your heart. The former will leave you just 
where it found you; in your sins, with the love of the world 
reigning in your heart ; the riches, honours and pleasures of the 
world, your idols and your pursuits; and yourself, only a poor, 
cold-hearted, formal professor. Oh how many of this sort 
abound ! They differ from the rest of the world, only in notion 
and speculation, in tongue and doctrine. Lord Jesus, forbid 
that this should be our state ! If we have the faith of the opera- 
tion of God the Holy Ghost, our souls will be fired with the love 
of Christ, our hearts will burn with ardent love to him, his truths, 
his people, and his cause. We shall delight to live above with 
him, and long to reign eternally in his presence. We shall con- 
sider the body as our prison, overcome the world as our enemy, 
and treat all things with contempt, in comparison of fellowship 
with our God and Saviour. If we are not at all times thus 
happy, at least we shall hunger and thirst after it. Risen souls 
are earnestly concerned to have gospel doctrines brought into 
heart experience, and -life influence. Oh Sun of righteousness, 
let us feel thy warm enlivening beams upon our hearts, that w^ 
may not grow cold, formal and languid before thee. Thine is 
the power. 

Then raise onr low affections Lord, Thus shall we know we're raised indeed, 
To live above with thee ; From earth and hell and sin ? 

[jet formal frames be e'er abhorred : To live with thee our glorious Head, 
Let us thy dorv see. VVhose love doth reign within. m, 



OCTOBER 8.] 566 [morning. 

Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that which he 
alloweth. Rom. xiv. 22. 



There are many things of a civil, moral, and religious nature, 
which are in themselves indifferent. Yet, as to a compliance or 
noncompliance with them, they are far from being matters of in- 
difference to the mind of a believer. As he has an inward con- 
sciousness of his outward behaviour, so he finds within himself 
a sentence of condemnation when be acts contrary to the dic- 
tates of his own knowledge and conscience. It may be, the dis- 
ciple of Jesus often finds some things of a doubtful nature, 
wherein he doth not see the word of God to be express and 
clear in determining. The upright soul, the tender conscience 
knows not how to act ; is afraid of doing wrong. He asks ad- 
vice of ministers and christian brethren, but they cannot fully 
satisfy his scruples and set his mind at liberty, how he ought to 
demean himself. 

Here the apostles give a full and peremptory answer. The 
heart of every believer is purified from an evil conscience by 
the blood of Jesus, and instructed in the knowledge of the truth 
by his word and Spirit. Hence thei> is an inward preception 
of what tends to wound and condemn it. Happy art thou, dis- 
ciple, if thou dost not wilfully allow thyself in any thing 
for which thy conscience condemns thee. Never allow thy- 
self in any outward practice, which is attended with inward 
condemnation. Is it of a trifling and indifferent nature in itself? 
Pretend not to plead for it. Canst thou be content to make 
thy conscience thine enemy, to incur its censure, and to impair 
thy peace, for a trifle? Whatever thou takest in hand remember 
the end, and thou shalt not do amiss. This advice is excellent ; 
it is thy wisdom to follow it, it is thy privilege to plead for 
power at a throne of grace. Consider daily thy calling ; it is to 
live in sweet fellowship with Jesus, to enjoy peace in thy con- 
science, and holiness and happiness in life. Whatever is con- 
trary to this, will make thee unhappy. As a son of the most 
high God, and a servant of the precious Jesus, thou art called 
not to please thy flesh, not to do thy own will, not to gratify thy 
own lusts, yea not to destroy thy own peace, but to glorify thy 
God and Saviour, in'doing his will. It is most plain and evident 
from the apostle's exhortations, that if believers' walk and prac- 
tice are not consistent with the truth, they may most certainly 
deprive themselves of the sweet sense and comfortable enjoy- 
ment of the peace and love of God. Consider deeply, weigh 
attentively the force and meaning of these words, ' keep your- 
selves in the love of God.' Jude 21. * Let the peace of God 
rule in your hearts ' Col. iii. 15. 



OCTOBER 8.1 567 [EVENING. 

My soul shall make her boast in the Lord : the humble 
shall hear thereof and be glad. Psal. xxxiv. 2. 

There was a poor vainglorious boaster, who had arrived to 
the summit of his happiness, and attained the zenith of his glory. 
The sun of prosperity shined with great splendour upon him. 
He bid adieu to all care, and down he sat to solace himself. 
c Soul, said he, thou hast much goods laid up for many years ; 
take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.' But, awful moment, 
solemn speech ! God said unto him, ' Thou fool, this night thy 
soul shall be required of thee.' Luke xii. 20. Oh how many 
such tools are there, who think the soul can be made happy in 
outward ease, eating and drinking, and carnal enjoyments. 
Alas, one moment dashes the honey of their comforts into the 
gall of disappointment Not so, that soul who boasts in the 
Lord. This was not a transient fit of David's, caused by a warm 
frame of the passions. For, says he, ' I will bless the Lord at 
all times : his praise shall be continually in my mouth.' This 
is living indeed, like a son of God, and an heir of glory. Paul, 
like David, sets us the same example. Christ and free-grace, says 
Luther, was ever in his mouth. He never thought he could men- 
tion the precious name of Christ too often. He repeats it in 
every verse of the first ten, of 1 Cor. i. If Christ is the boast 
and glory of our souls, his name will ever be uppermost in our 
hearts, and upon our tongue. It was the martyr Lambert's 
motto, ' None but Christ, none but Christ/ It is said of one, 
that he seldom or ever mentioned the name of Jesus without a 
tear. A martyr who was judged to be dead, being burned as 
black as a coal in the fire, moved his scorched lips, and was 
heard to say, ( Sweet Jesus,' and fell asleep. These were all 
poor needy sinners, like ourselves. They saw their want of 
Christ ; they believed what he had done for them, and was to 
them. They gloried in him, and made him the boast of their 
souls. The humble are glad to hear of this. It delights their 
souls, to hear the name of their Saviour boasted in, his sacrifice 
gloried of, his righteousness exalted, and his salvation the tri- 
umph of sinners. Their hearts catch the sound, and with a glow 
of the fire of love, they join the heavenly cry, * Worthy is the 
Lamb that was slain to receive honour, and glory, and blessing.' 
Rev. v. 12. Oh how vastly different is this from self-exalting, 
and self-boasting. But God resisteth the proud, and givetb 
grace to the humble. James iv. 6. 

What though I am but filth and sin, JeMts, who gave thysell for ine, 

A wretch both vile and poor, Keep down my haughty pride : 

Yet I will boast- of Christ my King, Let all my glorying be of thee, 

My righteousness and store. For I have nonght beside to 



OCTOBER 9.] 568 [MORNING^ 

God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, 
through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth* 
2 Thess. ii. 13. 



We live in a day when pride reigns, the creature is exalted, 
the Holy Ghost resisted, and truth is trampled under foot. The 
doctrine of God's distinguishing- grace and electing love in 
Christ Jesus is now, as it ever was to men of corrupt minds, 
destitute of the truth, a bone of contention. They have railing 
accusations, great swelling words to utter against it ; their 
mouths are not stopped, because they see not themselves guilty 
before God. Rom. iii. 19. Saith Paul of such, ■ They are under 
a strong delusion, they have pleasure in unrighteousness/ They 
are left to sport themselves with their own vain proud delusions. 
Then he adds, ' but we are bound to give thanks for God's elec- 
tion of your brethren, beloved of the Lord.' True ministers of 
Jesus join with blessed apostles, in giving praise to God the 
Father for his love to poor sinners in Christ Jesus They know 
God's love existed before time began. 

The doctrine of election is not a mere speculation, nor can it 
tend to licentiousness ; but it is of the essence of vital godliness, 
and is attended with the most holy and blessed effects, where 
received into the heart in the love of it. For the same Lord, 
who purposed to bring many sons to glory, hath also ordained 
the means ; ' sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth,' 
How could Paul know these professors were beloved and elect- 
ed? Truly the effects proved the cause: they saw the fruits of 
electing love spring forth under the energy of the blessed Spirit. 
They were brought to believe in, love and cleave to the sancti- 
fying influence it had upon their hearts and lives. 

* Behold mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth,' said the 
Father of all consolations to his church, concerning Jesus. Isai. 
xlii. 1. He is the blessed object in whom we are chosen, who 
has finished our salvation, and to whom we are to look by faith. 
Yet, oh believer, trace the streams of thy mercy to the fountain 
head ; see thy obligations equally to the Father's love, the Son's 
redemption, and the Spirit's operations. Thus all salvation is 
of God ; thou hast nothing whereof to glory ; all cause for deep- 
est humility, the greatest reason for rejoicing day by day. What 
heights of love art thou called to. What inflamed affections 
should possess thy heart. ' Only let thy conversation be as be- 
cometh the gospel of Christ' Phil i. 27. 









OCTOBER 9.] 569 [EVENING 

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love where- 
with he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quick- 
ened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved.) Eph. 
ii. 4, 5. 



My dear brethren in Christ, and thou, oh my soul, one chief 
reason why at any time we have so little comfort, and are so 
low in joy is, we do not enough believe, and live upon the love 
of God. Let us never think of, or look for any mercy from God, 
without considering that it flows from love. Is God rich in 
mercy to any? It is because he loves them. Great love, ever- 
lasting, unchangeable love, is the source and spring of rich 
mercy. It was rich mercy for God to give us his beloved 
Son to be our Saviour in time. This was because of his 
great love to us before time. He loved us from eternity in 
his Son. He loves us invariably the same through time, and 
under all states and circumstances. Yea, when we were forlorn, 
hopeless, helpless, loathsome and desperate, even * dead in sins/ 
he loved us with ' great love :' too great to be conceived or ex- 
pressed. He manifested it by bestowing ! rich mercy' upon us ; 
mercy so rich, so free, so liberal, that it came to us unsought, un- 
asked, undeserved. His great love for us was the parent of his rich 
mercy to us. Mercy without love may be exercised by an ene- 
my : but the mercy of God flows from the loving heart of a fa- 
ther. He saw our souls dead in sin, dead under his law, dead 
to himself. Did he leave us ? No : he loved us with great love, 
therefore in great mercy he quickened us. Quickened us ! Is 
that all? A quickened soul, some think, is in a very inferior 
degree of grace. It is neither justified nor sanctified. But such 
are great strangers to the rich mercy and great love of God ; 
and they do not consider that souls are quickened, ' together 
with Christ.' There is the sweetness of quickening mercy en- 
joyed. Quickened souls see their sinfulness, know their poverty, 
feel their misery and wretchedness, and groan under a body of 
sin and death : but here is their glory, joy and comfort, they 
are one with Christ. His life is theirs, his death is theirs, his 
righteousness is theirs, his holiness is theirs, his fulness is theirs. 
Though sin is not dead in us, yet being one with Christ, we are 
dead indeed unto sin, and alive to God. * By grace ye are saved/ 
Neither you nor your works have the least hand in salvation : 
therefore rejoice. It is not precarious and uncertain, whether 
you shall be saved : for quickened souls may be as sure of it, 
as if they were now before the throne. Oh may love, mercy 
and grace, be the constant theme of our souls. 

We'll sing rich mercy, and great love, Then let us live like saints on earth, 

To us so freely given, Though we are sinners poor, 

By God our Father from above, That we may prove our heavenly birth 

Whereby we're heirs of heaven. .And Christ our Lord adore. u. 

4 i) 



OCTOBER 10.] 570 [MORNING. 

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 
Phil. ii. 12. 



The salvation of lost sinners, from first to last, is all of grace, 
not of works. Rom. xi. 6. It was planned in the covenant of 
grace ; by the grace of Jesus it is f finished.' The mojuent we 
believe on Jesus, salvation is ours ; it is ' our own salvation.' 
Mind that. Why are we called to work it out? Consider, sal- 
vation implies deliverance from dangers and enemies. Are we 
not surrounded with these, without as well as within? The le- 
gality of our spirits, the pride of our natures, the lusts of the 
flesh, the carnal reasonings of our minds, unbelief the offspring 
of them, the rebellion of our wills, the self-righteousness of our 
hearts, the worldly mindedness of our desires, the carnality of 
our affection, and the turbulency of our passions. Say, are not 
these like a legion of enemies to our salvation? Is not Satan 
our grand adversary, ever working by means of these enemies, 
to bring us into dangers and distress, if by any means he may 
prevent our peaceably possessing, and eternally enjoying salva- 
tion ? 

Judge then, oh believer, is not deliverance from danger 
through these enemies needful? Is there not a necessity for thy 
working out thy deliverance from their force and fraud ? Is 
there not need for faith to work by love, striving against sin, re- 
sisting Satan, mortifying the flesh, perfecting holiness, fruitful 
in good works ? The commands of thy God make the work of 
faith, the labour of love, and the patience of hope necessary. 
The gospel requires, love constrains, to be much in prayer and 
meditation, searching the scriptures, and in all holy ordinances ; 
and to encourage to this, ever remember, it is ' God who work- 
eth in us both to will and to do.' ' Be strong, 'for I am with 
you, saith the Lord of hosts.' Hag. ii. 4 Does all thy happi- 
ness consist in the comfortable enjoyment of the full assurance 
of: this salvation ? Then ' work it out with fear and trembling/ 
'Fear' to think of establishing thy works and duties, as thine 
own righteousness, or to procure the favour of thy God. ' Trem- 
ble' to entertain any hope of salvation, but by the atoning blood 
of Jesus, and the perfect righteousness of Jesus ; any way of 
access to God, but through his mediation. Fear and trembling, 
above all, after thou hast done all, to think I am perfect. Know, 
thou art still ' an unprofitable servant.' Tremble to entertain 
the least notion that thy might, thy power, thy faithfulness, hath 
wrought any thing as terms and conditions, to procure salvation. 
Fear ever to ascribe any glory to thyself. ' Whoso looketh into 
the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not 
a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be 
blessed in his deed.' James, i. 25. 



OCTOBER 10.] 571 [EVENING. 

Mine iniquities are gone over mine head : as a heavy bur- 
den, they are too heavy for me. Psalm xxxviii, 4. 

Though there may be pleasures in sin for a season, yet at the 
last, i it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.' Oh 
come hither and see, how the venom of sin has overspread poor 
David's whole frame. Read this psalm : mark the anguish of 
his conscience, and the distress of his soul ; and say, is not sin 
exceeding sinful ? What pain, out of hell, can be compared to 
the pain of a guilty conscience 1 But better, infinitely belter, to 
smart for sin here, than to cry out of the smart of sin in hell. 
Conviction of sin by the Spirit, is in order to cleansing from sin 
by the blood of Christ. Better to roar from the disquietness of 
one's soul on earth, than to sleep secure in sin, till we drop into 
perdition, and roar for sin in the bottomless pit. One or other 
will be the portion of all flesh. Two similes are before us, ex- 
pressive of David's distress. (1) ' Mine iniquities are gone over 
mine head.' He was like a man in the greatest danger of drown- 
ing; overwhelmed with distress, like one whose head was un- 
der water. His iniquities caused his soul to sink within him. 
(2) They were as a heavy burden. He had greater weight upon 
him, than he could stand under. He cries out, as though ready 
to be crushed by its ponderous load, ' they are too heavy for 
me.' (3) Look at his cry, and hear upon whom he calls. ' Make 
haste to help me, oh Lord, my salvation,' ver. 22. Though sink- 
ing under, and pressed down with his iniquities on his consci- 
ence, yet he had salvation in view, and the Lord of his salvation 
as his hope. Oh Lord, my Jesus. Now can you be in a worse plight, 
than David was? Can you be under more distressing circum- 
stances? He was sinking in deep waters, with a ponderous 
load upon him. In such a state, you may discover whether your 
convictions are evangelical, and you possess the faith of God's 
elect or not. Legal convictions only fill the soul with terror, 
drive it from God, and leave it in despair without hope. Con- 
victions from the Spirit, the Comforter, lead the soul to Christ. 
And the faith, hope and cry of the soul will be, after the help 
and salvation of Jesus only : for he is ' the Lamb of God who 
taketh away the sin of the world ' Behold him, oh my soul, un- 
der every sense of guilt. Believe him, under every dejection of 
soul, for he hath assured us, ' all manner of sin and blasphemy 
shall be forgiven unto men.' Matt. xii. 31. 

When sin doth weigh my spirits down, 1 bless the Spirit's holy grace, 

And dread besets my soul : Who doth conviuce of" sin. 

Lord, then thy sacrifice I'll own, And leads me to my Saviour's face, 

Thy blood can make me whole. For pardoning love witbin. m. 



OCTOBER 11.] 572 [MORNING 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your 
good ivorks, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 
v. 16. 



Can a lump of animated clay, a worm of the earth, a creature 
of a day, glorify the infinitely great and eternally glorious Jeho- 
vah ? Yes : such honour, such exalted honour have all his 
saints. For his pleasure they were created at first ; for his glory 
they are born again of his Spirit. Jesus commands his members 
to it as their duty ; the Spirit enables to it as their greatest pri- 
vilege. The Father accepts, and is well pleased with, and de- 
clares himself glorified by the practice of his children. Psal. 1. 
23. Did Samuel consent to Saul's request, '* Honour me now, 
I pray thee, before the elders of my people?' 1 Sam. xv. 30. 
And canst thou, oh son of the Most High, ever need a motive, 
or want an argument, to glorify thy Father before men ? It is 
to be the chief work of thy life. In this work, as Moses said to 
Pharaoh, so thy deliverer saith to thee, ' not a hoof is to be left 
behind.' With all that thou hast and art, thou art to glorify thy 
Lord. 

Thou hast only one thing that thou hast not received from thy 
Lord ; this is sin. By this thou dishonourest thy God ; by every 
thing contrary to this, God is glorified. Happy souls, who study 
God's word as the rule of their conduct, consider the enjoyment 
of God in Christ as their greatest felicity, and direct all their 
views to his glory. Thus the light of Jesus, when it shines 
into the heart, beams forth its evidence and glory in the outward 
life and conversation. When the light of truth is accompanied 
by the warmth of love and the obedience of faith, men will see 
that we have been with Jesus; that we not only have light in 
our heads, but love and zeal for God's glory in our hearts. The 
former may acquire honour to ourselves of being good talkers 
for God, but the latter only can prove that we are upright w alk- 
ers, as his obedient children ; that we are his ' peculiar people, 
by being zealous of good works.' That we are really concerned 
for his glory, that we have it at heart, that we love, not only in 
word, but also in deed and in truth. It is the genuine language 
of a converted soul, with Paul, * Lord what wouldest thou have 
me to do?' It is the burden of a faithful loving heart, that it 
doth so little for the glory of God, and ever longs to glorify him 
more. While the light of truth is our glory, and the love of truth 
is our happiness, we shall study to * adorn the doctrine of God 
our Saviour in all things.' Titus ii. 10. 



OCTOBER 11.] 573 [EVENING, 

To as many as received him, to them gave he ^ower to be- 
some the sons of God. John i. 12. 

Man lost paradise, by receiving a gift from Satan. There is 
no way to regain it, but by receiving Christ, the gift of God. Am 
I one of the many who have received Christ ? This question is 
of eternal moment. If I have not, no matter what I profess, by 
what name I am called, what I think of myself, or others 
think concerning me ; for I am certainly in a state of wrath, ex- 
posed to eternal damnation. What answer does conscience re- 
turn to this important question? God may this night require my 
soul. I may be in eternity before the morning light. Have I 
received Christ or not? What is it to receive Christ? Man) j re- 
cious souls are sadly perplexed, and greatly distressed here. But 
why should they? St. John plainly tells us, to receive Christ is 
to believe on his name, that he is the anointed Saviour of lost 
sinners. Do you receive this truth into your heart ? Does your 
mind go out after Christ? Do you hunger and thirst to know 
him, as your Saviour, to save you? Then, as sure as you exist, 
you do believe in Christ's name. Bless the holy Spirit, who has 
opened your eyes to see his glory, and your heart to receive this 
precious Jesus. Hear and rejoice. He gives you, and all such, 
' power to become the Son of God.' Not merely puts it in the 
power of your free-will to choose, whether you will become a son 
of God or not ; but he actually bestows this heavenly honour 
upon us. He gives us the right (or privilege as in the margin 
of our bibles) of enjoying the comfort and blessing, of being the 
adopted sons of God. Oh the riches of new covenant grace and 
love: what a miracle of mercy is this ! Of children of wrath, and 
heirs of hell, Christ makes us sons of God, and heirs of heaven. 
Why then do you ever live uncomfortably, or walk unholily ? 
It is because you do not assert your right, maintain your privi- 
lege, and live up to your * power,' in your mind and conscience. 
Hence love to and delight in your Father God, and your Savi- 
our Jesus, are wanting. Oh remember, ever remember, as you 
received Christ by faith, all your power, peace and comfort, flows 
from him through faith. Study, strive and pray to the Spirit, 
to keep faith lively in act and exercise, that you may live and 
walk on earth, so as to glorify your" Father who is in heaven. 
For if you area son of God by faith in Christ, you have got the 
heart of a son ; the fear, the love, the hope, and the delight of a 
son of God. And you will rejoice to think, that you shall soon 
be at home with your heavenly Father. 

Am I a son of God, ihrough faitb, JNlav it my daily study be 

Receiving Jesus; Christ ? To live and walk by faitb, 

Rejoice, my sou , and glory give And glorify my Father God, 

To Christ in whom thou'rt blest. Obeying what he saith. at. 



OCTOBER 12.] 574 [MORNING. 

Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God. Ephes. iv. 30. 

How affectionate and condescending is this address of the 
great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, to bis children. Paul 
writes to Philemon, ' Though I might be bold to enjoin thee 
that which is convenient, yet, for love's sake, I rather beseech 
thee.' So with infinitely higher authority, the Lord might com- 
mand with terror, instead of beseeching us with love. Astonish- 
ing expression ! Grieve not the holy Spirit of God. Hast thou? 
Canst thou, oh believer, be guilty in this matter? It is easy to 
conceive that we may grieve our own spirits, and the spirits of 
good men by our sin and folly : but to think of grieving the 
Spirit of God, is enough to make us cry out in amazement, what 
mystery of love is this! 

But verily, so dear are God's children to him, that as in love 
to our souls, he took on him our nature, so in condescension to 
our weak capacities, he borrows language from nature, and as- 
sumes to himself passions like unto ourselves ; for he was in all 
things like unto us, but without sin. So it is said, God ' delights' 
in the prosperity of his people, he ' rejoiceth' over them to do 
them good. But when, through their sin and folly, they hurt 
their own souls, Jesus is touched with a feeling of our infirmi- 
ties ; his spirit is grieved at our conduct. 

Who can tell in how many ways christians do this? Inwardly 
by giving way to unbelief; by low unworthy thoughts of Jesus, 
his blood, righteousness and salvation ; his mediation and inter- 
cession, of whom the Spirit is the gloritier ; so also by indulging 
vain carnal sinful thoughts. Outwardly, by neglecting the gos- 
pel of grace, not walking closely with Jesus by faith, not conform- 
ing to his will in our lives and conversations ; and experience 
wofully convinceth, that when the holy Spirit is grieved the 
poor soul is distressed. We never send the Spirit grieved to 
heaven, but he leaves our spirits grieved on earth. He is our 
comforter; by him believers are sealed unto the day of redemp- 
tion. Though we are sealed by him, as the Lord's own posses- 
sion, yet if he leaves us to ourselves, the view of Jesus is ob- 
scured to us, and his comforts are withheld from us. Then na- 
tural fears, legal terrors, and desponding doubts seize us, and 
evil spirits rejoice over us, with ' there, there, so would we have 
it.' Though he never becomes the Spirit of bondage to us, yet 
he leaves us to the bondage of our own legal spirits. What 
reason have we to pray daily, Cleanse thy servant, oh Jesus, 
from secret faults ; and let not, oh Spirit of grace, presumptu- 
ous sins get the dominion over me. Psal. xix. 13. 

The Spirit, like a peaceful dove, Why should we vex and grieve his love. 

Flies from the realms of noise and strife ; Who h*ads our souls to heavenly life r 



OCTOBER 12.] 576 [EVENING. 

Who are kept by the power of God, through faith, untv 
salvation, 1 Pet. i. 5. 



The wicked, who are totally ignorant of the doctrines of grace, 
preach this truth, by their common saying, ' They only are well 
kept, whom God keeps.' Many who profess to preach the gos- 
pel, do not hold forth such sound divinity as this. Consider 
these three points : who are thus kept — how are they kept — 
unto what are they kept? (1) Who are kept? Peter tells us, 
they are * the elect, according to the foreknowledge of God ; 
Sanctified by (he Spirit unto obedience.' They obey the Father's 
voice ; they hear, and believe on his beloved Son. Hence they 
are sprinkled by the blood of Christ, from the guilt of sin in their 
consciences; * begotten to a lively hope, by the resurrection of 
Jesus Christ, to an inheritance reserved in heaven for them.' 
The work of the glorious Trinity has passed upon them. More- 
over Christ, calls them his sheep. John x. 14. This implies that 
we are very weak, timorous, helpless creatures. If left to our 
own keeping, to stand by our own power, and to persevere by 
our own faithfulness, alas, we should be quite out of heart, and 
must perish everlastingly. But God does not beget children, 
whom Satan shall destroy. Christ doth not redeem souls, whom 
hell shall receive. The Spirit sanctifies none, who shall have 
their portion with the damned. Therefore they are all kept. (2) 
How? By the power of God, as in an impregnable garrison. 
They are garrisoned in Christ, in God. The power of almighty 
God surrounds them. This is the God-honouring, soul-triumph- 
ing language of their faith : 'Jehovah is my rock, my fortress, 
my deliverer, my God, (my Elohim in covenant) my strength, 
in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, 
and my high tower.' Psal. xviii. I.. You see, they are kept 
4 through faith.' That keeps them low, humble and dependent; 
that leads them quite out of self and nature, into God's power, 
grace and strength They are most sensible ot their own weak- 
ness to stand, inability to persevere, and proneness to fall away : 
therefore they trust most, on the power of God through faith. 
Their faith can never fail, for Christ prays for them. As he 
keeps their persons, so he suffers not their faith to fail : they look 
unto Jesus. Is this your blessed character? Rejoice. For (3 
You are kept: unto what? ' Salvation.' That shall be the end 
of your faith. Those whom Christ, has redeemed by his blood, 
and justified by his grace, he will save unto eternal glory. They 
are as safe in his hands now, as though round his throne in 
glory. 

Lord keep me sale, avid keep me tlftar And r.iake ire erer. more 10 feur 

Thv blessed self in love, The ways of sin to prove. m. 



OCTOBER 13.] 576 [MORNING. 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that ex- 
alteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into 
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 

r- 



X. 0. 



It is fit that soldiers of Jesus should have the sentence of 
death in themselves ; they are hereby taught not to trust in them- 
selves. Though armed with the spiritual weapons of their war- 
fare, yet they are no farther mighty and conquering, but as aided 
by the power of God. Poor souls, by trusting to their graces, 
instead of the God of all grace, have been foiled by the enemy, 
and have fallen. ' I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my 
sword save me; but, through the Lord, will we push down our 
enemies.' Psal, xliv. 5. This is ihe language of faith, this the 
confidence of humble souls. After believers have escaped the 
corruptions that are in the world through lust, and have been 
turned from their sinful courses to the Lord Jesus, then danger 
threatens from another quarter ; self-righteousness will exalt its 
baneful head against them. Now I am somebody. I have re- 
ceived inherent grace and strength. I am justified, my sins are 
pardoned, and. I have got a clean heart. Thus towering imagi- 
nations swell against Gods everlasting love, his election of 
grace, the imputed righteousness of Jesus, and final perse- 
verance of the saints. When these evangelical truths are 
rejected, it argues that pride, self-sufficiency, and self-righte- 
ousness prevail. Verily, oh soul, ' thou trustest in thine 
own beauty, and playest the harlot, because of thy renown. 
Wo, wo unto thee.' This is a severe reproof from the 
mouth of the Lord. Ezek. xvi. 15. St. Austin is peremptory, 
' that it hath been profitable to some proud spirits to fall into 
gross offence ; for they have not lost so much by their fall as 
they have got by being down.' It is better to be humble under 
sin, than to be proud of grace. God will suffer no flesh to glory 
in his presence ; his truths tried at the bar of carnal reason will 
be rejected. But as free grace truths are precious to that Spirit 
who indited them, so he will bring disciples to submit to them. 
To reject the doctrines of grace, under a specious pretence to 
holiness, is to blaspheme the God of wisdom. High thoughts 
of ourselves oppose the truths of God ; vain imaginations 
strengthen self-confidence, which is contrary to the faith of 
Christ. To see Jesus all in all, and to see ourselves nothing at 
all, is to see and know aright, in the light of truth, and by the 
views of the Spirit of truth. There is an inward obedience of 
the heart, a submission to the righteousness of God, as well as 
an outward obedient walk. There may be much of the pride 
and holiness of the pharisee without, where there is none of the 
simple faith and love of Jesus within. 






OCTOBER 13.] 577 I EVENING 

What then ? Romans vi. 15. 



These short and frequent interrogations of scripture are greatly 
to he prized. There is a vast deal contained in these questions, 
"What shall we say then ? What then?" They are like the 
word Shibboleth with which they tried the people of old ; but 
they could not frame their mouths to pronounce it. They cor- 
rupted the word, and said, Sibboleth. So many at this day cor- 
rupt the word of the glorious doctrines of grace, by leaving out 
the H, holiness, which all the doctrines of the holy gospel are 
divinely calculated to promote. ' What then/ comes most suita- 
ble after the precious doctrine of justified saints of God being 
kept by his power, to eternal salvation. What then? Oh when- 
ever you think of God's everlasting love, and Christ's finished 
salvation, and of glory being sure and certain to you, ask your 
heart, what then ? Shall I continue in sin, because such unme- 
rited love, grace and mercy abounds to me ? No : you will re- 
ject the thought with the uimost abhorrence, crying in the fer- 
vour of faith and love, God forbid ! For, (1) Your soul will be 
kept alive to God. You will have sincere love to him, his truths, 
his promises, and his commands. You will have a filial fear of 
offending him, a godly jealousy for his honour and glory, and 
delight in his worship and service. All this naturally results 
from a lively faith in his Son Jesus Christ. Where this is not, 
all is not right within ; there will be suspicions of your faith and 
hope. (2) You will be dead to sin : you cannot live and walk 
under the power of it. You will be groaning under it, striving 
against it, aspiring after victory over it, longing for perfect free- 
dom from it, looking to Jesus and expecting it. (3) You will 
be dead to the world. You can no longer live after its vain cus- 
toms, and sinful manners, pleased with its sensual pleasures, 
and carnal delights. You will put away all such childish things, 
now you are a man in Christ. (4) You will live in love with 
the people of God, and have sweet fellowship with the brethren 
of Christ. These you will choose, and delight in, as your com- 
panions and familiar friends. You will be perfectly agreed with 
the men of this world. They like not your company : you will 
not like theirs. For, (5) Your grand study and chief aim is to 
keep up, and walk in sweet fellowship with God the Father, and 
his Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, whatever tends to prevent the 
comfortable enjoyment of this, you will carefully avoid : what 
tends to promote this, you will diligently pursue 

If God doth sinners ever love, Vouchsafe to keep me daily Lord 

And Christ hath died to save, what then ? From sin, walking in holiness ; 

Our hearts and hopes should be above, Conform my life unto thy word, 

And we should nev^r sin again. That peace and joy I may posses. 11 . 



4 E 



OCTOBER 14. j 578 [MORNING 

I came not to send peace on earth, but a sword. Matt, 
x. 34. 



Is not our Saviour the prince of peace? Hath he not m «de 
peace between God and man, by the blood of his cross? - Doth 
he not give peace in the conscience, and establish peace among 
his people ? Is it not the essence of the gospel to preach peace 
by Christ? All this is true. Why then doth my Lord say, C I 
came not to send peace, but a sword?' Conceive not of the 
meek Lamb as though his soul delighted in war, and that the 
sword of slaughter should be drunk with human blood. No : 
he came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them. Therefore 
this sword is no other than the ' sword of the Spirit, the word of 
God.' It is rendered in St Luke, - division.' This sword di- 
vides and separates a christian from his carnal friends and re- 
lations, yea, divides asunder flesh and spirit. Hence open war 
commences, and hostilities begin ; for there never, never can be 
any peace, harmony and agreement, subsisting between carnal 
and spiritual men, no more that between flesh and spirit in the 
christian. These are contrary to and at continual war with each 
other. ' Wars and fightings come from vour lusts.' Sin is the 
cause of ail contention and division among men : every christian 
i% a soldier : the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is one 
blessed part of his armour. By this he is enabled to resist Sa- 
tan, subdue his lusts, cut down unbelief, and to stand his ground 
against every enemy from the world, the flesh, and the devil, 
which are always in battle array against him. 

Thus the weapons of thy warfare, oh soul, are not carnal, but 
spiritual and mighty, through God, • to the pulling dow 7 n of the 
strong holds of Satan.' Though earth and hell are at war against 
thee, yet strengthen thyself in thy God, he is on thy side. For- 
tify thyself by the word of his truth. This, for thy comfort, as- 
sures thee, ' no weapon that is formed against thee shall pros- 
per, and every tongue that riseth up in judgment against thee, 
thou shalt condemn.' Isai. liv. 17. By this sword of the Spirit 
thou shalt prevail : by the blood of the Lamb thou shalt over- 
come. ' Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith 
the Lord of hosts.' Zech. iv. 6. Alas, the poor sensible soul is 
ready to say, my strength is small, my arm is weak ; though such 
a weapon is put into my hand, I have neither skill nor courage 
to use it aright. Sin, Satan, and the world will be too strong 
for and overcome me at last. No ; that is impossible. Though 
weak as infancy, feeble as childhood, this blessed word exactly 
suits our state, and is a cordial to our spirits. ' Ye are of God, 
little children, and have overcome them.' Why so? Because, 
' greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.' 1 John 
iv. 4. 



OCTOBER 14.] 579 [ti.V&Nl-NC. 

Let us, as many as be perfect, be thus minded. Phil, 
iii. 15. 



Speaking of righteousness unto justification of eternal life, 
Paul says, e The election hath obtained it, and the rest were 
blinded.' Rom. xi. 7. What were they blinded by ? Their own 
righteousness. This, like a cloud, intercepted the glory of the 
Sun of righteousness from their minds. Their own righteousness 
prevented their seeing the need of the righteousness of Christ, 
to justify them before God. So of perfection : many are so 
blinded with their own fancied perfection, that they see not the 
glorious perfection of Christ, and how poor sinners in themselves, 
are absolutely perfect ' in him.' Paul, just before said, he was 
not perfect : now he says he is perfect. What can he mean f 
Ironically, say some ; by way of sneer upon those who fancied 
themselves perfect. Say others, comparatively perfect, with 
respect to those who are ignorant of Christ : perfect in part, 
but not in degree. But, I humbly presume, it is most agreeable 
to the analogy of fai'.h to suppose he here means, what he else- 
where speaks of, ' perfect as pertaining to the conscience, by 
the work of Christ.' Heb. ix. 9. How are some poor souls puz- 
zled, and others deluded, about perfection. Mind : here is a 
perfection which every believer is possessed of, pertaining to 
the conscience. This is received and enjoyed there by faith, in 
the atonement and righteousness of the Son of God. ' By whom 
we have now received the atonement.' Rom. v. 11. It is re- 
ceived by faith, and applied to our consciences, so that we have 
no more conscience of sins, but what we have the perfect atone- 
ment of Christ's blood to plead, and to cleanse us from. So of 
the condemnation of the law : we have the perfect righteousness 
of Christ to answer it. Hence there is now no condemnation to us. 
Thus, being delivered from wrath, guilt and condemnation, by " 
the perfect work of our Immanuel, our consciences are at per- 
fect peace with God, perfectly reconciled to him. We are made 
perfectly accepted in the Beloved. Thus we are perfect : for 
our title to glory is perfect and complete. The Spirit who thus 
perfected us by faith, bears witness of it in the word, and to 
our consciences. Oh glorious state, oh blessed perfection. Thus 
our Lord's prayer is answered upon us, ' I in them, and thou in 
me, that they may be made perfect in one.' John xvii. 23. 
Hence Paul exhorts, ' Re thus minded.' We must reserve this 
for the next meditation. Ever remember, ' The law made no- 
thing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did ; by which 
we draw nigh unto God.' Heb. vii. 19. 

Perfect in Christ we stand complete Justice acquits, grace makes us meet ; 

Before God's liolv throne, Glorv to God alone. 



OCTOBER 15.] 580 [MORNING. 

Jesus said unto them, Why sleep ye ? Rise and pray, lest 
ye enter into temptation. Luke xxii. 46. 

The dull sleepy frames of disciples, though natural to them, 
are by no means commendable ; nor are they to find excuses for 
them, as though this was a sleepy state of the churches, and so 
we were to lie down and take our rest. This is injurious to the 
honour of our dear Master, brings discredit upon his cause and 
interest, is very uncomfortable, and exposes sleeping souls to 
many and great dangers; though love may excuse it, yet will 
Jesus sharply reprove for it. Why sleep ye ; wherefore do you 
indulge yourselves with sloth, when you are called to activity ? 
Sleep is unreasonable, when danger is near. Ye know, my be- 
loved disciples, your adversary Satan is ever wakeful, watchful, 
busy in plotting and seeking to rob you of your shield of faith. 
Is this a time to be sluggish; to fold your hands and cry, a lit- 
tle more carnal ease and worldly pleasures, a little more spiri- 
tual slumber. Most inexcusable, to be taking sleepy opiates of 
pleasure to indulge the flesh, and intoxicating draughts from the 
world to drown the spirit. What meanest thou, oh sleeper? 
* Arise and call upon thy God.' Say not, I am in an unsuitable 
frame, dull, and heavy. Thou readest of no such reply from 
these drowsy disciples to their Master. Wilt thou stay till thou 
art rich, before thou wilt be industrious? He who calls to duty 
is both able and willing to give strength in duty, and power to 
perform it. Take with you words and say, Jesus will give the 
Spirit to pray, Ever remember, prayers move God, not as an 
orator moves his hearers, but as the cry of a beloved child moves 
an affectionate father; when we are out of the reach of danger, 
prayer will be needless. But when will that be? Not in this 
life, not till every enemy is destroyed ; that will not be till death 
is swallowed up of life. 

Now there is danger from temptation. Temptation cannot 
hurt us, but entering into the temptation will. Jesus was in all 
things tempted like as we are, yet without sin ; his temptations 
were all without him ; they could not enter in to defile him ; but 
they may us. When the love of the world enters and prevails, 
the sense of the love of God is lost; when the lusts of the flesh 
get power, the consolations of the Spirit are not enjoyed ; when 
ease and happiness are expected from any other object but Je- 
sus, the precious Saviour is slighted and disesteemed ; then our 
views of his love are eclipsed, and our souls miserably dark- 
ened. ' The end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, 
and watch unto prayer.' 1 Pet. iv. 7. 

How precious is our Saviour's love, He liates the sloth we're subject to„ 

How tender his complaint ! But yet lie loves the saint. > 






OCTOBER 15.] 581 [evening. 

Let us, as many as he verfect, be thus minded. Phil. 
in. l/». 



Paul says, his preaching Christ, warning and teaching every 
man of his ruined state, in all wisdom, was to this great and 
glorious end, to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col, 
i. 28. How often have our minds been distressed and dejected, 
(I speak for one) seeing our imperfection in all we are, and in 
all we do ? Instead of this we are called, again and again to 
' rejoice in the Lord Jesus alway.' Phil. iv. 4. This we shall 
do, if our consciences be made perfect, by the blessed work of 
Christ received by faith, as was observed in the last meditation. 
Oh rest not short of perfect satisfaction in this matter. The 
work of Christ has perfectly satisfied God's justice and truth, 
and made honourable his holy law ; why should it not wholly 
satisfv your conscience, and make it perfect? Now we are ex- 
horted to be like-minded. In what respect? You will see in 
the foregoing verses. (I) Rejoice in the Lord. This is the happy 
privilege of every believer : yet how sadly neglected. It is a 
command by which the Lord is as much honoured, as by obey- 
ing any one of the ten commandments. Consider this, and be 
concerned to practise it. (2) Beware of those who have confi- 
dence in the flesh. Paul calls them dogs, and evil workers ; as 
though they w r ere ever barking and cavilling against the perfec- 
tion which is in Christ Jesus, and opposing somewhat of their 
own to it. (3) Worship God in the spirit ; in (he life and spirit 
of the gospel of grace and peace. (4) Count all things loss for 
Christ, by whom you gain all things. Renounce your own righte- 
ousness, for the righteousness of Christ received by faith. Desire 
to be found in Christ, living, dying, and at the judgment day. 
(5) Win Christ, and wear him, by faith from day to day, that 
you may be made conformable to his death, in dying to sin, 
self, and the world. (6) Follow after Christ : knowing that all 
your perfection is in him, that you may apprehend him, catch 
faster hold of him, cleave more stedfastly to him, abide more 
comfortably in him, that you may enjoy more sweet fellowship 
with him, for which Christ apprehended you, when you were post- 
ing to hell. Never forget his love in this. Take faster hold of 
him. (7) ' Press toward the mark, for the prize of your high 
calling of God in Christ Jesus.' Your calling is clear : the prize 
is before you, a crown of righteousness. The Lord, the righte- 
ous judge, holds it out for you, and will surely give it you. 
Looking to him by faith, '■ forgetting the things which are be- 
hind, and reaching forth unto the things which are before,' Christ 
and glory. 

Though perfect now, we still press on, We live by failli on God's dear Son, 

Perfection's prize to gain, 'Till all our foes are slain. m. 



OCTOBER 16.] 582 [MORNING. 

/ rejoice at thy vjord, as one thatjindeth great spoil. Psai. 
cxix. 162. 



The saints of God in all ages were taught by the same Spirit, 
looked for the same salvation, and were comforted by the -same 
truths, found in the word of the Lord. Hence the word is so 
precious to them; it causes rejoicing of soul within them. Thus 
it is of the written word of the Lord, which makes known his 
everlasting loving designs to sinners of mankind. This also is 
true of the essential, divine, and uncreated Word, the Lord Je- 
sus ; he in person manifested God's thought of love, as words 
declare what is in the mind. Jesus lay in the bosom of the Fa- 
ther from eternity; he has revealed the Father's eternal love to 
us. He who findeih Jesus, wall rejoice indeed. With joy, says 
Philip, ' we have found him of whom Moses in the law and the 
prophets did write.' John i. 45. Hath a conqueror, who hath 
obtained a complete victory over and is enriching himself with 
the spoils of a wealthy enemy, cause of rejoicing? How much 
more has the christian daily from the word of the Lord. Alas, 
the joy of the one is but momentary and uncertain ; what ho 
hath gained in war to-day, to-morrow he may be deprived of; 
but joy through the victory of Jesus, and the spoil the chris- 
tian reaps from the word, are durable and eternal. The victory 
of Jesus is the christian's spoil ; here he beholds sin subdued, 
death conquered, Satan vanquished, hell overcome, and a crown 
of eternal life and glory fully obtained, absolutely ensured, and 
which shall most certainly be enjoyed. In the written word of the 
Spirit are given unto us 'exceeding great and precious promises/ 
In the essential Word, Jesus, ' all the promises are in him, yea 
and amen, to the glory of God.' By theformerwe understand "what 
is the hope of our calling, and what the riches of the glory of 
his inheritance in the saints.' By the latter, union with Jesus, 
and faith in him, we obtain the happy assurance that all things 
are ours. ' Whether ministers, the world, life, death, things pre- 
sent, or things to come, all are yours, and ye are Christ's, and 
Christ is God's.' 1 Cor, iii. 22, 23. And < nothing shall be able 
to separate from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.' 
Rom. viii. 39. 

Blessed be God for the word of his grace, the bible ; blessed 
be God for his unspeakable gift, Jesus. Here is thy treasure, 
oh christian : where should thy heart be but in meditation and 
delight herein daily ? For thou canst get spiritual joy from no 
object but victorious Jesus, set before thee in the gospel ; and 
the clearer thou seest salvation by him, so will thy faith be 
stronger in him ; this creates spiritual rejoicing of soul conti- 
nually. 

How doth thy word my heart engage, When nature sinks and spirits droop, 

How well employ my tongue : Thy promises of grace 

And in my tiresome pilgrimago Are pillars to support my hope ; • 

Yields me a h.eavcnly sonj. A»d there ! write lliy praise. 



OCTOBER 16.1 583 [EVENING. 

We also joy in God, through our Lord Jesus. Christ, by 
whom ive have now received the atonement. Rom. v. II. 



Having obtained the king's free pardon, for a poor man cast 
ibr transportation, I carried it to the goal to him. Seeing the 
poor fettered creature fall down upon his knees to return thanks, 
caused a burst of tears from mine eyes of heart-felt joy. I 
thought, this is just what thou, oh my precious Saviour, hast 
done for me. Thou hast obtained a full and free pardon of all 
my sins, set my soul at liberty, and filled it with peace and joy, 
by the one atonement of thy precious blood. The poor convict 
had not read his pardon, he had not seen the king's name to it. 
T only made the report to him, that I had got it. He believed 
me : hence he was happy, joyful and thankful. Thus he received 
his pardon. Now here is a simple and plain idea of faith : of 
what? Receiving the atonement of Christ, and of joy in God. 
You a poor sinner, the Spirit of God comes and convinces you 
of sin ; you are arraigned, tried, brought in guilty, cast and con- 
demned in the court of conscience. You are concluded under 
sin ; and shut up in unbelief. Here you wait in sorrow and dis- 
tress for the sentence of the law to be executed upon you. You 
find you can do nothing that can obtain pardon and liberty for 
your poor soul. But the gospel brings the glad tidings of the 
atonement of Christ to your ears, and that- by it, a full and free 
pardon is obtained for sinners. Mow, what reception does it 
meet with in your heart? Say you, I believe it from the very 
ground of my heart, but I fear it is not for me. It is free for all 
who will receive it by faith. You believe it, therefore you have 
received it. You ought to joy in God for it. Examine into the 
grounds of your fears and doubts. Is the atonement of Christ 
sufficient to satisfy divine justice, and obtain pardon and peace? 
This you cannot doubt. Is it not free for all sorts of sinners ? 
Of this you can have no fear. ' For this is a faithful saying, 
and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the 
world to save sinners.' 1 Tim. i. 15. Who are nothing but 
cursed sinners, and have nothing but cursed sin in them. Do 
you doubt that you are too great a sinner ? This cannot be. 
Paul says, of sinners, ' I am chief.' Yet he received the atone- 
ment, and was saved \)y it. Learn hence, (1) That all joy in 
God spVings from the one atonement of Christ for sin, and that 
only, exclusive of every thing else. (2) Every one who be- 
lieves in Christ has now received this atonement. And there- 
fore, (3) Ought constantly to joy in God the Father's everlast- 
'ng love. 

No joy in God, to liim no love, 'Till faith is gjiven from aliove, 

We over can possess ; hi Christ our righteousness. m 



OCTOBER 17.] 584 [MORNING 

Sin shall not have dominion over you ; for you are not un- 
der the law, but under grace. Rom. vi. 14. 



Who are under the law ? All who think they can fulfil it, 
seek to be made righteous by it, and expect salvation from it ; 
all such are under the dominion of sin, and the curse of. the law. 
Who are under grace ? All who fly from the law as a ministra- 
tion of condemnation, embrace the gospel as a ministration 
of righteousness, and cleave to Jesus, and expect righteous- 
ness and salvation in him only. Over such, sin has no power 
to destroy; they are out of his territories, in another kingdom, 
under another king. Jesus rules in and over them ; and he says 
of every one of them, sin shall not have dominion over you. 
What a heart-reviving promise is this : how delightful to hear 
that our worst foe, our bitterest enemy, shall not lord it over us. 
Art thou, oh disciple, ready to cry out, Would to God, sin had 
no being in me, then I should be completely happy. Kemember 
what thy Saviour said to his mother : ' mine hour is not yet 
come.' John ii. 4. It is enough that thou are called to the mar- 
riage of the Lamb ; the Bridegroom keeps the best wine for the 
last. This is excellent wine on earth, sin shall not have domi- 
nion over us ; in glory, sin shall have no being in us. 

Be assured, oh christian, thine enemies are all conquered, 
though sense and experience afford thee daily proof that they 
are not all dead. Never think of laying down thine arms, fold- 
ing thine hands, and setting up thy rest here. Thou art still in 
the camp, the enemy lies in wait to take all advantage; but 
here is thy victory, though sin is an enemy, whose life is com- 
mensurate with the life of thy flesh, though so nearly allied to 
thee that it is part of thyself, yet, being one with Jesus, thou 
hast a spiritual and eternal life, and the power of Omnipotence 
is engaged to preserve and keep thee. Therefore sin shall not 
maintain its usurpation, nor hold dominion over thy soul; its 
empire is dethroned, the kingdom of Jesus is set up in thy heart, 
Christ dwells there by faith, thy heart is sprinkled from an evil 
conscience by his blood ; he who hath conquered for thee will 
also conquer in thee. 

Take heed of a state of independence on him, and vain con- 
fidence in thyself Think not the root and being of sin are de- 
stroyed, and thyself in a sinless state; for then thou hast no 
need of Jesus, faith in him, hope on him, nor prayer to him. If 
Satan thus rocks any poor sinner asleep, it is in the cradle of 
delusion, while he sings a sweet syren's song ; be ever active 
and viligant to oppose and conquer thy inbred foe. Daily attend 
this wholesome advice: ' Let not sin reign in your mortal body, 
that you should obey it in the lusts thereof.' 



OCTOBER 17.] 585 [EVENING, 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has 
made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage. 
Gal. v. 1. 



Here is somewhat enjoyed, danger of being deprived of it, 
and the necessity of standing fast in it. Let us consider these 
three points, looking unto Jesus. (1) What is enjoyed ? * Li- 
berty;' one of the most precious blessings in life. But this, 
of ail liberties, is the most precious. For Christ hath made us 
free in our consciences, from the guilt and power of sin ; from 
all condemnation of the law ; and to have access to God as 
righteous persons. He hath washed away the guilt of our sins 
by his blood, and subdued the power of them by his Spirit. f He 
hath delivered us from the curse of the law, being made a curse 
for us.' Gal. iii. 13. So that ' there is now no condemnation to 
us, being in Christ Jesus.' Horn. viii. 1. He presents us before 
his Father in his perfect righteousness. We are accepted in the 
Beloved, by God himself as perfectly righteous, ' to the praise 
of the glory of his grace.' Thus Christ has freed us from the 
law, sin, death, and hell; and has brought us into this blessed 
liberty by his Spirit. We enjoy this precious freedom in our 
consciences by faith. Oh brethren, let us glory in our inestima- 
ble privilege : let us ever rejoice in Christ Jesus, and give him 
the glory of our hearts, lips, and lives for it. But, (2) See your 
danger of being entangled again with the yoke of bondage. We 
who now enjoy the precious liberty of Christ, were once en- 
tangled with the law ; a most dreadful yoke it was. We felt 
wrath working in our consciences, and dread and terror hung 
over our guilty heads from day to day. How did we then pant 
and cry, for Christ to set our souls at liberty. We were tied and 
bound with the chain of our sins, fettered by the law, shut up 
in unbelief. My soul deeply felt this distress. Oh beware of 
bondage again : there is danger on the right hand and on the 
left. The pleasures of sin, and the pride of our hearts, seeking 
either in whole or in part, justification by the law of works, are 
both equally contrary to our freedom in Christ. Let us there- 
fore, (3) Stand fast in the liberty of Christ, against all tempta- 
tions to sin. Oppose your happiness in Christ to all the plea- 
sures of sin, which are'but for a season. Stand fast in your 
freedom in Christ, against all the corrupt notions of self-righte- 
ous men who are under the law, seeking to be justified in whole 
Or in part by their own works. Against all the accusations of 
Satan, and overcome him by the blood of the Lamb. Against 
all the legal workings of your flesh, for we are the Lord's free- 
men : we are no more under bondage. 

Stand fast, my soul, in Christ thy Lord Emboldened by God's precious word, » 

To legal preachers give not way, Maintain th.y Freedom every day. m 

4 r 



OCTOBER 18.J 586 [MORNING. 

Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, we 
may be accepted of him. 2 Cor. v. 9. 

' In all labour there is a profit/ Prov. xiv. 23. The belief* of 
this makes the heart diligent, lively, and active. When Nehe- 
miah was stirred up to build the wall of Jerusalem, amidst the 
scoffs and opposition of enemies on every side, yet in prayer, 
watching and working, he and his brethren wrought with one 
hand, a guard in the other, and this confidence of faith in their 
hearts, * Our God shall fight for us.' Neh. iv. 20. Thus ani- 
mated, they laboured till the work was finished. 

Thus the beloved brethren of Jesus are called to be ' stedfast, 
immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord •" being 
confident that the Lord fights for then), and knowing assuredly 
that ( their labour is not in vain in the Lord.' The labour of 
love is pleasant, it is profitable to the believing heart ; the work 
of faith is delightful to the soul, while it exercises the patience 
of hope. Most reviving consideration : we serve not a hard 
task-master, we labour not for a rigorous severe Lord ; we obey, 
not from base mercenary principles. No, every command of Je- 
sus is in love ; every work we do in his name is from love to 
spiritual good, as well as to his glory ; we have the fullest as- 
surance that we are ' accepted in the beloved/ We are not 
left to doubt of the way of acceptance, nor to do any thing to 
procure it ; the truth, as it is in Jesus, forbids all this ; but know- 
ing our persons are accepted in Jesus, this is the most enliven- 
ing powerful motive not only to do, but also to abound in those 
things with which God is well pleased ; to study to please God 
in our walk and way, cheerfully to lay out ourselves in his service, 
unreservedly to give up ourselves wholly to the Lord. This is 
the sweet exercise of faith and love. Shall we pretend to be- 
lieve that Jesus is our Saviour, and that we are accepted in him, 
and yet not labour and strive that our works may please him ? 
Not study and endeavour, as assisted by his Spirit, to avoid 
those things that are contrary to his nature and commands ? 
Alas, this is ( hail, master;' only like Judas to give a kiss of 
hypocrisy, while faith in him and love to him are wanting. 

Thou disciple of Jesus, from that moment thou didst enter 
into the rest of Jesus by faith, thou art called to labour, that thy 
works may please God, and be accepted of him ; and when the 
heart is whole with its Saviour, and simply looking to him, need 
one forbid such a soul to refrain from the vain pastimes and sin- 
ful gratifications of a carnal world? No: he saith these things 
do not please my Lord, they cannot be acceptable to him, they 
shall not ensnare me, T cannot displease my Saviour. ' We love 
him, because he first loved us.' I John iv. 19. 



OCTOBER IS.]. 0S7 [EVENING 

And he requested for himself that he might die. 1 Kings 
xix. 4. 



' Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are/ James 
v. 17. This request proves it It arose from fear and discontent 
Both were occasioned by the threats of a weak, but wicked wo- 
man. Jezebel threatened his life. Oh how soon, and by what 
weak means, are the fine frames of God's children spoiled and 
discomposed. What Elijah ! that great prophet of the Lord, 
who had wrought so many notable miracles in the name of the 
Lord ; who had been so miraculously fed by ravens, according 
to the command of the Lord ; he who had courage to say, ' As 
the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely show 
myself to incensed Ahab to-day ; what — he, who had zeal to 
face four hundred and fifty of Baal's priests, and to command 
them all to be slain — what does he request to die, because of 
the threatenings of a woman? What shall we say to this? 
Verily, human nature is the same in all, whether prophets, pa- 
triarchs, or apostles. All men are not the same at all times. 
The flesh is part of themselves : it lusts against the Spirit. This 
is manifest in all, none excepted. What is man, when left of 
God ? W^hat are the best of men, when left to themselves ? And 
yet the same apostle James says, ' Take, my brethren, the pro- 
phets who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example 
of suffering affliction, and of patience/ James v. 10. But where 
shall we find a perfect character? Paul might well say, ' We 
have this treasure (all the gifts and graces of God's Spirit) in 
earthen vessels.' Why ? That the excellency of the power might 
be of God, and not cf us. 1 Cor. iv. 7. But if earthen vessels 
were not sometimes left to themselves, they would forget this. 
Elijah, like Paul, was in danger of being exalted above mea- 
sure, for his eminent gifts, graces and miraculous works. Be is 
lett to be buffeted, that he might know his own sinfulness and 
impotence. Learn a lesson hence to night. Prophets, apostles, 
ministers of Christ, are men of like passions, frail sinners like 
yourselves. Paul forbears glorying, ' Lest, says he, any man 
should think of me above what he sees me to be/ 2 Cor. xii. 
6. If we so judge of ministers, we shall be in great danger of 
harm thereby. We shall'Overrate them, look to them, instead of 
looking through them to God. We shall Test on their teaching, 
instead of God's. Then, if we do but see those infirmities in 
them, which are common to men, oh then who could have 
thought it ! We shall underrate them, and be prejudiced against 
them, so as not to be profited by them. Cease ye from man, and 
look unto the. Lord. 



OCTOBER 19.] 588 [MORN-'ING. 

And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, 
and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee ; and 
will be gracious to whom I will be gracious., and will show 
mercy on whom I will show mercy. Exod. xxxiii. 19. 

Carnal reason, pride, and unbelief, like a threefold cord, binds 
the soul under legal bondage; each of these mutually strength- 
ens the other, and all combine to oppose the sovereign goodness 
and grace of our Lord. Instead of believing in, so as to be com- 
forted by, free grace declarations from our God, how apt are we 
to consult flesh and blood. How prone to reject them, because 
we cannot reconcile them to our carnal reason. Here is the 
grand source of that damning sin, unbelief. Marvel not, believer, 
though the pride of thy flesh rises and rebels against distinguish- 
ing grace and discriminating love. This, though sweet to the 
experience of faith, is bitter to the stomach of rebellious nature. 
But here is thy mercy; grace, which is sovereign in its nature, 
is saving in its operations ; all must be resolved into this hum- 
bling acknowledgement, I, a poor sinner, who could neither will 
nor run the way of salvation ; the Lord wills to show me his 
goodness, to proclaim his name, to bestow his grace, and com- 
fort me with his mercy in Christ Jesus, to the salvation of my 
precious soul. 

Thus the Lord speaks in love ; let all his children hear in faith, 
rejoice and be humbled. Where, oh soul, canst thou fix thy 
fool, but thou standestupon the ground of free grace? Hast thou 
faith? It is of grace. Dost thou find pardon of sin and conso- 
lation of heart in Christ Jesus? It is of grace. Dost thou love 
God ? It is because he l first loved thee.' Dost thou hate sin, 
as contrary to God's glory, and thy soul's peace? What asto- 
nishing grace is this; consider it on thy knees, reflect on it with 
meltings of soul. Why shouldst thou be singled out by the 
power of the word, marked by the grace of the Spirit for salva- 
tion, when many hundreds perish everlastingly ? Why are thine 
eyes opened, amidst a throng of blind sinners? Why art thou 
watered, like Gideon's fleece, while others are dry ? Was thy 
nature better, or thy desires holier? What conditions hadst thou 
performed to procure this? Grace has taught thy soul other- 
wise than so to think ; all must be resolved into this soul-hum- 
bling, God-exaUing truth, c I will be gracious to whom I will 
be gracious.' Here is an inexhaustible source of comfort, a ne- 
ver-failing motive to love and obedience; that grace and mercy 
which God owes to no one sinner on earth, he has freely given 
to thee. It is thy privilege to rejoice in it, thy duty to confess 
it, and to lie in the dust and be humble. ' If by grace, it is no 
more of works.' Rom. xi. 6. 



OCTOBER 19.] 589 [evening 

Behold he prayeth. Acts ix. 11. 

In many trades, it is customary to show samples or patterns : 
by these men judge of the goodness, or quality of the whole. 
Paul sets himself forth as a sample, or pattern, of the free, dis- 
tinguishing, sovereign, unmerited grace of God, that we should 
judge of its nature, by its efficacy upon him. ' I obtained mercy, 
for this cause, that in me first, (a first rate sinner) Jesus Christ 
might show forth all longsurTering, for a pattern to them who 
should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.' 1 Tim. i. 6. 
Thou hast seen this pattern of free grace : what dost thou think 
of it ? The whole is alike with the pattern : it cometh alike upon 
all elect sinners. It finds no more prerequisites, fitness, quali- 
fications, or conditions in any, than it did in Paul. Whenever 
it takes place upon any, it produces the same effects as it did 
in him. Grace and mercy from Jesus, makes Saul pray to 
Jesus. There is the emphasis : this is the main point. ' Be- 
hold, he prayeth.' To whom? Doubtless, he had prayed 
much and often, while an unconverted pharisee : but it was 
to an unknown God. He knew there was a God, he knew 
it was his duty to pray to him ; but he knew him not. 
But now, Jesus speaks to him. God manifests himself to 
him in Christ. Therefore, behold, take special notice of this : 
' Behold he prayeth,' to Jesus : to God in Christ. He no longer 
durst come to God in his own name, or expect access to God, 
and acceptance with him, on account of his own sincerity, or 
works of righteousness : but in the name, blood and righteous- 
ness, of the Son of God only. So he prayed, so he evidenced 
his conversion to Jesus. Hence the true Spirit of prayer mani- 
fested itself in him His prayers were agreeable to, and sprung 
from his knowledge of himself as a poor sinner, and faith in the 
Son of God, as the only Saviour. This is the prayer which God 
delights in, takes special notice of, and refers to as an evidence 
of true conversion. Hence know, prayerless souls are Christ- 
less. Prayer, without the knowledge of Christ, faith in him, 
hope of eternal life by him, and acceptance through him, is only 
lip service, and formal duty. But, the spirit of prayer arises in 
the heart, from a discovery of a God in Christ; the knowledge 
of him, by believing his word of grace and truth, and expecting 
his mercy and salvation, according to his great and precious 
promises given in Christ. Dost thou pray thus? Then it may be 
truly said of thee, behold thou art converted : thy prayers evi- 
dence it. The God who heareth prayer, hath manifested himself 
to thee, as he does not unto the world. 

We cannot pray when we are dead, Of Jesus and Ids saving aid ; 

Because we feel no want But mercy lie doth grant m. 



OCTOBER 2tAj WO [MORNING, 

This same Jesus, wfuch is taken up from you into heaven, 
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into hea- 
ven. Acts i. ] 1. 



The parting of dear friends is very grievous and affecting 1 ; but 
sorrow is alleviated from the expectation of meeting- again. Oh 
the joy of meeting our dear friends in glory, who are gone be- 
fore ! But what will heighten all, will be the sight and enjoyment 
of our best friend and dearest Saviour. The disciples were look- 
ing siedfastly to heaven, after their dear Master ascended to 
glory, when they received this assurance : they saw his human 
form, the same dear man, their beloved companion, with whom 
they had so often eat and drank and taken sweet counsel, and 
who was lately crucified, dead and buried ; this very man Jesus 
they saw ascend ; the Son of God came from heaven in spirit, 
he assumed a body of flesh and blood, he lived in it on earth ; 
and having finished the work his Father gave him to do, he took 
the same body with him to glory. i This same Jesus shall so 
come again in like manner;' every eye shall see him in the last 
day, in his human form. 

Thus, in all the transactions of Jesus by faith, we ' behold the 
man.' View him in his birth, an outcast babe in poverty ; in 
advanced years of life, ' a man of sorrows and acquainted with 
grief, despised and rejected of men.' In death he died as ano- 
ther man ; yea, an accursed death, as a malefactor. In his re- 
surrection and ascension, with a human body like our own. 
Such was thy Saviour, believer, a man 'like unto thyself in all 
things, but without sin;' and having perfectly expiated and 
atoned for all our sins, he is now at the right hand of God, the 
glorified man, still in human form pleading our cause. ' And 
he is able to save them to the uttermost who come unto God by 
him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession.' Heb. vii. 25. 
God is in Christ ; thou canst not come to the Deity but through 
the humanity of Jesus ; mind that. Who can tell the uttermost 
of Jesus' salvation ? It is unto all manner of perfection, both 
of soul and body. How sweet and encouraging is this to faith, 
that our Saviour, our brother, our friend, is in our nature before 
the throne. ' He ever lives ; he is able to save.' And canst 
thou ever doubt of his love and willingness? Oh remember 
Calvary : think of his agony and blood-shedding there. And 
canst thou want a proof of his love, poor sinner? If thou, 
whilst an enemy, wast redeemed and reconciled to God by his 
blood ; how much more, being reconciled, slTalt thou be saved 
by his life. It is thy happiness to be ever looking upon and 
unto Jesus as the man and mediator by whom thou comest to 
God ; be looking for him to see him in his glorified form. ' He 
shall come again in like manner, to be glorified in his saints, 
and to be admired in all them who believe, 2 Thess. r, 10. 



OCTOBER 20.] 591 [evening 

But one thing is needful. Luke x. 42. 



Happy, most happy for that soul, who can simply bring- all 
things into a unit, to centre in one point. More than one object 
perplexes the mind. If, to double business bent, we stand and 
pause where we shall first begin, and both neglect. What is the 
' one thing needful V By which it is plain our Saviour means, 
the soul keeping close company with himself. This Mary did : 
she sat at his i'eet and heard his word. Every thing else is but 
cumbering work, compared with this. This one thing comprises 
all the holiness, happiness and heavenly-mindedness of the soul. 
If we have the presence of Jesus, guiliy fears vanish, dejecting 
doubts are scattered, legal terrors are silenced, anxious cares 
subside, strong temptations lose their force, Satan is resisted, 
afflictions are sweetened, turbulent passions calmed, raging cor- 
ruptions subdued, pride is brought down, humility is excited, 
peace with God is enjoyed, holiness promoted, the fear of death 
conquered, the terrors of hell chased away, the prospect of glory, 
in the full fruition of Jesus, is aspired after and longed for; 
earth loses its charms, heaven is in the heart ; to be absent from 
the body, and present with the Lord, becomes the one desire of 
the soul. Say, oh christian, what * one thing' else can produce 
so many, such blessed effects, as close communion with our Sa- 
viour ? Is not this the one thing, above all others, needful ? 
Needful at all times, and in all seasons: needful in the hour of 
prosperity, and in the day of adversity. Oh if this one thing is 
maintained in the soul, believer, you may live as you list, and 
do what you please. For sweet communion with Christ, ever 
subjects the will, attracts the affections, and begets holy confor- 
mity to him. You will not list, you cannot like, you dare not 
follow any thing which is contrary to your Lord, while you live 
near to him, and dwell in holy fellowship with him. Thus reli- 
gion is brought to a single point : holiness and happiness are 
resolved into ' one thing.' There is but one Lord, to make you 
holy and happy. But one faith, by which you know it, and 
cleave to him for this. But there are a thousand things to pre- 
vent this : oh may this one thing needful rise superior to all. 
Think, oh my soul, of Mary's choice. Remember thy Saviour's 
approbation of it. Do t,hou also choose this good part, which 
shall never be taken away, 

Where, oh my soul, canst thou find peace, He came in humble form to how, 

' In all thy troubles great ? To thy complaining voice : 

Christ's word can only bring release : Oh to him with thy burden go, 

Sit at thy Saviour's feet. His words hear and rejoice. M 



OCTOBER 21.J 592 [MORNING. 

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw ?iigh to you. James 

iv. 8. 



How sweetly is the children's duty and the father's promise 
joined together. The latter is a most powerful encouragement 
to the former; though we were 'sometime afar off, yet being made 
nigh by the blood of Jesus,' we are exhorted to draw nigh to 
God in prayer, in full assurance of faith, firmly believing that 
4 faithful is he who hath promised,' he will draw nigh to us to 
bless us. To live near to God is our heaven below ; to experi- 
ence a distance from him is our misery ; we cannot draw nigh 
to God but in the way he has drawn nigh to us, that is in Christ ; 
in the humanity of Jesus his Son ; in all our approaches to God, 
consider this. Jesus is the object of our faith, and God im him ; 
all other objects drawn nigh to, will leave the soul in a painful 
sense of distance from the true God and real comfort. Happy, 
only happy canst thou be, while thou art daily living in close 
communion and near fellowship with thy God and Saviour. 
While the terrors of the law drive legal spirits to duty, to fulfil 
terms of peace and conditions of acceptance, evangelical pro- 
mises ever sweetly constrain and encourage to every duty those 
who are ' not under the law, but under grace.' To live in neg- 
lect of our duty and God's ordinances, is devilish licentious- 
ness ; but to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, is true chris- 
tian liberty. Here is our mercy, we have a sure way of access, 
by Jesus we draw nigh, in him God and man meet ; the holy 
Spirit is our strength, ' praying in the Holy Ghost.' As it is the 
office of Christ to intercede for us, so the Holy Ghost inter- 
cedes in us ; as an advocate within, he enables us to plead in 
faith what Jesus is to us, what he hath done for us ; so we speak 
with confidence to our dear Father. He helps in prayer, as a 
nurse helpeth a little child that is unable to go of itself, or as a 
weak decrepit person is upheld by the arm. 

Here is our encouragement, the word of promise : ' God will 
draw nigh to you.' This, oh soul, is thy happiness below, thy 
heaven on earth, to have access to the God of mercies, and the 
Father of all consolations draw nigh to thee. Thou sweetly find- 
est it so ; not merely to draw nigh to duty, but to God in duty ; 
to find and feel the special presence and blessing of the Lord. 
Without this, loving hearts cannot be satisfied ; communion 
and fellowship with God, finding nearness of spirit, delightful 
intercourse, having to do with God, and receiving inward peace 
and love from him. This is the glory of the life of faith on Je- 
sus, and this draws us away from and makes us dead to all 
things beside. When God and Christ and heaven are within, 
all without becomes truly mean and despicable in comparison. 
' It is good for me,' saith Asaph, ' to draw near to God.' Psal. 
lxxiii. 28. 



OCTOBER 21.] 593 [EVENING. 

Then said Jonathan to David, Whatsoever thy soul de- 
sireth, I will even do it for thee. 1 Sam. xx. 4. 

Such is the language of generous love, and sincere friendship. 
There never was a greater instance of it subsisting between men, 
than between Jonathan and David. Poor David was in great 
distress. Saul sought his life : he flies to his friend Jonathan, 
opens his whole heart to him, and solemnly assures him, i As 
thy soul liveth, there is but one step between me and death/ On 
which, Jonathan thus declares his love and faithfulness : ' what- 
soever thy soul desireth, 1 will even do it for thee. 5 How must 
David's heart be struck with this noble, this loving promise. 
Oh christian, here is somewhat very familiar to thine own case. 
Consider, (1) There is but a step between thee and death : thou 
knowest not how soon thy last step is to be taken. What friend 
hast thou to go to ? Verily the King's Son, the Son of God. As 
Jonathan signifies, ' given of the Lord :' So Jesus is the gift of 
the Lord, to be a friend and a Saviour to all his Davids, to all 
his beloved people. (2) Great as the love, sincere as the friend 
ship of Jonathan was ; yet the love and friendship of Jesus in 
finitely exceeds it. Jonathan never laid down his life for his 
friend David. Jesus did for all his beloved : and he gives them 
this full and precious promise, ' Whatsoever ye ask in my name, 
that will I do.' John xiv. 13. (3) The power, as well as the 
love of our heavenly friend Jesus, infinitely exceeds Jonathan's. 
His love might wish to do that for David which his power was 
not able to effect; but it is not so with Christ. His power is as 
great as his love, and neither knows measure nor end. (4) Was 
David happy in having such a friend, in whose bosom he could 
pour his sorrows, and upon whose love he could trust his con- 
cerns? Infinitely more happy art thou, oh christian, thou be- 
loved of the Lord. Does thy soul desire heaven below, and hea- 
ven above in the enjoyment of Christ? ' He is able to do ex- 
ceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think, according to 
the power that worketh in us.' Ephes. iii. 20. Blessed be the 
day, I ever knew this beloved Friend. All power in heaven and 
earth is committed to our Jesus. Seeing this is so, why art thou 
not constantly happy, in such a friend as Christ is? Why, be- 
cause youentertain base Suspicions of hislove,by unbelief: there- 
fore you do not prove his love and his power, by coming freely 
to him, and telling him thy sorrows, as David did to Jonathan. 
Ye have not, because ye ask not. James iv. 2. 

How sweet upon our Saviour's love, It brings down comforts from above, 

Daily to meditate ? And dotli to heaven translate. v. 



4 G 



OCTOBER 22.] 594 [MORNING. 

lam crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live , yet not I, 
but Christ liveth in me; and the life which Hive in the flesh, 
I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave 
himself for me. Gal. ii. 20. 

The state of a christian is a seeming paradox. No marvel 
the things of God are foolishness to natural men, and that we 
are accounted fools for Christ by them ; for the truths of God, 
as well as the life of his children, appear to be absurd to them. 
But ' the life of Jesus is made manifest in our flesh.' 2 Cor. iv. 
11. Hence he saith, ' If any man will come after me, let him 
deny himself.' Matt. xvi. 24. Deny the pride of his own righ- 
teousness, the corrupt lusts of his sinful flesh, and own me as 
his life, and follow me as his Lord in the regeneration. In this 
crucifixion of nature, this death to every hope but Jesus, this 
life of faith on him, consists the peace, love, holiness, and joy 
of our souls. This springs from love, excites to love, and is 
nourished by love ; so we enjoy heaven below. Thus is heaven 
above insured to us. 

Blessed life, happy believer, to feel Christ living in thee, to 
live on him by faith. Envy you, ye sons of folly and vanity, we 
do not. Join with you in your carnal delights, we cannot ; joys 
infinitely superior are ours. Pity you, indeed we do ; nor with 
you, ye sons of the bondwoman, can we live on our works and 
duties, derive life from terms we fulfil, and conditions we per- 
form ; as if for so much work we earn so much wages. Our God 
owes us nothing ; yet he gave his Son freely, ' that we might 
live through him/ The beloved Son of God himself is our life, 
our all ; though wretched, guilty, damnable creatures by nature 
and practice; yet astonishing grace, ' he loved us, and gave 
himself for us.' Of this we are bold and confident, this truth 
bears the divine impress, the Lord hath confirmed it with an 
oath. Here to admit the least doubt is base and unreasonable ; 
the life of faith springs from truth itself, and is as contrary to 
doubting as it is to sensuality ; yet, while in the flesh, it will be 
opposed by both. But is every believer in Jesus assured with Paul, 
1 Christ loved me, and gave himself for me ?' No : though this 
knowledge is essential to the comfort of our souls, yet not to the 
being of faith in the heart, nor is it the object of faith ; yet it is 
the joyful privilege of every believer, and as such is earnestly 
to be coveted, and all diligence given to attain it. We are loved 
with the same love, saved by the same truth, the same faith 
given us by the same Spirit which Paul had, and to the same 
end to make us holy and happy. The Comforter, who testifies 
of Jesus in the word, will, sooner or later, also bear witness to 
the heart, and fill the soul with the fruits of faith, and the joy of 
assurance. Every faithful abiding soul in the Lamb shall rejoice 
to say, ' The Spirit itself beareth witness with my Spirit, that I 
can a child of God.' Bom. viii. 16. 



OCTOBER 22.] 595 [evening. 

For if they which art of the law be heirs, faith is made 
void, and the 'promise is made of none effect. Rom. iv. 14. 

Who are of the law ? The openly professed Jew only ? Nay, 
verily, but every man who has the faith and hope of a Jew, he 
is of the law. What is their faith and hope? Every man's hope 
is of the same nature as his faith. A Jew believes that he is to 
seek for righteousness and life by the works of the law ; that on 
account, of his obedience to it, he hopes he shall be an heir of 
life and glory. Well, but the Jews totally reject Christ, says 
one, but I do not. I believe Christ died for the sins of the 
whole world ; that I am justified and pardoned through his blood 
now ; and that at the last day I shali be justified, and entitled to 
God's kingdom, for the sake of my good works ; that there is 
first a justification by faith, and a second justification by works. 
Take knowledge of thyself. Thou art of the law and under the 
law, and expectest to be an heir of eternal life by the law\ 
Whatever thou professest of faith in Christ, it is not the faith of 
the gospel. It does not own Christ as the Saviour. This is a 
perilous, creature-exalting notion. It degrades grace, it debases 
Christ, it dwells only in proud hearts, legal minds, and self-righ- 
teous spirits It awfully prevails in our day. The heirs of grace 
should oppose it : for if those of the law be heirs, on account 
of works, what then? Faith is made void. Faith fixes upon the 
sole work of the Son of God. By faith we become joint-heirs 
with Christ, enter in and possess the hope of eternal life. We 
are in actual possession of it, and hence are filled with joy and 
peace in believing. That soul, who is striving by any works or 
doings of his own, to make himself an heir of, and get a title to 
God's kingdom, he sets aside Christ : he makes faith void. He 
is so far under the law, and ' the promise is made of none effect/ 
Such have no regard to, nor reliance upon it. It has no effect 
upon their faith and hope : it is not their object. But this is 
the language of the heirs of faith, this the confidence of their 
hope, this the joy of their souls ; and their faith and hope, and 
joy, are founded upon the immutable promise of a faithful un- 
changeable Jehovah. ' In hope of eternal life, which God, who 
cannot lie, promised before the world began/ Tit. i. 2. 

Am 1 an heir of life through faith ? The gospel grace of God's dcp.r Son, 

To Jesus then I'll ever cleave, Brings to my sor.l a better hope 

And claim the precious words by faith, Than works of law which I have done, 

To wretched sinners who believe. Hence Christ and Christ alone's rav prop. 



OCTOBER 23.] 596 [MORNING, 

Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not 
the man. Matt. xxvi. 74. 



Self-righteous hearts are ready to think, better to have con- 
cealed Peter's abominable wicked conduct. No : the Spirit of 
wisdom hereby stains the glory of all flesh, and exalts the super- 
abounding riches of Jesus' grace over the aboundings of sin. 
He shows, in Peter's denying his loving Saviour, what human 
nature is, and what shocking depths of sin a believer may fall 
into, when left to the workings of carnal nature and the buffet- 
ings of Satan. Dreadful to think of, most earnestly to be prayed 
against. Yet we see the affectionate heart of Jesus is ever to- 
wards his wounded fallen members. Love is within, and by a 
look of love, how suddenly, bow effectually did Jesus raise and 
restore Peter. Three denials of Jesus, each attended with higher 
aggravations, though deserving only a look of wrath, and a 
frown into hell, yet were followed with a look from Jesus which 
brake Peter's heart into affection, and melted his very soul into 
love. Amazing grace, Astonishing kindness ! Let no disciple 
think himself not in danger of falling, after the like example of 
unbelief; for every one is. 

If any poor lamb of Jesus' flock is fallen, and has been wor- 
ried and torn by the wolf, let him not say that his loving shep- 
herd has cast him off for ever, and has no more care for him, or 
love to him. Will the true shepherd, who gave his life for the 
sheep, who bought every one of them with his own blood, will 
he suffer the enemy to rob him of his property, and destroy any 
one of his purchased ones ? No, verily, this can never be, while 
Jesus is mighty to save. That can never come to pass til! Jesus 
ceases to love, and he can as soon cease to exist; for Jesus is 
God, and God is love. 1 John iv. 7 6. How oft are our poor souls 
hurt and wounded, though not in denying Jesus to a fellow crea- 
ture with oaths and curses, yet too oft are we ashamed to confess 
his dear person, his precious cause, his despised cross. Yea, 
and when we entertain unloving thoughts of our Saviour, from 
the working of unbelief in the heart, this naturally tends to deny 
Jesus in his office and character ; leads to depreciate and think 
too meanly of his salvation, his blood, righteousness, interces- 
sion, and faithfulness to his people. Hence we encourage guilty 
fears, our views of his love get clouded, a sense of it in the 
heart grows cold, and the influence of it on the life is benumbed. 
Is not this in effect to say, l I know not the man ?' Such are 
the workings of nature and unbelief. Oh how little do we con- 
sider what Christ hath done, and is doing for us. We have too 
mean and contracted views of Jesus at. best; and such at times 
as we are ashamed of, when we are enabled clearly to view 
' Christ in us our hope of glory.' Col. i. 27. 



OCTOBER 23.] 597 [EVENING. 

Is any thing too hard for the Lord ? Gen xviii. 14 

A clergyman went to read prayers on a working-day; there 
was but one person in the church, besides himself and the clerk. 
On which he said to the clerk, As there is nobody else here, 
what signifies my reading prayers? Sir, said the clerk, is not 
God present? Oh, said the priest, ' I forgot God.' Do not we 
too often do the same ? Is it not hence, that our poor minds are 
exercised with doubts, fears and distress. This question the 
Lord put to Sarah, when an unbecoming laugh of incredulity 
appeared, and this unbelieving speech dropt from her : ' Shall I 
of a surety bear a child who am old?' Oh the longsuffering 
kindness, the condescending goodness of our Lord. He is Je- 
sus the Saviour, for instead of striking her dead at his feet, for 
her contempt of his word, he mildly reasons with her. As though 
he had said, Sarah, look not at yourself; consult not with flesh 
and blood, Judge not according to nature, reason, and the state 
of things. Consider the promise, look at the Promiser, the Lord 
God omnipotent. ' Ts any thing too hard for the Lord ?' Think 
of the love of an incarnate God. This question doubtless broke 
the strong fetters of Sarah's unbelief, for it is thus recorded of 
her, ' Through faith, Sarah received strength to conceive seed, 
and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because 
she judged him faithful who had promised.' Heb. xi. 11. Here 
is a matter brought to pass, beyond the power, and contrary to 
the laws of nature. But who shall set bounds to the God of 
nature ? Oh soul, whenever thy mind is puzzled with any mys- 
terious truth of God's word, solve the difficulty with thy Lord's 
own interrogation : ' Is any thing too hard for the Lord V It is 
quite sufficient to silence all thy carnal reason, quell the risings 
of unbelief, and cause thee to leave all thy hard matters and 
difficult concerns in thy Lord's hand. Never forget his everlast- 
ing love, never doubt his almighty power. Say, thou hast a hard 
heart, a sea of corruptions, a storm of afflictions and tempta- 
tions, potent enemies, strong unbelief; yea, say, thou hast deaih 
and hell to conflict with. Yet say not that any, or all of these 
are too strong for thy Lord ; too hard for him to support thee 
under, and save thee from. Oh then, in all thy straits, difficul- 
ties and trials, never, never forget thy Lord's question, Is any 
thing too hard for the Lord? Remember, ' the eternal God is 
thy refuge, and underneath thee are his everlasting arms.' He 
will speak destruction to thy foes, and salvation to thy soul, 
Deut. xxxiii. 27. 

The Lord we serve's omnipotent, Whene'er strong foes do as assault, 
Let faitfi then" trust his power, And sin and lust do rage, 

For that's engaged by covenant, Lord keep our souls from c\ eiv fault, 
To keep us e*ery hour. For ns do thou engage. w 



OCTOBER 24. j 598 [MORNING. 

Remember Lot's wife. Luke xvii. 32. 

It may do a disciple much good, it can do him no harm, to 
call to mind the judgments of his God. Hence he may learn 
from others harm to be more wise and wary. If he sees pro- 
fessors fall away, it teaches him to take heed ; it tends to lay 
him low in humility at the feet of Jesus, and excites gratitude 
and love in his heart, and makes him cry out in astonishment, 
Why am I not fallen? How am I kept? Glory to grace. It is 
well, oh believer, ever to remember thou standest by faith ; ' Be 
not high minded, but fear. 5 Fear to look back with a wishful 
eye, or a lusting heart, to the sinful vanities of a carnal world. 
6 Remember Lot's wife.' What of her? She loitered ; she did 
not keep up with her husband ; she was behind him. So, soul, if 
thou dost loiter, and not keep close with Jesus, thy husband, thou 
wilt be in danger. ' She looked back from behind him.' Here 
was an act of folly, unbelief, and disobedience ; folly, in think- 
ing, as she was behind Lot, he could not see her look back. Un- 
belief, in not stedfastly crediting God's word. Disobedience in 
looking back to Sodom, contrary to his word, instead of looking 
forward, and up to the Lord. Oh soul, forget not that Jesus 
sees the looks of thy heart, if they are to this perishing world. 
He sees the unbelief of thy heart, if thou forgetest him, and 
looks to any thing but him for happiness. He will punish dis- 
obedience to his voice, ' follow me.' — ' She became a pillar of 
salt.' Gen. xix. 26. A lasting monument of God's judgment. 
Though we never see this pillar of salt, yet we may see such 
every day. How many seem to turn their backs upon the world, 
and escape to Jesus, but their eyes look again to it. Looking 
begets longimr ; their feet are again entangled in its snares, their 
hearts bewitched with its smiles, they are hugged to death in 
the world's embraces, and become a pillar of salt : a monument 
of God's judgment upon their conduct. It is supposed that Lot's 
wife retained her natural shape in this pillar; so in such pro- 
fessors there is all the appearance of the form of religion kept 
up ; but the heart, the spirit, the life and power of it, are en- 
tirely extinct in their souls. Their very heartsare given up to the 
world, and are as cold and as dead to God as Lot's wife, when 
she became a pillar of salt, was to the things of this life. The 
eye is a great inlet to temptation. Saints have wofully expe- 
rienced this. David did : he saw, then he longed after enjoy- 
ment. Oh believer, Jesus is thy object. Here, looking may 
beget love and longing, without danger of hurt ; yea, with the 
greatest, certainty of good to thy soul. Ever look to Jesus, re- 
member him ; so wilt thou, with Paul, forget the things that are 
behind, and press toward the mark of the prize of thy high call- 
ing in him. Thou hast escaped for thy life : it is the command 
of thy God, in love to thy souL f Look not behind thee.' 



OCTOBER 24.] 599 [evening. 

The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord, he is their 
strength in the time of trouble. Psalm xxxvii. 39. 

We may say of righteousness, as Job says of wisdom, where 
shall righteousness be found ; and where is the place of perfect 
righteousness? Man knowelh not the price thereof, neither is it 
to be found in the land of the living. The patriarch says. Tt is 
not in me. The prophet says, It is not in me. The apostle says, 
It is not in me. The Lord saith, ' All flesh hath corrupted his 
way/ Gen. vi. 12. ' There is none righteous, no not one.' Psal. 
xiv. 3. Why then do the scriptures speak so much of the righ- 
teous, if there are no such persons upon earth ? Indeed there 
are. This is a point of great importance : the Lord settle it 
well in your heart and mine. We are poor sinners in ourselves, 
we have no righteousness of our own : yet, saith the Lord Jesus, 
the righteous one, ' Their righteousness is of me.' Isai. liv. 17. 
We are made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. v. 21. 
When we are taught this by the Spirit of truth, instead of look- 
ing into ourselves for righteousness, we cry out in the joy of 
faith, I have found it. ' In the Lord have I righteousness.' Isai. 
xlv> 24. Then we have a living union with, ' the Lord our righ- 
teousness/ by faith. Being perfectly righteous in him, we have 
righteous hopes, fears, desires, a righteous walk, and righteous 
expectations. For we know, our salvation is of the Lord. The 
Spirit of truth does not leave us to the unrighteous notions of 
salvation, on any condition of our own works, duties and per- 
formances, either in whole or in part. But he shows us such 
matchless glory in our Lord's one everlasting righteousness, 
that it puts us at once, both out of conceit with our own filthy 
rags, and of any dependence on them for salvation. The Lord 
increase our faith in this righteousness. Lord quicken our love 
to ihee for making us righteous. So neither are we left to live 
in sin, and walk in sin. But though thus righteous, yet sin is in 
us, therefore we have our troubles. Many are the afflictions- of 
the righteous. Are v\e in trouble about the number of our ene- 
mies, the greatness of our sins and corruptions, the weakness of 
our graces, the strength of our temptations, a sense of desertion, 
the want of comfort, peace and joy from the Lord ? These are 
righteous troubles. The righteous Lord is our strength to sup- 
port under them, he has power to remove them. He neither 
wants strength of love, nor ability of power to save us from them : 
for the Lord delivereth the * righteous out of all his troubles. 
Psal. xxxiv. 37. 

Salvation is a joyful theme, Lord, 'tis thine own most gloiious sclicm 

To sinners lost and poor, Oh lei us feel its power. jj. 



OCTOBER 25.] 600 [morning. 

How can ye believe who receive honour one of another, and 
seek not the honour that cometh from God only ? John v. 

44. 



'The fear of man bringeth a snare.' Prov. xxix. 25. It is a 
great enemy to the power of faith in the heart. The esteem of 
men, to be well spoken of, to have honour and applause from 
them, are pleasing to the flesh, but hurtful to the spirit. The 
wisdom and learning of natural men, are contrary to the simpli- 
city that is in Christ, incompatible with the cross of Christ, and 
withstands an open confession of him who is an honour to us ; 
for by the faith of Jesus we are honoured of the Father to be his 
children, and to enjoy sweet fellowship and communion with 
him in our spirits. 

Here is the blessedness of the faith of disciples ; ' It standelh 
not in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.' 1 Cor. ii. 
5. Hence we are to ( call no man Rabbi, for one is our Master, 
even Jesus.' We are to suffer no man to lord it over our faith ; 
not to pin our faith on any man's sleeve ; merely to believe 
what any man says, be he ever so wise and learned. Some are 
fond of being at the head of a party; others love to humour 
them, and become tails and tools to them ; and their poor hearts 
are hereby sadly rent and torn, by disputes and divisions which 
so much abound. But have we not the plain, simple teachings 
of our blessed prophet to look to? Oh how often do disciples 
of Jesus give honour to men, in expecting that teaching and 
that comfort from them which cometh from God only. Too oft 
is it the cry, I will hear what such a one saith, what this and 
the other teacheth, instead of f I will hear what the Lord God 
will speak,' what he hath taught in his w r ord« 1 will abide by 
that only. This honour cometh from God only, to speak peace 
by Jesus Christ outwardly in his word, and inwardly by his 
Spirit : therefore we are to search the word diligently, wait for 
the Spirit patiently, treasure up and ponder upon the sayings of 
Jesus in our hearts continually. This is to honour him whom 
the Father honours, to be the prophet of his church. Believers 
have an ' unction from the Holy One that teacheth them all 
things/ 1 John ii. 20. Surely they ought not to hear those who 
know not the truth. ' Them that honour me, I will honour,' 
saith the Lord. 1 Sam. ii. 30. Jehovah commands us, ' Hear 
my beloved Son.' Matt. iii. 17. In the face of all opposition 
to believe the word, the promises, and the oath of the Lord, 
concerning full and free salvation by his Son Jesus only, this 
is the honour the Lord requires from his children : and this 
obedience of faith, God will honour with inward peace, and the 
witness of his Spirit; with a life of love, and the sanctifying re- 
newings of the Holy Ghost from day to day. ' Sanctify the 
Lord God in your hearts. Cease ye from man, whose breath is 
in bis nostrils ' fsai. ii. Q2. 



October 25.] 601 [evening. 

The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to 
minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matt. 
xx. 28. 



Most gracious words to me, who am a poor sinner, and have 
nothing to bring to Christ, but an empty hand to receive: most 
precious ransom for me, who have the sentence of death in my- 
self. May faith be high, and self low to night ! The poor dis- 
ciples were now wrangling about precedence and supremac}. 
What was the consequence? They were moved with indignation. 
They strangely forgot the end of Christ's coming, and the nature 
of his kingdom. Christ knows we are poor as beggars, yet proud 
as devils. The very same spirit works in us all, as did in them. 
Lord, grant that the evil which occasioned these words, may be 
made a blessing to us. Consider, (1) Our proud notion of minis- 
tering to Christ. Some indeed did minister to Chri>t of their sub- 
stance, but this was of natural things. Though empty of all 
good, and full of all evil, yet we vainly think we can minister 
something to Christ of our spiritual substance, which shall be 
available towards our salvation. It is dreadful to have both 
pride and poverty: there is no character so despicable: yet it 
is ours. But (2) Oh wondrous love, Christ came to minister to 
our wants, and quell our pride. He wants nothing from us, he 
bestows all upon us, he gives us to see our poverty, to hide 
pride from our eyes. He shows us our misery, that pride may 
not destroy us. He makes us feel our extreme indigence, that 
he may supply us out of his fulness. He ministers the grace o L 
conviction, of our lost and helpless state in ourselves, that he 
may comfort us in the conversion of our souls to himself. But 
do I minister nothing to Christ for salvation ? Poor sinner, thou 
hast nothing to minister, but a sinful body and a sin-sick soul. 
Is it so? Art, thou sensible of it, and crying to him under it? 
Then Christ hath indeed ministered his Spirit to thee : here is 
glorious comfort for thee. (3) ' Christ came to give his life a 
ransom for many,' even for all that the Father gave him. John 
vi. 39. All such are known of God, known of Christ ; and they 
too may know, that they are of the blessed number of Christ's ran- 
somed ones. How? More surely than if they heard a voice 
from heaven telling them so. ' They shall come unto me.' There 
is the most sure evidence. To come, sensible that we have no- 
thing to minister lo Christ, and to take the ransom of his death 
as our finished salvation; this is the faith of God's elect. All 
such were given to Christ, and shall eternally reign with him. 
Rom. v. 17. 

To minister to our distress Thus came the Lord our righteousness, 

And save our souls from hell: With love unspeakable. ai. 



4 ii 



OCTOBER 26.] 602 [MORNING. 

Knowing, that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of 
the inheritance ; for ye serve the Lord Christ. Col. iii. 24. 

Saving knowledge is accompanied with humility, productive 
of love to Jesus, and delight in his service. To desire to know 
more of the truth, in order to gain greater measures of love, and 
more cheerful conformity to him, this is praiseworthy. ' For 
whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth 
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, 
this man shall be blessed in his deed.' James i. 25. Christian, 
thou art not called to dream over dry disquisitions, and subtle 
refinements, merely to fill thy brain with nice speculations ; but 
to have thy heart warmed with love, thy practice influenced to 
obedience, as well as thy judgment established in the truth. Re- 
member thy calling, study thy reward, glory in being a servant 
of Jesus ; his work is pleasant, his service perfect freedom, his 
wages infinitely great ; reward in thy work, reward for thy work, 
and an eternal inheritance when thy short day's work is ended ; 
and all of the rich favour and free grace of the Lord Christ. 

Shall the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season, the vile 
drudgery of Satan, which is miserable bondage, the alluring 
smiles of a perishing world ; shall these be placed in competi- 
tion with the service of Jesus ? * Knowing that we serve the 
Lord Christ,' how does this sweeten duty, and make every path 
delightful. Canst thou hesitate one moment, when the question 
is, Choose you this day whom you will serve, Christ or Satan. 
No, verily thou canst not, if so be thou hast tasted of the infi- 
nitely rich grace of the eternally precious Christ. Hath he 
bought us with his blood ; redeemed us to God ; wrought out a 
righteousness to clothe and adorn us, and prepared mansions 
in heaven to receive us ? And shall our conduct be contrary to 
our profession ; our practice not conformable to our judgment ; 
or our walk inconsistent with our faith ; Where then is the proof 
that we serve the Lord Christ? What evidence that we know 
the Lord is interested in, or may expect the reward of the inhe- 
ritance? We may well cry out, Woe to our wretched sinful na- 
ture, which is contrary to Jesus, and is ever opposing his truth, 
ways, and love. Shame to us, we love him no more, nor serve 
him no better. Blessed be Jesus for the gift of his Spirit. Oh 
that through his sanctifying and sin -mortifying operations, we 
may be in love, wholly devoted to his service, who in mercy, 
wholly devoted himself for our salvation. 

How strong thine arm is, mighty Lord He lias done more lhan Moses did 

Who would not fear thy name : Our Prophet and our King ; 

Jesus, how sweet thy graces are, From bonds of hell he freed our souls, 

Wc love and serve the Lamb. Taught us to love and sing. 



OCTOBER 26.] 603 [EVENING. 

Take heed and beware of coveteousness \ Luke xii. 15. 

It is said, if a person seeks for the philosopher's stone (which 
turns all metals into gold) with a covetous desire to be rich, he 
may be sure not to find it. We are sure, that precious jewel 
content is not to be found in a covetous heart. Let philosophers 
and moralists reason ever so persuasively against the evil of 
covetousness, yet the love of money will rise superior to all. 
What mighty charms are there in gold ! But the voice of our 
Beloved here speaks ; His words are spirit and life. Hear then, 
oh disciple. ' Take heed and beware.' Consider, (1) This admo- 
nition of thy Lord's: it is redoubled. ' Take heed: Beware.' 
Just as the loving parent, seeing his dear child running into the 
jaws of danger, cries out with vehemence, Take care, take care! 
Fix this in thy mind, there is great, very great danger here. 
Our Lord sees it : his love speaks with the utmost earnestness, 
that we may avoid covetousness. (2) What is covetousness? 
One gave a good definition of it. Being persuaded to leave off 
business, as he had got enough, replied, What is enough ? It is 
a little more than a man has. Consider, (3) The evil of covet- 
ousness. That insatiable desire prevents present content, de- 
stroys thankfulness, yea, and keeps the enjoyment of Christ out 
of the heart. Can a covetous mind be happy in God ? No : no 
more than Dives could be happy under the dreadful circum- 
stances of Lazarus, full of hunger and sores. Will any one ask, 
what harm is there in the love of riches, and coveting of them ? 
Paul expressly answers, ' a covetous man is an idolater.' Eph. 
v. 5. Is there no harm in that? Our Lord says, ' Seek ye first,' 
principally, chiefly, and above all other things, ' the kingdom of 
God, and all these things shall be added.' Matt. vi. 33. Is there 
no harm in reversing Christ's command; putting a slight upon 
his kingdom of love, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy 
Ghost; so as to prefer riches before it? Soul, consider, what 
is your profession ? Are the unsearchable riches of Christ 
enough to satisfy your mind, or are they not. Can enjoyment 
of fellowship with Christ make yourheart happy or not. Have 
you faith to believe this, or have you not. Does Christ here cau- 
tion you to no purpose, where there is no danger. Oh lay this 
to heart, and cry to the 'Lord. Covetousness is natural to us. 
Lively faith in Christ will kill it; for it will enable the soul to 
say with Paul, * I am full and abound.' Phil. iv. 18. 

Is Christ my portion and my store, See, see the thousands who now run 
And can't I he content? In full pursuit of gold, 

Beware fay. soul to covet more, They gave up Christ, and very soon 
Lest Christ from thee be rent. For gold their God they sold. m. 



OCTOBER 27.] 604 [morning 

The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came 
by Jesus Christ. John i. 17. 

It is natural to us all to say of the moral law, as the king of 
Israel said of that faithful prophet of the Lord, Micah, * Lhate 
him, for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.'' 
It is true, that the holy spiritual law of God can yield no com- 
fort, hope, or peace to any poor sinner of mankind. Yet the 
believer in Jesus cannot hate the moral law ; it is a transcript of 
his Father's mind and will; it is God's good gift; it answers 
very valuable ends and purposes to the souls of his children. 
We know sin by the law, as we know Christ by the gospel. 
Though the law was given by Moses, a meek prophet > yet it is 
full of fiery wrath, ministers condemnation, and denounces 
curses, yea eternal death and damnation to every transgressor. 
Yet why, oh soul, shouldest thou hate the law? That is not 
the cause of all these evils, but thy sins, thy violations of its 
holy, just, and righteous precepts. Here fix thy hatred ; here it 
is just. Believer, the law is thy friend, it shews thee thy duty, 
it cuts thee off from all legal hopes, it razes every false founda- 
tion, every expectation from thy own righteousness The trum- 
pet sounds its alarm louder and louder ; the voice of words is 
shriller and shriller; and it will ever be terrible in its sound to 
thy conscience, except thou art under the grace and truth which 
came by Jesus Christ. 

Here, oh behold and admire the transcendent excellence of 
Jesus, ' full of grace and truth/ Grace, even the free favour of 
God to sinners, came by Jesus Christ. Truth, in every accom- 
plishment of the ceremonial law ; and in perfect fulfilment of 
every righteous demand, which the moral law could exact. Here 
is thy wisdom, to oppose the life and death of Jesus to every 
righteous demand, to every terrible threatening, and every dread- 
ful curse of the law. As he is thy husband, all debts, dues, and 
demands he for ever satisfied. Jesus came ' not to destroy the 
law, but to fulfil it/ Matt. v. 17. Says the immortal Hervey, 
' Jesus is the author of our faith, and the former of our graces. 
In his unpolluted life we see the path, in his meritorious death 
the price, and in his triumphant resurrection the proof of bliss 
and immortality. If we offend, and fall seven times a day, he 
is the Lord our peace ; if we are depraved, and our best deeds 
unworthy, he is ' the Lord our righteousness/ Sf we are brutish 
in heavenly knowledge, he is the Lord our wisdom ; his word 
dispels the shades, his Spirit scatters the intellectual gloom, his 
eye looks our darkness into day. In short we are nothing, and 
Christ is all. Worse than defective in ourselves, we are com- 
plete in him. We act by strength, and glory in a righteousness, 
not our own. ' 



OCTOBER 27.] 605 [EVENING 

And Israel said unto Joseph, Noiv let me die, since I have 
seen thy face, because thou art yet alive. Gen. xlvi. 30. 

Strange request ! What just come to the sight and embrace of 
thy long lost son, and yet want to leave him at the very first in- 
terview ? One would have thought the language of Jacob should 
have been, Happy man : I not only see my beloved son, but 
also see him governor over all the land. Well, I hope I shall 
live long to enjoy his riches and grandeur. But no, the good 
man had lived long enough to make an estimate of the uncer- 
tainties of life ; to know the evil of days, the vicissitudes of 
time, and how soon the day of brilliant joy might be changed 
into an eclipse of gloom and sadness. The sight of his son was 
the summit of his wishes ; that granted, he sought no more. He 
wished to be at home with his Lord. Happy christian, Thus to 
set loose to all creature enjoyments, even when there is the 
highest flood of them, then to have one's mind go out in long- 
ings after the heavenly world ; this bespeaks the spirituality of 
the affections. Many have manfully withstood the frowns of the 
world : but its smiles have caressed, enchanted and hugged 
them to death. To choose death, to be with Jesus, when all 
things around are inviting and engaging, shows that Christ has 
the supreme affection of our hearts. Here see the nature of 
christian faith. (1) It confesses that Christ is come in the flesh; 
that though he was dead, yet he is alive for evermore, and hath 
the keys of hell and of death ; and that he has opened the king- 
dom of heaven to all believers. Therefore, (2) As truly as 
Israel rejoiced to see his beloved son, and could depart in 
peace; so the believer rejoices at the sight of Christ by faith. 
A living Christ is the glory of a believer's soul. He can die 
easy, peaceful and comfortable, viewing the death of Christ for 
his sins, and the life of Christ for his justification ; and the in- 
tercession of Christ, prevailing for his eternal glorification. And 
this faith is somev\hat more than a notion in the head, for, (3) 
It brings victory into the heart. For this is the victory that over- 
cometh the world, even our faith. ' Who is he that overcometh 
the world, but he who believeth that Jesus is the son of God?' 
1 John v. 4, 5. It is impossible to overcome the world any 
other way, than by seeing greater glory and happiness in the 
Son of God, than this world can bestow. But by faith we do : 
therefore we exchange shadows for substance, baubles for jewels. 
Oh rest not in a dead faith, which brings not the glory of Christ 
into the heart, and brings no glory to Christ in the life. 

Lord, haxing seen by faith thy face Oli may I long thee to embrace, 

And frit thy precious love : In thy bright court above. m, 



OCTOBER 28.] 606 [morning 

If children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and joint heirs with 
Christ. Rom. viii. 17, 



If a child, from a spirit of untowardness, runs into and rolls 
itself in the dirt, would not that parent be a monster of barba- 
rity who, instead of cleansing it from its filth, should dash out 
its brains ? Yet there are those who dare assert, such to be the 
conduct of God towards his children in Christ. For they say, 
though a man be a child of God, by faith in Christ Jesus, yet 
he may so fall in sin, that God may consign him eternally to hell 
for it. But, like Said, such speak ' ignorantly, and in unbelief/ 
While we wish them to be taught better ; from such miserable 
teachers, and such false doctrine, we pray, Good Lord, deliver 
us. What, can any of God's children be in such a filthy polluted 
condition, that he has not wisdom enough to know them? Is 
there not love and power enough in his Spirit to lead them to 
the fountain of Christ's blood, that they may wash and be clean? 
Or has not the blood of Jesus virtue enough f to cleanse them from 
all sin?' It is plain, such notions come from the father of 
lies ; for they deny the reign of grace,, and flatly contradict the 
glorious truth here asserted. 

First, i If children;' how come any sinners, who are by na- 
ture children of wrath, to be children of God ? ■ God predesti- 
nated them unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to 
himself.' Ephes. i. 5. They are begotten and born into this 
state by the Spirit of adoption, and by faith in Jesus they enjoy 
the knowledge and comfort of it. Secondly, * Then heirs' 
to an immortal inheritance of free gift by free grace. Thirdly, 
' Heirs of God.' Marvellous assertion. Legality stand off, unbe- 
lief a vaunt ! Oh we can never reach the height, fathom the depth, 
measure the length, comprehend the breadth of our heirship. In 
one word, we are heirs to all that God is in himself, or has en- 
gaged himself to do, to make us wise and happy in time, and 
to all eternity Is God our portion ? Then take thy pen, oh 
every child of God, and thou, my soul, and write ' all things 
are ours.' I cannot enlarge ; enumerate them at thy pleasure, 
dwell on them with joy, that gratitude may fill thy soul, and ex- 
cite love and praise to thy God. Fourthly, ' Joint heirs with 
Christ.' Oh soul, if thou art one with Christ by faith, thou art 
one with him as co-heir to all that his Father and thy Fathei 
has to bestow ; and heir of all things in God, in earth, in heaven. 
Oh believer, what blessed reasoning is here ; What a glorious 
inheritance art thou born to. Born again to possess by faith 
now ; hereafter in full sense and fruition in heaven. As well 
might Satan deny the certain perseverance of the Son of God ; 
as soon pluck one of his glorified members out of glory, as at- 
tempt to deprive any one heir of God, of the full enjoyment of 
his heavenly inheritance 



OCTOBER 28.] 607 [EVENING. 

Lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine 
own hand hath saved me. Judges vii. 2. 

Thus the Lord reasoned with Gideon. He knows what is in 
man ; he sees the pride of the human heart, how prone we all 
are to boast in an arm of flesh. The Lord is jealous of his own 
glory. Gideon's army of two and thirty thousand, is brought 
down to three hundred. By this handful of men, and no more, 
did Gideon gain the victory over the Midianites. The Lord's 
wisdom in this was, 'lest Israel should vaunt themselves, and 
say, mine own hand hath saved me.' But I have not transcribed 
the text right. There are two little words, of great import, which 
I have omitted. Mind them, oh christian : ' against me/ Now 
remember, whenever thou dost boast of thy power, thy free will, 
thy human goodness, thy works, duties, conditions and perform- 
ances, in order to be saved, thou art then, as it. were, two and 
thirty thousand strong. Thou vauntest thyself 'against the Lord.' 
Thou art glorying in thine own arm of might and power to save 
thyself, in some measure or degree. Thou art trusting to thy 
works to save thee in whole or in part. Be assured thy Lord 
will bring thee down, and weaken thy numbers, that he may 
have the sole glory of thy heart for saving thee. (1) The Lord 
proclaimed, that all who were afraid should depart. Two and 
twenty thousand returned. So he will proclaim the terrors of 
his just, holy, and righteous law in thine ears, and cause thy 
heart to tremble. Then shalt thou get rid of a deal of thy self 
righteous confidence : it shall depart from thee. (2) He brought 
the people down to the water, and tried them by lapping. Here 
also he reduced their numbers, to prevent their vaunting. So he 
will try thee, by lapping the waters of affliction, and prevent thy 
vaunting thyself against him. Thus when thou findest the com- 
mandment come with power, and sin revive, then wilt thou die 
to self-confidence, and glory alone in the Lord. When the pru- 
ning knife of affliction, has cut off thy luxurious branches of 
pride and vainglory, then wilt thou say in deep humility, wretch 
that I am, that I should trust in myself, and depart in my 
heart from the Lord. I thank thee, my dear Saviour, for all the 
pains thou takest with my proud nature, to bring me to glory 
only in thee, and to say, ' In God is my salvation and my glory.' 
Psalm lxii. 7. 

I'll trust my Saviour's work alone, Though poor, alas, I'm full of pride, 

To justify and save : And prone to vaunt of power . 

No grace in me, nor works I've done, Lord, humble, that I may confide 

The smallest share can have. In thee alone each hour. m 



OGTOUliU 29.] COS [morning. 

Master, carest thou not that we perish ? Mark iv. 38. 

Saints in all ages have experienced, that their extremity of 
distress has been God's opportunity to deliver. So these disci- 
ples found it ; they were in the most imminent danger, and in the 
greatest fear and distress. Their vehement address to Jesus 
bespeaks it. ' Jesus was asleep/ We believe in our Saviour, 
as a man like unto ourselves: we adore him as the sovereign 
Lord, whose ' eyes are over the righteous, and his ears are ever 
open to their prayers.' 1 Pet. iii. 12. Of this we have the clear- 
est evidence, the fullest proof. Jesus awakes as a man, and 
with the power and sovereignty of Jehovah, he rebukes the 
boisterous wind, and says to the raging w 7 aves, * Peace, be still ;' 
and instantly all nature obeys its Creator, all is hushed into a 
profound calm. 

While others are pleased with the feats of a Caesar, or the 
conquests of an Alexander, it is our delight to meditate upon 
the wonderful works of our God-man and blessed Saviour. 
Transporting to know this awful God is ours, our Jesus, and 
our friend. But art thou not, ready, oh believer, sometimes to 
say, ' My Lord hath forsaken, and my God hath forgotten me.' 
It seems as though he cares not even though I perish. I am in 
the wide ocean of difficulty and distress : corruptions rage, temp- 
tations assault, the fiery darts of the enemy fly thick around me : 
I groan under the sense of a hard heart, and an absent God. Hear 
the voice of thy Lord: 'Oh thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and 
not comforted : for a small moment I have forsaken thee, but with 
great mercies will I gather thee.' Isai. liv. 7, .11. Judge not of 
God's love by thy sense and feeling, but by his word and truth, the 
stability of his promises, and the security of his oath. He may 
be battering down thy life of sense, to make thee strong in faith, 
strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. These dis- 
ciples, though in a terrible storm, were safe, because Jesus was 
in the ship, though asleep. So is every disciple where Jesus 
dwells in the heart by faith. The affections of God's love never 
cease, though storms surround us, and the sense and comfort of 
love may seem to us, as it were asleep. And as with these dis- 
ciples, so shall it be with thee, oh christian ; thou shaltfind thy 
loving Saviour ever near to hear, and ever almighty to deliver 
thee. God's mount is thy mercy ; in the deeps of distress are 
God's wonders known. ' In the mount of the Lord, Jehovah- 
jirah (the Lord will provide) it shall be seen.' What saith the 
Lord? ' Call upon me in time of trouble; and I will deliver 
thee, and thou shalt glorify me.' It is the joy of faith to reply, 
' Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance/ 
Psalm xxxii. 7. 



OCTOBER 29.] - C09 [EVENING. 

Wisdom is justified of all he?" children. Luke vii. 35. 

' Oh could I but know, and be sure, I am a child of God, I 
should be quite happy. The want of this makes me very uncom- 
fortable/ Such is the language of many a doubting believer. Well, 
soul, here is a mark laid down : by it judge of thyself, and know 
thy state. Art thou a child of wisdom ? If so, thou wilt justify 
wisdom. But who is wisdom ? What is it to justify wisdom? 
(1) Thy Saviour is ' the wisdom of God.' 1 Cor. i. 21. He 
is not only wise to win souls, but is wisdom itself. He makes 
all his children wise unto salvation, by knowing him, f of God, 
made unto them wisdom.' 1 Cor. i. 30. Wisdom is here ar- 
raigned, and his ways censured by the calumny of fools. He is 
condemned as a licentious person ; a sot, an epicure, a jovial 
friend, and companion of wicked men. If you are a child of 
wisdom, you will also meet with the same treatment from a 
carnal world, and self-righteous men. If you dare openly con- 
fess salvation by the Son of God alone, free and full justifica- 
tion unto eternal life, by his blood and righteousness only, 
without your works contributing thereto, either in whole or in 
part, you will be condemned as a licentious antinomian. Both 
the profane and self-righteous will unite, to proclaim you a friend 
to sin, and an enemy to all good works. Why ? Because their 
carnal hearts were never under the constraints of Christ's love. 
Their licentious thoughts were never brought into captivity, to 
the obedience of Christ. Therefore their lips proclaim their 
ignorance, while they are opened against his truth. Now you 
are called to justify wisdom, who has justified you. (2) How 
is this to be done? Hold fast wisdom's truths in your hearts, 
as your chief glory, in opposition to all gainsayers. So, from a 
warm and lively sense of comfort by them, your lives will justify 
their holy influence. You will loudly proclaim to all the world, 
that though you dare not attempt a single act, to justify your 
soul before God ; yet you dare not continue in sin, because 
grace hath abounded. Your holy faith lOrbids it. The heavenly 
love of Christ animates to all holy obedience. Your glorious 
hope in Christ makes you ready and obedient, unto every good 
word and work. For the grace of God which bringeth salvation 
to the soul, teaches all the children of wisdom ' to deny all un- 
godliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and 
godly, in this present world.' Tit. ii. 12. Thus we know, we 
have the faith of God's elect, and are the children of God by 
faith in Christ Jesus. Gal. iii. 26. 

I kuow my soul is made alive For sin I hate, against it strive, 

By Jesns mighty power And pray to love Christ more. m. 



4 j 



OCTOBER 30.] 610 [MORNING 

Go, tell his disciples and Peter, that he goeth before you 
into Galilee: there shall ye see him. Mark xvi. 7. 

How different is the gospel from (he law ; one is the voice of 
condemnation, terror, and wrath ; the other speaks nothing but 
grace, peace, and love. God's children only murmured for wa- 
ter in the wilderness, and even the meek Moses is in wrath with 
them, and calls them 'rebels.' Here, though the poor disciples 
had acted most base and ungrateful to their loving Saviour; for 
they added sorrow to his distress, when they all forsook him and 
fled, and Peter above all the rest ; as though Jesus was the 
most abandoned wretch, Peter with oaths and curses denied 
that he even knew him. What could they expect, but that the 
first message from their Lord should be full of upbraiding? 
Was it, Go tell those apostate rebels, I am risen from the dead, 
they shall receive their just deserts; vengeance is mine, I will 
repay them ? No: be astonished, oh heavens! Hear, wonder, 
and love, oh ye backsliding children : devils are not permitted 
to terrify, but angels commissioned to comfort them. Tell his 
disciples, amazing! Disciples still! How unworthy of the very 
name. Yet more, lest this message should prove a dagger to 
poor Peter's heart, lest he should write bitter things against 
himself, and say, I am no disciple ; though all the rest forsook 
and fled from Jesus, yet not one of them sinned with so high a 
hand as me. I not only forsook him, fled from him, but denied 
him, denied him with oaths ; cursed and swore most bitterly that 
I did not know him. Ah, woe is me ; the Lord told me Satan 
had desired to have me, and so it must be. — No, no, Peter; 
' whom thy Lord loves, he loves to the end.' He hates putting 
away ; his loving heart cannot bear it. Not all that sin or hell 
can say, can turn his heart, his love away. Peter is included 
in the commission of comfort, by name. Did Peter sin above 
the rest? Yet grace superabounds ; therefore behold, he is 
particularized above the rest by name. ' He goeth before you 
to Galilee ; there shall ye see him/ But for this comfortable 
message, poor Peter would have dreaded to meet with and see 
Jesus. Oh soul, Jesus is gone before to glory, there shaft thou 
see him. But for the comfortable message our souls have had 
from him, of his love and salvation, we might dread the sight of 
Jesus. But whoshallsetbounds to hislove? Will any poortrem- 
bling disciple say, the Lord hath forsaken, my Lord hath forgotten 
me ? True, thou mayest deserve it ; but thy Lord dealeth with 
thee not after that manner. Though thou art a sinner, a back- 
sliding sinner, a hell deserving sinner, the chief of sinners; yet 
still his name is Jesus the Saviour, his nature is love ; and it is 
the joy of his heart and the work of his life, ' to save them to 
the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth 
to make intercession for them.' 



611 

OCTOBER 30.] [EVENING, 

Giving all diligence to aad to your faith, fyc. 2 Pet. i. 5. 



Here is the christian's work : all diligence is required in it. Oh 
believer, be assured (the Lord impress it upon your heart and 
mine) there is no being a lively comfortable disciple without it. 
Beware you do not add to your faith licentious notions and an- 
tinomian sloth, instead of christian virtues, holy tempers, and 
heavenly affections, which adorn our profession, and glorify our 
Saviour. Ever remember, you are called to honour Christ by 
your life on earth, as well as to be saved by and enjoy him in 
heaven. By faith we receive Christ, rest upon him, and look to 
him -alone, for justification unto eternal life. But a lively faith 
will not leave us barren and unfruitful in the knowledge of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. If there is not an habitual disposition of 
soul, to add to our faith, virtue, knowledge, patience, and god- 
liness ; we should examine and see to it, lest instead of Christ 
dwelling in our hearts by faith, we have only a notion which 
floats in our heads. If so, this will only make us idle talkers, 
but not diligent workers, and holy walkers. That we are poor 
sinners, justified and saved by Christ only, is a truth which is 
ever to be held fast in the conscience. We can add nothing to 
Christ's work : to attempt to do any thing towards our own jus- 
tification before God, is the basest act of unbelief. But faith is 
the queen of graces : she lives upon the king of saints, and will 
have a noble retinue to attend her. Let us never desire to get 
beyond this blessed rule of addition. Let us never subtract from 
it. Let us give all diligence to multiply more and more. Are 
we got into the rule of three 1 Do we know the love of the Three 
One God? The everlasting love of God the Father; the redeem- 
ing love of God the Son ; the sanctifying love of God the Holy 
Ghost? Still we must never leave the rule of addition : add to 
your faith, but go on to all diligence in practice. Christ hath 
taught it, faith enjoins it, love constrains to it. Christ's honour 
and glory demand it. But beware of getting into fraction, as 
though any thing you do, gives you a title to glory. But see 
hence, the glory and spirituality of the gospel, and the reason 
why the belief of it is called, 'our most holy faith.' Jude 20. 
We are called by the faith of Christ to glorify God, by adding 
an obedient life, to our most holy faith. This is our way in 
Christ. Walk in it, and ye shall find rest for your souls from 
Christ. Jer. vi. 16. 

Add to my faith ! Ihe sluggard smiles : Dear Lord, stir up to diligence, 
' I want no more than Christ : ' To walk in all thy ways . 

But him you want, for sin beguiles. Oh arm my soul with vigilance, 
His truth you do resist. Which thou hast saved by grac<\ 



OCTOBER 31. | 612 [morning. 

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free 
indeed. John viii. 36. 



Our most glorious sovereign Lord and King Jesus, like some 
mighty conqueror whose subjects have been taken captive by 
an enemy, delivers them from their captivity, and restores them 
to a!l the rights and privileges of his kingdom. Alas! in 
what a deplorable state doth he find their souls ! Taken 
captive by the devil at his pleasure; slaves and vassals to 
his will and power; under ^orse than Egyptian bondage: 
tied and bound with the chain of our sins ;' bond-slaves 
to our corrupt lusts and passions. In this hopeless, help- 
less, deplorable state we all continue, without power, will, or 
desire to be set at liberty. Nay, we are pleased with the drud- 
gery of sin and Satan, in love with our bondage, fancy ourselves 
enjoying perfect freedom. But when our mighty deliverer comes, 
he makes us free indeed. He bursts our bonds asunder, casts 
away our cords from us ; rescues our souls as a prey from the 
mighty, and the lawful captives are delivered. He makes us 
' free citizens of the New Jerusalem ; and give us the privilege 
of adoption, to be the sons of God, by faith in him. Then are 
we the Lord's free-men — made free from sin, Satan, the law, and 
death. How great is Jesus' power ! how rich his love! how 
free and sovereign his grace ! all came unmerited, unsought by 
us. Unbounded is this freedom. So we shall find it in a blissful 
eternity. But here, though made free indeed in our spirits, yet 
we shall experience enemies and opposers to our uninterrupted 
enjoyment of it. Sin, though its guilt is washed away in Christ's 
blood, and its power destroyed in the soul, will yet rage and 
war in our members. Satan, though overcome and cast out, 
will often rally his forces, and wage war against us. As Luther 
says, ' He who hath Christ for his King and God, let him be 
assured hath the devil for his enemy, who will work him much 
sorrow, and plague him all the days of his life. But let this be 
our comfost and great glory, that we poor sinners have the Lord 
of life, death, and of all creatures, clothed with our flesh 
and blood, sitting on the right hand of God, ever living, ever 
praying for us, who ever defends and protects us.' The law, 
though its demands are all fulfilled, its curse taken away, and 
there is no condemnation to us that are in Christ Jesus ; and 
death, though disarmed of its strength and sting, through his 
viciory; yet we enjoy the sweet sense and comfortable experi- 
ence of all this, only while we ' stand fast in the liberty where- 
with Christ hath made us free, and are not entangied with any 
yoke of bondage.' Gal. v. 1 

Thou Saviour who canst m;ike me free Oil may I serve thee free from fear, 
From sin and pride within, And upward look with joy, 

Grant me this glorious liberty, And glory that thy coining's noar, 
O'er lust and sin to reij^u. My foes for to destroy. M. 



OCTOBER 31.] 613 [EVENING 

He who lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar 
off, and hath j "or gotten that he was purged from his old sins. 
2 Pet. i. 9. 



Tt is hard to say, whether Peter here draws the character of 
a mere formal professor; or of one who has really tasted that 
the Lord is gracious, and has awfully backslidden. Be it which 
it may, it holds forth a solemn lesson of instruction to our souls. 
We may hence lay this down as a sacred truth, that whatever 
profession a man makes of faith in Christ, of justification by 
him, or hope of salvation through him; yet if he is destitute of 
the graces of the Spirit, and the fruits of righteousness in his 
life, he is blind to the glorious end of the gospel of peace ; and 
is a stranger to the purifying grace, and pardoning love of Christ 
to his soul. Think of this. Pardoning love, purifying grace, and 
sanctifying influences are inseparable. Wherethere is the root of 
grace, there will be the fruits of righteousness. This is as natu- 
ral, as for any cause to produce its effects. But may not these 
words be accomodated to some, whom we have good reason to 
hope are the children of God, but are sadly backslidden from 
him ? Do we not see awful instances around us? (1) He who 
lacketh these things, as virtue, knowledge, temperance, godliness, 
not totally, for there may be a partial lack of them, has sadly de- 
parted from the stedfastness of faith, and that degree of liveli- 
ness he once had ; has left his first love, and has lost the sweet 
savour of Christ from his heart. Hence there is a lack, in not 
abounding in these things. There may be true faith, and yet 
somewhat lacking in it. 1 Thess. iii. 10. But such a soul is in 
sorrow, concern, and distress about it. So the life of grace mani- 
fests, that it is not quite extinct. (2) He is blind. Not totally so, 
for he may see, but not far off He only sees himself, and his 
own misery and unprofitableness : this causes him to weep and 
bewail himself. But he cannot see, he does not enjoy the love 
of Christ, and the sweet peace of God. His sight is dimmed, 
and his comforts marred. (3) He hath forgotten that he was 
purged from his old sins. He has lost the sense of pardon in 
the blood of Christ. Though he remembers there is such a thing, 
yet he has lost the comfort of it. It is to him, as though it had 
never been. Satan has obtained the advantage. So false pro- 
phets seek ' to cause my people to forget my name, saith the 
Lord/ ' Jer. xxiii. 27. That is, the pardon and comfort of his 
name. Is not this an awful state? How much to be deplored, 
how greatly to be deprecated ! 

Ten thousand snares our souls surround, With watchful care we should abound, 

To blind aod to deceive, Lest we God's Spirit grieve. 



NOVEMBER I.] 614 [MORNING. 

We wrestle, 8$c. Ephes. vi. 12. 

It is too common for God's children, when exercised with 
sharp conflicts of soul, to write bitter things against themselves. 
But we do well always to remember we are travelling through 
the territories of an implacable and powerful enemy, whose ma- 
licious spirit delights in harrassing and distressing us in every 
part, soul and spirit, as well as flesh: that herein we are not 
alone ; but it is the common lot of all our brethren, more or 
less. Take, my brethren, the prophets and apostles as examples 
herein. We shall find them at times under severe trials and 
sore conflicts of spirit. But know, Satan, our adversary, is a 
conquered foe. He can go no farther than our loving Saviour 
permits him. Our exercises last not one moment longer than 
our dear Lord sees needful. None of them shall issue in our 
destruction ; but in Satan's flight, our soul's deliverance, and 
our God's glory. And, like every thing else that befal us, ' they 
work together for our good.' 

Our enemies are spiritual powers, princes, rulers, who, for 
number, may be styled legion. Their nearness to, and easy- 
access to our spirits, in a way of striving and struggling for the 
mastery, in order to cast us down, is here justly styled wrestling. 
Here the combatants are closely joined, and grapple with each 
other. Our greatest danger lies in our feet being tript off the 
ground ; whereby we may be maimed and bruised by a fall. 
Happy for us we stand by the power of God through faith. We 
stand upon this sure foundation, 'The Lord knoweth them who 
are his.' Jesus knows that his people will be exposed to onsets 
of the enemy; but no power, subtilty, or malice shall prevail. 
Says our dear Preserver, ' none shall pluck them out of my 
hands :' I, as man and mediator, hold them by love. My Fa- 
ther is greater than I. He also keeps them by his irresistible 
and almighty power. Yet, alas ! it must be owned that conflicts 
for a season are grievous. To be attacked by a powerful, invi- 
sible foe, whose element where he rules, as well as the time of 
battle, is always in darkness ; therefore most afflicting to the 
children of light. One blessed end of all our trials is to teach 
us not to trust in ourselves ; but cry to the strong for strength. 
Oh what a soul-strengthening, heart-reviving, and spirit-refresh- 
ing voice speaks from heaven to us ! Hear, oh soul, it is the 
voice of the Captain of thy salvation. Wast thou ready to think 
he had left thee to thy own weakness : No : ' Fear thou not, for 
I am with thee. I will uphold thee with the right hand of my 
righteousness.' Isai. xli. 10. 

Jesus, the Lord, shall guard me safe God is my everlasting aid, > 

From ev'ry ill design, And hell shall rage in vain : 

And to his heav'nly kingdom take To him he highest glory paid, 

This feeble soul of mine. And endless praise, Amen. 



NOVEMBER 1.] (>15 [EVENING. 

So an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly , 
into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. 2 Pet. i. 11. 



Our last meditation was gloom and sadness. Here, the sun 
of comfort arises, and sheds splendour, glory, and joy upon us. 
Oh that we may this night enter by faith into the joy of our 
Lord! Come, Christian ! it seems you and I must tarry a little 
longer on earth, absent from our Lord. How shall we employ 
ourselves ? In studying the word of his grace : in being dili- 
gent in the use of means : in exercising ourselves unto godliness. 
What then? Oh blessed assurance ! ' So an entrance shall be 
ministered unto us abundantly.' When? both in life and in 
death. (1) In life. We shall find a free and open door into the 
kingdom of Christ's grace, love, and peace, even now. We 
shall have joy in the Holy Ghost, and the peace of God, 
which passeth all understanding, in our hearts. Thus, with the 
full sail of assurance, and the rapid tide of heavenly consola- 
tion, we shall sweetly and swiftly sail the voyage of life. All is 
enjoyed in being diligent in the ways of Christ. Diligence ! 
working! labouring! &c. Why, (say some) all these are the 
very dregs of legality. Aye, so it would, if we had not the faith 
of Christ in our hearts, love to Christ in our souls, and the glory 
of Christ, who has fully justified and eternally saved us, in our 
view. Soul, thus press on. Mind not the Satanic grin, nor licen- 
tious sneer, of carnal professors, nor of legal gospellers. Legal ! 
to live and labour in the kingdom of love ? Oh, fool ! say, did 
you ever expect to enter your Lord's kingdom any other way, 
than by Christ, who is the door ? Do you expect to enjoy the 
comforts of his love, and the assurance of his favour, in a walk 
and way contrary to his word and will? Are we not to walk in 
Christ, abounding in the work of faith, the patience of hope, and 
the labour of love ? Diligence of soul to enjoy his presence, and 
to be conformed to his image, is our delight below. To have 
every holy temper and heavenly disposition from Christ, puts 
the soul into a right frame to enjoy him. This is to have a con- 
stant and an abundant entrance ministered to us, into the king- 
dom of Christ. So living and abiding in his kingdom of grace 
and love, our souls grow dead to the kingdom of this world. We 
rejoice to think, (2) Of an entrance into Christ's kingdom 
being abundantly ministered to us at death. Fellowship with 
Christ, and diligence in his ways, makes us think of death with 
pleasure, and familiarizes it to our mind with joy. By faith we 
see heaven open to admit us ; God our Father, with open arms 
to embrace us ; Christ to welcome us, and the Spirit to enable 
us to sing victory in death. 

Oh ! m?y I join the raptur'd lavs, Resound salvation, pow'r, and praise 

A."d, with the blissful throng, In everlasting song ! 



NOVEMBER 2.] 016 [MORNING. 

Rejoice in the Lord always ; and again I say rejoice. 
Phil. iv. 4. 



' He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast/ Prov. 
xv. 15. Every believer in Christ hath a continual feast ; there 
lore has always reason to be of a merry heart. When he is not, 
he lives below his privilege, and forgets his loving Lord's com- 
mand. Though we daily find enemies to our spiritual joy, yet 
none can destroy our ground of rejoicing. That is fixed as a 
rock ; permanent as the mountains ; and standeth fast for ever 
and ever. St. Paul gives us from experience this as the chris- 
tian's motto, ' As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.' Though with 
him, daily crying out, *" Oh wretched man that I am,' according 
to the flesh : yet thou hast the same reason always to thank God, 
and rejoice in Jesus, as he had. Though in thyself cause for 
mourning and humiliation, yet continual matter of joy and re- 
joicing in the Lord Jesus. 

Christian, here is thy wisdom, to understand aright, and act 
suitably to thy character : ' As having nothing in nature, yet 
possessing all (hings by grace.' Being united in Jesus, in whom 
all fulness dwells, and ■ blessed with all spiritual blessings by 
God the Father in him :' it is therefore thine exalted privilege 
always to rejoice in Christ. Believing views of Jesus, cause re- 
joicing in him; in the Lord. Mind that little word in, The ex- 
ercise of faith is ever to be on thy Lord. All cause of spiritual 
joy is in Jesus. Our word is, believe and be joyful. If we 
search the scriptures, which testify of Jesus ; if we dwell much 
in meditation on his person, offices, blood, righteousness, inter- 
cession : we shall perceive never-failing springs of joy. Day by 
day be looking and praying, oh soul, that through the spirit thou 
mayest see and maintain a comfortable knowledge and settled 
assurance of thy own interest in Jesus, and salvation by him. 
Oh this will cause thee to rejoice indeed, with joy unspeakable 
and full of glory! So that, even though the face and appearance 
of outward things put on a gloomy countenance, yet shall we 
be like the stedfast prophet.' Although the fig-tree shall not blos- 
som, neither shall fruit be in the vine ; the labour of the olive 
shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be 
cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls :' 
what then? does he hang down his head like a bulrush? does 
joy of heart forsake him ? No. Says he, ' yet I will rejoice in 
the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.' Habak. iii. 
18. 

'Then let our joys abound, While we believe, we shall rejoice, 

And ev'ry tear lie dry. Because we're sav'd in Christ: 

We're marching thro' Imtnanuel's ground Abide in him, obey his voice. 

To fairer worlds on high.' And unbelief resist. m. 



NOVEMBER 2.] 617 [EVENING, 

Death is yours, 1 Cor. iii. 22. 

* Oh death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man 
who is at rest in his possessions ; unto the man, who hath nothing 
to vex him ; and who hath prosperity in all things!' oh death, 
how sweet is the remembrance' of thee, to a man who is alive to 
God, dead to the world : who longs to be absent from the body, 
and present with the Lord : to see the glory of Jesus, and to 
reign eternally with him ! Christian, here is a precious legacy 
left thee by the Lord : a covenant-gift from the God of thy sal- 
vation : * Death is yours.' He is your conquered enemy : your 
faithful friend. (1) Your conquered enemy. You need not fear 
him. He has neither strength nor sting. Christ, the victorious 
captain of your salvation, has disarmed him of both. He can 
neither destroy, nor wound your soul. Yea, ' he hath abolished 
death/ 2 Tim. i. 10. There is no substance in him. He is 
changed into a shadow. It is not the enemy death which seizes 
a believer, but the shadow, or emblem of it, sleep. Weary soul, 
tired out with the burden of sin, lusts, corruptions, afflictions, 
accusations, temptations, &c. Is sleep an enemy to you ? do you 
dread sleep ? are you afraid of rest ? What ! Fear to fall asleep 
in Jesus, to awake in his presence, to be satisfied with perfect 
likeness to him, and eternally enjoy him? Oh fools, and slow 
of heart to believe the victory of Christ over death ! And thou 
too, oh my soul, take the rebuke to thyself, and be ashamed of 
thy folly. But I am not afraid of death, but of dying? Why 
afraid of sleeping? oh for the unsupportable pains of the body 
in that hour. Who told you they are insupportable ? How many 
have sweetly sung, victory in death ? Oh says one, is this 
dying ? Oh it is sweet, it is pleasant. ' Though I pass through 
the valley of the shadow of death, thou shalt be with me. ' That 
is the claim of faith, upon the warrant of the Lord. ' When thou 
passest through the waters I will be with thee,' Isai. xliii. 2. The 
presence of the Saviour will beguile all thy pains, and fill thy 
soul with comfort. For, (2) Death is thy faithful friend. Hast 
thou not found sleep so to thy weary body ? just so, and no 
more, is death to thy weary soul. It will at once deliver thee 
from all thy burdens and sorrows, and introduce thee into joys 
unspeakable, and full of glory. Death is that, and no more to 
the soul, than what God calls it in his word, and faith makes it 
to the heart. If you do really and truly believe, that death is 
swallowed up in the victory of Christ : if you firmly believe his 
precious blood has atoned for sin, and his righteous life has ful- 
filled the law, you may undauntedly sing, ' Oh death, where is 
thy sting ? Oh grave, where is ttiy victory ?' 



4 K 



NOVEMBER 3.J 618 [MORNING. 

What doth it profit, though a ?nan say he hath faith, and 
have not works? Can faith save him ? James ii. 14. 

Many of God's dear children are often in doubt and perplexity 
lest their faith should not be the faith of God's elect, to which 
salvation is sure. This may arise through the weakness of their 
understanding in the word of truth ; and because, as yet, faith 
doth not bring forth the fruits of joy and assurance. But sooner 
or later the Holy Ghost, in believing, will make this matter clear 
and satisfactory to their hearts. But the soundness and ortho- 
doxy of our faith is least of all suspected by us while in a state 
of nature ; for we all think, are very confident, have not the least 
doubt, we all say, ' we have faith,' true faith ; but this is a weed 
which grows wild in nature's field ; this is the faith which James 
here speaks of, which all the world rest in who know not the 
Son of God. All men have not faith, the faith of God's elect. 
If we say we have faith, what doth it, profit if it brings no glory 
to God, no good to men ; it deceives the soul who has it. ' Can 
faith save him?' Oh what disputes and contentions hath this 
question raised ! Some have even set St. James at variance 
against St. Paul, as though the former contended for salvation 
by works, against the latter. ' Can faith save him?' a question 
equal to an assertion. It cannot. The supply of one word here 
puts the matter beyond all dispute. Can such a faith save him? 
no ; it is impossible. But dost thou, oh christian, think thy 
faith, though accompanied with good works, can save thee? 
Verily no more than thy repentance, or thy love ; these are alike 
gifts of grace by Jesus Christ; given not to rival the Saviour in 
the heart, nor to share with him in the glory of salvation, but to 
honour him and comfort his members. We are not saved for 
faith, but through faith ; yet faith is a precious grace of cove- 
nant-love; it endears a precious Saviour to the heart, and 
' works by love.' 

But ever know faith doth not procure God's love, obtain his 
favour, make atonement for sins, work out a righteousness to 
justify, nor merit the power of the Spirit to sanctify; all this 
is enjoyed in believing, but not procured by faith. Faith, like 
the Baptist's voice, cries in the soul, ' Behold the Lamb of God.' 
It claims no share in fulfilling terms of peace, or obeying condi- 
tions of salvation. By faith, we honour God's word, look to his 
everlasting love, rely on Jesus, mourn over sin, abhor ourselves, 
and repent as in dust and ashes, Peace, love, joy, and all in- 
ward fruits, as well as outward obedience; a holy walk, fruit- 
fulness in every good word and work, are produced by the Holy 
Spirit, from the life and vigour of faith. Plow doth it concern 
us daily to pray, ' Lord, increase our faith !' Luke xvii. 5. 



NOVEMBER 3.] 6T9 [EVENING 

If thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it, 
Exod. xx. 25. 



This chapter abounds with legal terror. Here the glorious Je- 
hovah is giving the law with thunderings and lightnings, and the 
noise of a trumpet— The mountain smoaking — Poor sinners 
trembling and fleeing, saying, ' Let not God speak with us, lest 
we die.' Most awfully tremendous ! Well might Paul call it, 
' the ministration of death and condemnation,' 2 Cor. iii. 7—9. 
But blessed, blessed be God, it contains precious gospel-grace 
to law-condemned sinners. Hear, rejoice and say, let God 
speak and we live: for here is an altar commanded. God is 
accessible to us. 'An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me.' 
Here is gospel-grace. That beloved Son typified, who was made 
like unto us, and appeared in our earthly nature. Thou shalt 
offer thy burnt-offerings and thy peace-offerings upon it. ' Our 
God is a consuming fire,' Heb. xii. 29. Yet, ' we have an al- 
tar,' Heb. xiii. 10. Christ is both our altar, our burnt-sacrifice, 
our peace-offering, and our Priest. In him, God is ever acces- 
sible to us, and we ever acceptable to him. We lay hold of the 
horns of this altar. This is our refuge from a fiery law, and in- 
exorable justice. ' There, says God, I will come unto thee 
and bless thee. Blessed be our God and Father, who hath 
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ, Ephes. i. 3. If 
thou wilt make me an altar of stone, it shall not be hew r n. ' See 
again, the dear Mediator shadowed forth : ' That stone which 
was cut out of the mountain without hands,' Dan. ii. 45. Oh how 
sweet to see our beloved in every line of revelation ! Well might 
he say, ' Search the scriptures : they testify of me,' John v. 39. 
1 If thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.' What 
can this mean ? To forbid thy pride and arrogance. Though 
thou art a law-condemned sinner, yet pride and vanity work in 
thee. We are prone to think by our works, our art, our device, 
we are to add something of our own to this altar, to render our 
souls acceptable to God. But this is to pollute the altar Christ 
Jesus. This, the foolish, bewitched Galatians did. So some 
are said to crucify the Lord afresh. Oh beware of this spiritual 
pollution of the blessed altar, Christ. Know w*e are perfectly 
and everlastingly accepted in him, without any work of our own. 
Believe this. Obey God : glorify him. Does the law convince 
of sin, and cut us off from all hope in ourselves? This blessed 
altar is of itself all-sufficient to fill us with all hope, joy and 
peace. For this typifies that new and living w 7 ay which Christ 
hath consecrated for us, through the vail of his flesh, to draw 
nigh unto God, Heb. x. 20. 



NOVEMBER 4.] 620 [MORNING. 

For she said within herself, If I may hut touch his gar- 
merit, I shall he whole. Matt. ix. 21. 



The case of this poor woman was quite desperate. Many 
painful operations she had undergone, in hopes of a cure ; her 
money all spent in procuring remedies ; her disorder grew worse 
and worse ; all human hope and help failed ; grim death seemed 
to approach her with great speed. But, strange thought! ' If I 
may but touch the garment' of that Man, surrounded by yonder 
croud, I shall certainly be healed. Surprising, to think of a cure 
from a touch ! A touch, not of his person, but his garment , 
How can nature and reason account for this? Had she con- 
sulted flesh and blood, sure she would have concluded, this sug- 
gestion is mere fancy, and will end in delusion. Had she con- 
sulted eminent physicians, or learned doctors in the church 
about her thoughts, doubtless, they would have pronounced Je- 
sus a quack, and advised proper remedies to her, as a lunatic. 
But the holy Spirit had inwardly made known Jesus to her. 
She saw somewhat of his glory ; her mind was disposed towards 
him ; she believed in her heart his power to heal her; she speaks 
within herself her thoughts concerning him ; she came with 
trembling feet, she touched him with a fearful heart, but she de- 
parted with triumph. 

How secret are the operations of the Spirit, in working faith 
in the hearts of sinners ! * No man can come unto me,' saith Je- 
sus, ' except the Father draw him.' John vi. 44. A sight of 
Christ is of special grace. The first thought of help and hope 
in Jesus for sinners, is from the word of truth, and by the power 
of the Spirit. The soul soon evidences itself to have ' the faith 
of God's elect;* for under a sight and sense of its desperate 
state and ruined condition, it speaks within itself of going to 
Jesus and him only for pardon and salvation. Yet the poor 
heart is often exercised with an If ; If I did but believe in him, 
If I could but touch him, If I did but feel in myself I was 
healed of my sin and plague, oh how I should rejoice ! Well, 
though the soul is opposed by a crowd of difficulties, yet will it 
not be satisfied till it breaks through all carnal opposition and 
finds peace in Jesus ; till it hears the voice of its beloved speak- 
ing pardon and comfort by his word. When, like Isaiah, the 
soul cries, ' Woe is me, I am undone ;' it cannot rest, till with 
him also a live coal from the altar of Jesus' love is laid upon 
his mouth, and his language is changed to ' I am saved by Je- 
sus.' For ' lo, this hath touched thy lips, and thy sin is purged. 
Isai. vi. 7. 

The Lord ! liow glorious is his face! For you the children of my love, 
How kind his smiles appear ! It was for you I dipfl ; 

And oh ! what melting; words he says Behold my hands, behold my »eet, 
To ev'rv humble car ! And look unto my side. 



NOVEMBER 4.J 621 [EVENING 

We believe, and are sure. John vi. 69. 



Here is both Faith and assurance. I wish to the Lord I had 
them, is the language of many a doubting heart, while they have 
both this very faith and assurance. This assurance is of the es- 
sence of faith. Without it faith has no existence. Consider, 
(1) The nature of this faith and assurance. ' We believe and 
are sure.* Of what? That their names were written in heaven, 
that they were sure they were the elect of God ? No. But says 
Peter to our Lord, 'We believe and are sure, that thou art Christ 
the Son of the living God, and that thou hast the words of eter- 
nal life.' Their minds were as sure of this truth, as of their ex- 
istence. So must ours at all times, and under all circumstances. 
But is this faith and assurance? Then, blessed be God, I am 
a partaker of both. I do believe, I am sure, that Christ is the 
Son of God, and that he, and he alone, has the words of eternal 
life. But I want to be sure of my own interest in the Son ot 
God. Bless the Spirit for revealing Christ in the word, and re- 
vealing him in thine heart according to the word. Go on with 
thy present blessed faith and assurance. It will make Christ 
precious to thy soul. It will cause thy soul to cleave to him. 
Thou wilt say, * None but Christ/ In due time, the Spirit will 
fully manifest thy interest in his love and salvation. (2) Consi- 
der the blessedness of this faith and assurance. It was for want 
of this ' many disciples went back and walked no more with 
Christ,' John vi. 66. It is by believing and being sure that 
Christ is the Son of God, and that he has the words of eternal 
life, that causes any poor sinner to follow him, to cleave to him, 
to call upon him, to hope in him, and to expect all salvation 
from him. Little as some may think of this faith, low as some 
may rate this assurance, yet our Lord honours it. He pro- 
nounces Peter blessed for it. He does not say, I believe and 
am sure, that I am a child of God, and that my sins are for- 
given. But, ' Thou art Christ the Son of the living God.' What 
says our Lord to this? ' Blessed art thou: for flesh and blood 
hath not revealed this unto thee, but my Father who is in hea- 
ven.' Matt. xvi. 17. Rejoice, oh believing soul ! Thou hast a 
revelation from God thy heavenly Father, even whilst thou art 
doubting. All thy salvation depends on this truth. All thy com- 
fort results from belief and assurance of it. The more steadily 
and confidently you believe and hold this truth in your consci- 
ence, the more solid peace, holy comfort and heavenly joy. 

My soul, beware, despise not faitb, It honours God, trusts what lie saitTi, 

It is a precious gift : T!io' comfort comes not swift. m„ 






NOVEMBER 5.] 622 [MORN IMG. 

As he ivho hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all 
manner of conversation. 1 Pet. i. 15. 

Legal hearts turn evangelical exhortations into legal com- 
mands. So children of faith are brought back again from the 
land of promise to the house of bondage. Not more absurd to 
exhort a dead corpse to exert itself to perform actions of life in 
order to get life, than to suppose a believer destitute of the life 
of holiness, and excite him to holy actions in order to procure it. 
Zeal for holiness, without knowledge of the true nature of it, is 
unscriptural ignorance. Every believer in Jesus is holy. As 
being a member of the first Adam, he partakes of the life of sin 
and the Spirit of unholiness ; but being united to Jesus, Christ 
is his life. He partakes of the life of holiness and the spirit of 
holiness. This is evidenced by the outward holiness of his life. 
Therefore exhortations to excite such to a holy conversation, 
are as necessary as they are frequent. Art thou a child of God 
by faith in Christ Jesus? What inestimable honour is this! It 
should be thy daily care and constant concern to walk worthy 
of this high and honourable vocation. It degrades thy birth to 
stoop to gratify base lusts; it demeans thy character to take up 
in the least with the slavery of sin and drudgery of Satan. 
Jt was good advice a heathen gave a prince, lest he should learn 
evil from bad company, ' Always remember thou art a King's 
son.' So ever remember, oh christian, thou art a son of the 
King of kings. Thy Father is holy ; study to be like him ; aim 
to resemble him in thy daily walk. This day thou wilt be ex- 
posed to the snares of sin and temptations to evil ; they ever 
beset thee. Remember thy calling, it is to holiness of life ; think 
of the end of it, happiness in glory. It sounds as harsh in one's 
ears to hear of a wicked christian as to hear of a dark sun. But 
beware of making an idol of thy own holiness. We read of 
Pygmalion, who had got an image so lively, that he took it for 
a real person, and fell in love with it. This seems to be the 
case with some; they are more taken up with, talk more about, 
and seem more in love with an image they have made of their 
own holiness and perfection, than of the glorious righteousness 
of Jesus. Yea, they so esteem their own holiness, that they 
think it is to effect for them more than Christ's righteousness 
hath, even secure and make effectual their own salvation. Thus 
the imputed righteousness of Christ is cashiered out of their 
faith and affections, to make way for their pretended holiness. 
This is the very essence of a Pharisee. But ' being made free 
from sin (the power of pride within, as well as of sin without) 
ye become servants of God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, 
and the end everlasting life.' Rom. vi. 22. 



NOVEMBER 5.] 623 [EVENING. 

Therefore I will look unto the Lord : I will wait for the 
God of my salvation : My God will hear me. Micah vii. 7. 

Here is a soul crying out of the very worst of foes. i A man's 
enemies, are the men of his own house.' Under such experi- 
ence, behold and imitate the conduct before us. Here are two 
acts of the mind, and the cry of faith, (1) I will look. The Lord 
is the object looked to. Blessed be the Spirit, he opens our 
eyes to see him, and our hearts to believe his love to us and 
care for us. Then we know the voice of Christ and obey it. 
He says, ' Look unto me and be ye saved,' Isai. xlv. 22. When- 
ever distressed with enemies from within or without, sin, Satan 
or the world, here is our warrant, to look unto the Lord. He 
assures us of salvation from them. We shall find and feel these 
enemies, to the end of life. Therefore, looking unto the Lord, 
is to be the constant work of life. Oh the special mercy of such 
a Lord to look to ! Shame to us, that we look no more to him. 
Happy for us when we do look to him only. We are sure of 
comfort from him, and safety by him, from all the power, malice, 
and fraud of every enemy. But I see enemies beset me: I am 
not saved from them : I grow impatient. Unbelief prevails : 
doubts and fears arise. Here is the remedy. (2) ' I will wait.' 
Time will prove God's truth, Satan's lying suggestions, and the 
groundless suspicions of my own heart. He who believeth shall 
not make haste,' Isai. xxviii. 16. It is, ' the God of my salva- 
tion,' I wait upon, and wait for. ' My times are in his hands,' 
Psal. xxxi. 15. Every promise has its season tor accomplish- 
ment. Every providence its hour. Every vision its appointed 
time. ' To every thing there is a season, and a time to every 
purpose under heaven.' Eccles. iii. 1. Oh this waiting faith ho- 
nours the Lord's word greatly. It has the Lord's word for 
its support : the Lord honours it. Behold his absolute pre- 
cious promise to it. e They who wait upon the Lord shall 
renew their strength.' Isai. xl. 31. But this was not silent 
looking, and dumb waiting. For, (3) Here is the cry of 
faith. c My God will hear me.' Oh the preciousness of faith! 
It claims the Lord, and makes a special appropriation of him. 
My God. Vile and sinful as I am: wretched and miserable as 
sin has made me : however beset and distressed with foes within, 
and enemies without, yet, oh my soul, thou hast a covenant God 
ill Christ to look to, wait for, and call upon. He will hear me. 
I am sure of it. For he put it into my heart to cry to him, 

To look, and wait upon the Lord, For God hispresence will a.Tord, 

Our privilege is most sweet. And will with comforts greet. m 



NOVEMBER 6.] 624 [morning. 

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for ad- 
versity. Prov. xvii. 17. 

We have a striking instance of genuine and uninterrupted 
friendship, which mutually subsisted between David and Jona- 
than. How affecting is that pathetic, mournful, exclamation of 
David, when friendship's sweet bands were dissolved in death ! 
' I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant 
hast thou been unto me ; thy love to me was wonderful, passing 
the love of women.' 2 Sam. i. 26. Who can read this plaintive 
note without sympathy? Wisdom's assertion is literally exem- 
plified in them. But though their love and friendship never 
abated in the dark scenes of adversity, but was alike at all times, 
yet death put a period to its existence. Natural friendship ex 
tends not beyond the confines of the grave. But, oh disciple, 
thou hast a friend who ever lives and ever loves. The most ex- 
alted friendship when compared to his, diminishes in glory ; as 
the light of the brightest star disappears when the dazzling glory 
of the sun shines forth Is not Jesus ' this Friend who loveth 
at all times?' Yea, before time commenced, his love existed 
towards his church. Every member was loved by him, and was 
given to him of the Father. When in time he saw them polluted 
in their blood, defiled with sin, and loathsome in their persons, 
yet (oh wonderful !) that was the time of love, he passed by, 
his eye saw, his heart loved, and his lips said, live. Dost thou, 
oh soul, live by faith on the Son of God? This is the effect of 
love; this is love known and manifested. But dost thou find 
daily that thou art a poor sinner? Therefore art thou grieved, 
and thinkest thou shalt weary out the love of thy friend ? No, 
that cannot be, he loveth at all times; ' whom he loves, he loves 
to the end.' Jesus is ' the Brother born for adversity,' to com- 
fort in and to support under it. Now thou art in an adverse 
state; the world, the flesh, and the devil are all against thee; 
but thy friend is above, engaged for thee, he is stronger than 
all. Though in dangers oft, always safe. Jesus was born to 
suffer adversity for his brethren. A friend and a brother makes 
one's sorrows and sufferings his own. So did Jesus. Our sins 
were his, he bore them in his own body.' ' He hath born our 
griefs, and carried our sorrows' And hath he loved before 
time? Does he love at all times? Then what shall separate 
from the love of Jesus? nothing; for ' in all things we are more 
than conquerors, through him who loved us.' As the power of 
Jesus is equal to his love, death, which parts the dearest friends, 
and dissolves the sweetest friendship below, shall introduce us 
to the nearest enjoyment of our best friend and dearest brother 
above; for he says, ' Father, I will that they whom thou hast 
given me, be with me where T am. 1 John xvii. 24. 



NOVEMBER 6. J 625 [EVENING 

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteous- 
ness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. xiv. 17 

How much did our dear Saviour bear, what pains did he 
take with his first disciples, to teach them the nature of his 
kingdom ? Their notions were carnal and worldly : his king- 
dom spiritual and heavenly. We are just like them. Blessed 
be his name, the Lord is the same in patience and love to teach 
us also. There ever was, now is, and ever will be a cry, Lo> 
here is Christ, with us. Lo, there is the kingdom of God. It 
consists in this external mode ; that outward rite, ceremony or 
institution. Just like those ministers, the dry-vines of this day, 
every subject they preach upon, is to save you. If they preach, 
what is called a charity sermon, even the gift of money is to 
entitle you to God's kingdom. But what says our Lord ? Be- 
hold, take special notice, ' The kingdom of God is within you.' 
Luke xvii. 21. It consists in nothing carnal, nor external. Its 
blessings are inward, spiritual, and substantial. (I) Righteous- 
ness. That the devil robbed us of. Glory to Christ. He restores 
righteousness to us. He gives us a better righteousness than 
we lost. We lost but a creature's righteousness, but we gain 
the righteousness of God's only Son : the righteousness of God 
and man in one Christ. Satan ruined us by sin, Christ saves 
us by righteousness. The kingdom of God is established in 
righteousness, upon the ruins of sin and Satan. The subjects 
of this kingdom are all righteous. Isai. Ixii. I. As we possess 
this kingdom in our hearts by faith, so Christ's righteousness is 
called the righteousness of faith. For we receive it by faith. 
We do nothing to work it out. Tt is the gift of righteousness. 
Rom, v. 17. Oh how glorious are our souls arrayed iu the 
righteousness of the King of saints. Let us glory of this righ- 
teousness only. For the more we believe of it in our hearts, 
the more we live in the spirit and temper of righteousness in 
our lives. (2) Peace. We were once at peace with the world, 
the flesh and the devil, and at war with God. Xow we are in 
his righteous kingdom, and righteous in his Son ; we are at 
peace with God, and at war with them. ' The effects of this 
righteousness is peace and quietness, and assurance for ever.' 
Isai. xxxii. 17. (3) Joy in the Holy Ghost. Being righteous 
in Jesus and at peace with God. The Holy Ghost gives us the 
joy of this. He teaches us to joy in all Jesus is to us, and has 
done for us. Yea, ' he fills us with all joy and peace in believ- 
ing.' Rom. xv. 13. Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which 
cannot be moved, ' Let us have grace whereby we may serve 
God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. Heh xii. 28. 



4 l 



NOVEMBER 7.J $26 [MORNIN'J. 

The Lord hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all. Isai. 
liii. 6. 

Here we behold the transaction of the glorious Trinity in the 
covenant of grace. Here is the display of grace in the salvation 
of lost sinners. Jehovah, the Father, lays or causes to meet all 
(he sins of his people upon the surety of the covenant, the Son 
of his love. Jesus undertakes to bear them. The Holy Ghost 
publishes this joyful truth unto the children of men ; he works 
faith in their hearts, and bears witness with the spirit of salva- 
tion hereby. Thus the three glorious persons in the Godhead 
agree in one, even this one truth, salvation by Jesus. Happy is 
the man who believes it. Faith looks to the purposes of grace, 
and rests upon the accomplishment of covenant love. 

When one undertakes (o be surety for another, then the debt 
is reckoned to him, and he accepts it. Thus our dear Saviour, 
our blessed surety stood up for us, engaged in our behalf. Our 
debts, all our iniquities were imputed to him, and laid upon him, 
charged upon his person ; * he bore them in his own body on 
the tree.' He fully satisfied, perfectly atoned divine justice for 
them. ' By the one sacrifice of himself he hath taken them all 
away, made an end of sin ;' so that justice itself proclaims its 
own faithfulness to forgive sin. 1 John i. 9. Grace reigns, 
mercy triumphs, sinners are pardoned, believers rejoice. Oh 
believer, thou art blessed of thy God who is just, therefore doth 
not, cannot impute sin unto thee. True, thou hast committed 
sins innumerable ; but it is as true, they were all laid upon Je- 
sus. True, thou dost commit sin, it is equally true Christ hath 
bore them. Thou wilt commit sin, it is perfectly true thy Savi- 
our hath atoned for them all. Thou hast nothing to plead, but 
guilty in thyself, but perfectly righteous in Christ. Every charge 
the enemy brings from the righteous law against thee is just : 
own it ; but ever plead in thine own conscience, and before the 
throne, Jesus hath satisfied for all ; there is now no condemna- 
tion to me. Oh believer, this is a most precious truth of God. 
Not thy faith, not thy repentings, not any thing thou canst do 
but Jehovah laid iniquity upon Christ, this is his sole preroga- 
tive. Let devils rage against it, let men oppose it, yet will this 
truth be found true in its nature, most happy in its consequences 
to the children of God. Hence flow their peace, their holiness, 
their heaven. Hear their song below : ( The love of Christ con- 
straineth us, because we thus judge ; that they which live, 
should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him that 
died for them and rose again.' 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. Hear their tri- 
umph above : * Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne, 
and unto the'Lamb, who hath washed us from our sins in his 
own blood.' Rev. i. 5. 



NOVEMBER 7.] 027 [EVENING 

My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand up- 
holdeth me. Psalm Ixiii. 8. 



David was no Arminian. He ascribes no glory to nature's 
power, and free-will. Free-grace Paul says, ' I laboured more 
abundantly than they all.' But he immediately corrects himself. 
* Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.' 1 Cor, 
xv. 10. So if David's soul followed hard after God, he gives 
grace the honour of it : ' Thy right hand upholds me.' This is 
the way both to improve and enjoy lively frames of soul, to see 
and acknowledge the Lord's hand, to be the cause of them. Oh 
it is delightful when the soul follows hard after God. For, (!) 
It implies such a discovery of the love and grace of the Lord, 
that the mind is fixed upon him, the heart goes out after him, 
and the affections cleave unto him. The language is, '. What is 
there upon earth that I can desire beside thee?' Oh says the 
soul, ' I am in his eyes, as one that found favour.' Song viii. 10. 
Then, (2) Every thing appears mean and contemptible in com- 
parison of the Lord. The world, with all its riches, honours and 
pleasures, has lost its charms. Sin is abhorred. Satan is defied. 
The flesh is denied. The smiles and frowns of carnal men set 
at nought. Nothing but the enjoyment of the Lord's love and 
presence is prized. Therefore, (3) There is a diligent attend- 
ance on the means of grace. A conscientious discharge of duty, 
a delight in the exercise of every grace, believing in the Lord, 
looking to him, hoping in him, calling on him, loving, fearing, 
serving and adoring him. Oh, says the soul, I will go under the 
word, who knows but I may get a word more of the love, peace 
and salvation of my Lord Christ ? I will go to his table, that he 
may meet and bless, and kiss my soul. ' Let him kiss me with the 
kisses of his mouth, for thy love is better than wine.' Song i. 2. 
This is living indeed : living like oneself, as beloved of the Lord, 
following hard after him, reaching forward to him, ' pressing to- 
wards the m irk, for the prize of our high calling of God in 
Christ Jesus.' Phil. iii. 14 Oh let us look more ( to the right 
hand of the Lord. It hath the pre-eminence. The right hand 
of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.' Oh think on Ste- 
phen's vision. * He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of 
God.' Acts vii. 55. We have the very same vision by faith; 
and the very same object to look unto every hour of our lite and 
every step of our journey. This brings support to our minds, 
and joy to our hearts. ' We endure, seeing him who is invisi- 
ble.' Beb. xi. 27. 



NOVEMBER 8.J 628 [MORNING 

By grace ye are saved through faith ; and that not of 
yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephes. ii. 8. 

Sleep is the image of death ; every morning we awake is a 
kind of new life. In sleep, how sensible of danger! how unable 
to prevent it ! The Lord's mercies are renewed every morning ; 
his watchful providence is our safety. Reflect, oh my soul, 
upon the unmerited love of thy God ! Happy for thee, daily to 
awake and arise from thy bed of slumber with the sense of free- 
grace and sovereign love upon thy heart ! Temporal mercies 
are heightened and improved by a sense of spiritual and eternal 
blessings. Disciple, thou livest in a space of time in which thou 
mayest look back upon eternal love, look forward to eternal 
glory, and look upon thyself and see what wonders grace has 
done. Thou art this day called to consider how thou art saved. 
First, in the purpose of thy God, ere thou hadst a being, ever- 
lasting love which gave thee existence, decreed thy salvation. 
Secondly, in accomplishment, grace provides a Lamb for thy 
ransom; in the fulness of time, a Saviour is born in human 
flesh, he lived for sinners, died for sin, - made an end of sin, 
made reconciliation for iniquity, brought in an everlasting righ 
teousness ; his expiring breath proclaimed, salvation-work is 
finished ; but thy poor soul lay in nature's darkness, in the sleep 
of death, and would have slept on till the arch, angel's dreadful 
sound of the trumpet had awakened, thee to everlasting shame 
and confusion ; but impossible this : being saved in love's de- 
cree, being redeemed by blood divine, grace challenged thy soul. 
Therefore, thirdly, thou art saved in enjoyment ' through faith;' 
called by the word of truth, quickened by the Spirit of grace , 
Jesus's salvation become the desire of thy soul ; God gave his 
Son for thee ; the Spirit gave faith to thee ; hence Jesus became 
precious, sin hateful, thyself vile, holiness lovely in thine eyes 
and to thy heart ; thus sinners are saved by grace through 
faith ; they have no hand, no share, no glory at all in this mat- 
ter ; in the believing abiding views of this grace, this salvation 
consist all our peace, love, joy, holiness, heaven. Why then 
oh believer, art thou not perfectly, uninterruptedly happy and 
holy ? Verily, because thou aft still in the flesh, thy old man is 
still alive ; nature's pride and sinfulness daily resist the glory 
of grace and the exercise of faith : but in opposition to all, thou 
art to abide confident in the belief of the truth, daily study the 
love of thy God and Saviour ; this tends to sink thee in humi- 
lity ; daily consider thy deserts to be hell, and adore the riches 
of sovereign grace; this will, through the blessing of the Spirit, 
keep thee from boasting in self, and cause thee to glory in the 
Lord only. ' Salvation is of faith, that it might be by grace! 
Rom. iv. 16. 



NOVEMBER 8.] 629 [EVENING. 

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? 
Luke xiii. 23. 



Peter's fervent prayer, ' Lord save or I perish,' was much 
better than this curious question. It was an unprofitable one. 
Suppose our Lord had given a direct answer to it, assured him 
there are but few that will be saved, and told him the exact 
number, what good would this querist have got by it? Learn 
hence, (1) That unprofitable questions are to be avoided. They 
proceed from a vain curiosity, and are proposed to gratify the 
itch of a speculative humour. Indulge no thoughts in thy mind 
above, beyond, nor contrary to what is written. They may amuse 
and perplex, but cannot edify thy soul. Observe, (2) The wis- 
dom of thy Lord. He does not give a direct answer to this vain 
question, but improves it to general usefulness. As though he 
had said, Friend, thy question is impertinent. Thou art prying 
into a matter that concerns thee not. Thou hast a notion of sal- 
vation in thy head, and hast put a curious question from thy 
tongue, but thy heart is unconcerned about thy own salvation. 
Rather than answer thy inquisitive question, I will improve it 
to general use, ' Strive to enter in at the strait gate.' (3) Dis- 
ciple, here is an admirable lesson for thee and me. Let us learn 
to improve every curious question into godly edification : nice 
and subtile distinctions, into practical and experimental conver- 
sation. You can scarce begin to speak of the grace of God and 
the salvation of Christ to poor blind sinners, but they will ask, 
do not you hold the doctrine of election ? I am persuaded, it 
would be best to follow our Lords conduct. Give no answer 
to the question. Set forth the exceeding sinfulness of sin, 
the deplorable state sinners are in, the absolute necessity of 
a Saviour: the matchless glory of his person, the riches of 
his love to sinners, the fulness of his salvation to them, 
and the need we have of faith in him, to be clothed in 
his righteousness, justified before God, and eternally saved by 
him. This, this is the way to instruct poor sinners' minds, and 
to warm and enliven our own souls. Dry disquisitions promote 
jar and discord. Let Jesus, the strait gate, be in our view. 
' Let us consider the end of our conversation, Jesus Christ, the 
same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.' Heb. xiii. 7, 8. Let us 
look to him every day and every hour to save us from the de- 
ceitful pride of our hearts, the abominable wickedness of our 
nature, and from all our cursed lusts, which war against our 
souls. 

This is our comfort, dearest Lord, Tlio' chief of sinners Lord I am, 
That ev'rv soul thou'lt save, Yet still 1 hope in thee : 

Who conies unto thee self-abhorr'd, Oh sufT'ring, loving, sa\ ing Lamb, 
Salvation for to crave. Save, save poor guilty mc. m. 



NOVEMBER 9.] (>80 [MORNING. 

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed 
upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 
iii. 1. 



If a poor insolvent debtor, who sees no hope, but to end his 
miserable life in a loathsome gaol, yet is unexpectedly called to 
hear the will of a loving friend, whereby an ample provision is 
bequeathed him, fully to satisfy all his wants, how must this re- 
joice his heart ! How, in the ecstasy of his joyful mind, would 
he be ready to call upon every one around him to behold the 
delightful testament! This is but a faint view of the inestima- 
ble riches of glory and honour bequeathed to ruined sinners by 
new testament love, ratified and sealed by the blood of Jesus. 
Upon the view of this, how should we be filled with wonder, 
fired with ecstasy, and our transported hearts should not keep 
silence ! Angels see and admire, saints behold and adore the 
marvellously great, the inexpressibly glorious, the wonderfully 
discriminating love of the Father of Jesus ! amazing to tell ! 
comforting to believe! transporting to feel! Love, the love of 
God the Father hath made its way to sinful man ; his love flows 
through the heart of a crucified Jesus, his love hath reached my 
poor heart. What terms have we fulfilled? What conditions 
have we performed to procure this invaluable blessing? Oh the 
very question startles the truly gracious soul ! It is a concern to his 
generous heart to hear such proud, vain notions taught ; he re- 
jects the thought with abhorrence, and cries, ' Pride, thou busy 
foe, begone.' All, all is freely given, richly bestowed. 

And am I, vile and unworthy as I am, the called, the real son 
of God, by adoption, through the faith of Jesus ? Oh thou hea- 
venly paraclete, thou divine sanctifier, influence, daily influence 
my heart, my tongue, my life, to glorify my Father, my Saviour, 
my God ! Though I have done nothing to procure this inesti- 
mable privilege, yet, enjoying this rich grace, love, and gratitude, 
demand corresponding fruits, a holy walk, .worthy of the voca- 
tion wherewith I am called. Hence assuredly will spring ano- 
ther evidence of God's children ; therefore, ' the world knoweth 
us not, because it knew him not/ Though our dear Saviour 
1 went about doing good/ yet even this could not gain him the 
approbation and esteem of the world. Never let disciples ex- 
pect to be above their master ; the more we follow Jesus and 
are conformed to him as obedient children, stronger evidence 
shall we have of the world's enmity, and of our Father's love ; 
let us rejoice to follow Jesus, and be glad to imitate him to do 
good, though we suffer evil. 

Behold what wond'rous grace 'Tis no surprising thing 

The Father hath bestovv'd That we should be unknown : 

On sinners of a mortal race, The Jewish world knew not their King, 
To call them sons of God ■ God's everlasting Son ! 



NOVFMBER 9.] 631 [EVENING, 

And Israel said, It is enough. Gen. xlv. 28. 



His soul seems fully satisfied with the Lord's dealings and 
dispensations. He could ask no more. There was a perfect 
calm in his mind. He sings a sweet requiem to his soul. Like 
David, when he says, ' Return unto thy rest, oh my soul, for the 
Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered 
my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from fall- 
ing. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.' Psal. 
cxvi. 7, 8, 9. Most precious resolution for such great bounties ! 
Come, christian, canst thou say with the hoary -headed patriarch, 
co- night, ' it is enough?' What could God have done more for 
me. which he hath not done ? Could that one word, sounded in 
the ears of Jacob, ' Joseph is yet alive/ cause such transport of 
joy to rush so suddenly upon him, as to be too impetuous to be 
resisted ? How should that blessed word, Jesus is yet alive, 
transport thy soul ? Was Joseph governor over all the land of 
Egypt? The government is upon the shoulders of your elder 
Brother, Christ. Isai. ix. 6. All power in heaven and earth is 
committed to him. Matt, xxviii. 18. He saith, ' I am he who 
liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore, Amen : 
and have the keys of hell and death.' Rev. i. 18. Is not here 
cause for thee to cry out, Satis, it is enough : 1 can desire no 
more? Surely, this is sufficient to cause thy dejected spirit to 
revive. Did Jacob believe, when he saw the presents of his son ? 
Did he say, ' I will go and see him before I die?' Oh christian, 
is thy Saviour ascended into his kingdom? Has he received 
gifts for thee, and poured down love-tokens upon thee? Has he 
given thee repentance to turn to him, and faith to embrace him? 
What is thy language? It is enough. Jesus ever lives : eter- 
nally loves : incessantly prays, Then I shall surely see him, 
but not before I die. But I shall soon shake off these rags of 
mortality, and sing victory in death. Then, oh then, I shall be- 
hold him, eye to eye, and face to face. Then I shall say, with 
highest rapture of soul, ( It is enough.' Then death shall be 
swallowed up of life, and I shall cast down my crown before 
the Lamb. Oh then I shall eternally see him, * whom having 
not seen, I love: in whom, though now I see him not, yet be- 
lieving, I rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.' 1 Pet. 
i. 8. Oh that in the same Spirit with Paul may I ever say, 
' Doubtless I count all things but loss for the excellency of the 
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.' Phil. iii. 8. 

Too oft my foolish heart. Lord, let thy love still reign 

To other loves inclines, O'er all mv foes within : 

And so from Jesus I depart, Thee do I connt my greatest gain, 

Then grief and sorrow's mine Oh save me from all sin. 



NOVEMBER 10.] 632 [MORNING. 

7" give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, 
neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. John x. 28. 

Thus excellently speaketh the immortal Hervey, ' What words 
are these ! knd did they come from him who hath all power in 
heaven and earth ? And were they spoken to every unfeigned, 
though feeble follower of the great shepherd ? Then omnipo- 
tence itself must be vanquished before they can be destroyed 
either by the seduction of fraud, or the assaults of violence/ The 
followers of the Lamb want no proof of the divinity of their 
Lord and Saviour; it is plain from the word of truth ; they be- 
lieve it in their hearts. • The gift of God is eternal life,' saith 
St. Paul, Rom. vi. 23. I give my sheep eternal life,' saith Je- 
sus; therefore Jesus is both Lord and God. To give temporal 
life is not. in the power of a finite being; he who gives eternal 
life, must be, as our Jesus is, the infinite and eternal Jehovah 
over all, God blessed for evermore. How full of grace and glory 
is this text ! What consolation may the children of faith draw 
from it ! Here is their mercy; they are in the hands of their 
precious Saviour ; hence they are safe and secure. ' They shall 
never perish,' saith Jesus, who is the truth. ' None shall pluck 
them out of my hands,' saith he who hath all power in heaven 
and earth. * I give,' saith the Saviour, now, at this present — 
what ? Grace into their hands, which, if they improve well, 
shall entitle them to glory? Infinitely more; nothing less than 
life, spiritual life, eternal life, the life of their immortal soul; 
this glorious gift is enjoy el by faith. ' This is life eternal, to 
know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent/ 
John xv ii. 3. 

Thus is Christ precious, salvation certain, and eternal life 
secure to every believing soul ; but as to the knowledge and en- 
joyment of this life, in the experience of saints, they often find 
great abatements of its vigour and comfort. Hence the various 
frames they are exercised with. Spiritual life, in its knowledge, 
comfort and enjoyment, is opposed by a life of sense in the 
christian, and spiritual opposition from within and without him ; 
the devil, the world, and the flesh, strive to pluck Christ's sheep 
out of his hands. Corrupt teachers give the lie to our Saviour, 
and say such a thing may be ; hence the hearts of his sheep are 
distressed; impossible for any of Christ's sheep to perish; if 
he doth not give eternal life to them all, then his truth must 
fail ; the covenant-oath, promises of the God of truth, must all 
be broken ; our faith is void, the gospel is of no effect, our com- 
fort and joy arise from our being simple in heart, firmly relying 
upon our Saviour's declaration, living upon his word, looking 
to him, and expecting, without the least doubt, we shall most 
certainly be * kept by the power of God through faith unto sal- 
vation.' 1 Pet. i. 5. 



NOVEMBER 10. | 383 [EVENIiNG. 

He who receiveth me, receiveth him who sent me. Matt. 
x. 40. 



It is very natural to think, if the Son of God were now upon 
earth, oh how gladly would we receive him into our houses. If 
you really would, you now cordially receive the report of him 
into your hearts : you now welcome it by faith, as the most pre- 
cious truth that ever saluted your ears. (1) What is it to receive 
Christ? There is endless perplexity in the consciences of many 
poor sinners, whether they have received Christ— when they 
received him — what it is to receive him — how they received 
him — and whether they received him right, &c. Satan gets 
great advantage here over many. Therefore he stirs up many 
(who nevertheless may do it ignorantly) who sadly puzzle poor 
souls with nice and subtle refinements, about receiving Christ, you 
would have no difficulty to tell, whether you received a dear 
friend — how your heart stood affected towards him — and what 
reception yougavehim. Howisitbetween Christ and your soul? 
Do you see him, believe on him, and trust in him as a Saviour, 
just suited to your mined, desperate, hopeless state? Bless the 
holy Spirit for this. You have received Christ. Now, (2) Con-, 
sider the blessedness of this. You have also received him who 
sent Christ, that is, God the Father. He gave Christ for us ; 
he sent Christ to us. And therefore, (1) God is now your lov 
ing father in Christ. There is nothing but peace and love in 
his heart towards you. He is for ever reconciled to you : all 
his attributes are engaged for you : he declares, ' I will be mer- 
ciful to your unrighteousness : your sins and your iniquities I 
will remember no more.' Heb. viii. 12. You are now as safe 
from the curse of sin, the condemnation of the law, and the 
power of Satan, as though you were at his right hand. For 
your Father's right hand is your defence. If he stretch it forth 
to chastise, and afflict you, it is all in love. Oh the joy of faith ! 
For, (2) You are his righteous child in Christ. Though in your- 
self, you are sinful and miserable — have irksome thoughts — vile 
lusts — disagreeable feelings — the workings of unbelief — devilish 
injections, &c. These all spring from your flesh, in which dwells 
no good thing. Theseare common to all the childien of God. 
Therefore think it not strange, that you are made to groan un- 
der a body of sin and death, from day to day. Let not these 
mar your comfort, nor prevent your joy, of being a perfectly 
righteous son or daughter of God in Christ. For, (3) You ever 
have all free access to God, and all holy boldness before him 
Ephes. iii. 12. 



4 M 



NOVEMBER ll.J 634 [MORNING 

And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt 
thou have me to do ? Acts ix. 6. 



Such are the effects when sovereign grace reacheth a sinner's 
heart. When the light of truth shines in the conscience, it makes 
the stoutest heart to tremble. When Jesus is manifested to the 
soul, it causes astonishment and creates love. Transient con- 
victions of sin often beget horror of conscience, and they often 
pass away as the morning cloud and early dew. Such conver- 
sions are very common ; sinners are frequently turned from one 
sect and system of opinions to another ; yea, also their lives and 
practices may be reformed, and they may seem to be converted, 
and often, where there is the least cause, there is the greatest 
confidence ; especially, if such persons are confirmed in their 
hopes by great pretension to experience, and can talk much of 
ecstasies and raptures, visions and revelations, which they sup- 
pose came from God; while many continue poor, trembling, 
self-emptied, and low-abased souls, they know and feel nothing 
but sin and helplessness in themselves ; yet, from a discovery 
of the glory of Jesus and the perfection of his salvation, seek 
alJ in him, and expect, all from him ; but yet they remain diffi- 
dent of their state and doubtful of their conversion ; they are 
exercised with great perplexity of mind at times concerning 
themselves. In both cases time only manifests the truth of con- 
version. Effects best prove their cause. 

When Christ is revealed to the heart; when the soul, by the 
eye of faith ' sees him who is invisible,' it is manifested by holy 
mourning and godly sorrow for past conduct, humble hope and 
scripture confidence of salvation ; and this excites prayer to Je- 
sus for instruction, ' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do V The 
soul desires to obey his will in truth and love. The habitual 
frame of the soul to Christ, his salvation, his truths and com- 
mandments, is a stronger evidence of real conversion than all 
the visions, ecstasies, horror or transports which the passion can 
yield. So St. Paul's after conduct to Jesus and his cause, fully 
proved that he had felt the power, and tasted the sweetness of 
a Saviour's love. Though every conversion is not produced in 
the same extraordinary manner Paul's was, yet the soul of every 
believer is turned to the very same object, Jesus, for whole sal- 
vation. Thus 'Jesus, the exalted Prince and Saviour, gives re 
pentance and forgiveness of sins. The witness of this is the 
Holy Ghost, whom God gives to them who obey him.' Acts v, 
31, 32. 

As new-born babes desire the breast Not by the terrors of a slave 

To teed and grow and thrive ; Our souls obey Christ's will ; 

So saints with jov the gospel taste, But with the noblest pow'rs we have, * 

And by the gospel live. We love and serve him still. 



NOVEMBER 11.] 635 [EVENING- 

The Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away ; blessed he the 
name of the Lord. Job i. 21. 

Meek Moses, righteous Lot, patient Job, were as wicked by 
nature, as any sinners that ever were born. True, they were 
eminent saints; but who made them so? The same Saviour, 
who sanctifies you and me. Cease ye from man. Look upon 
the most holy saint, as a sinner in himself, but only distin- 
guished by the grace of God. When any grace eminently shines 
in any sinner, remember it all comes out of the fulness of the 
Saviour. So look for grace for yourself. While Job surfers the 
loss of all, yet he glories in the possession of all. Though he 
could not now say my children, my possessions, my health, &c. 
yet he could say, ' My Redeemer liveth/ chap. xix. 25. The 
belief of this sweetened every cross : made up every loss : kept 
his head from sinking in the deep waters of affliction : his heart 
from fainting under the greatest tribulations; and fortified his 
mind with the greatest patience, under the severest calamities. 
He saw his Lord in all, therefore by his grace he submits to all. 
Job is here set before us, as most eminent for his patience. To 
what end? That we might learn patience hereby. Remember 
patience is a grace. It is a gift from the God of all grace. We 
can no more derive patience from the example of Job, than we 
can get light and heat from a painted sun. View the saint, but 
look to the King of saints to be like-minded. ' The Lord gave.' 
Sweet consideration ! Look upon all you enjoy as the free gift 
of a covenant God. Hold the giver fast, but hold the gifts with 
a trembling hand. Perhaps, ere to-morrow's sun, you may be 
constrained to say of some of your sweetest enjoyments, ' The 
Lord hath taken away.' Love saw they would do you harm, 
and that it is best for you to be without them. Therefore in 
love, God takes them away. Love is always the same, in a 
giving, as in a taking God. Therefore, what good reason have 
we to say for both? ' Blessed be the name of the Lord?' Here 
you see the work of faith. It sees the Lord's name written upon 
every enjoyment : it owns the Lord's right, to give, or take 
away : it bows to the Lord's sovereign will, and says, Lord thou 
dost all things well. Though what thou doest I cannot know now, 
yet I shall know hereafter. I am sure there is a Father's love 
and wisdom in all. Oh that all may be s mctified to me, and I 
profited by all. Thus, as faith in Christ brings us to the know- 
ledge of God, as our loving Father, to enjoy peace with him ; 
so it teaches submission to his will, and to bless iiis name at 
all times. Rejoice in the Lord. 



NOVEMBER 12.] G36 [MORNING. 

Go back again ; for what have I clone to thee ? 1 Kings 
xix. 20. 



It seems marvellous that the simple act of Elijah casting the 
skirts of his mantle upon Elisha, should cause him to leave oxen 
and plough, parents and habitation, to run after a stranger. 
Doubtless there is a mystery of the Spirit under the history of 
the letter ; the outward act of Elijah could not have had this ef- 
fect, unless the inward power of the strong Lord had accompa- 
nied it. So Peter might have cast his net and toiled all his 
days ere he had taken a fish with a piece of money in its mouth, 
unless the Lord Jesus had effected this by his power. 

Elijah's passing by Elisha and casting his mantle upon him, 
and the effect that followed, is a striking resemblance of the 
Lord, strong in power, and wonderful in grace, passing by us 
poor sinners, and casting his mantle of love over us. Call to 
mind, disciple ; endeavour daily to remember that time of love, 
when thy precious Saviour passed by, saw thee polluted in thy 
blood, immersed in busy care, when worldly hopes and carnal 
delights engrossed thy whole concern ; no eye, no not thine own, 
pitied thy precious, immortal soul ; thou neither saw its misery, 
nor feared thy danger. Buf, saith thy Saviour, ' when I passed 
by thee and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was a time of 
love/ Ezek. xvi. 8. Oh the mighty charm of divine love ! How 
is the heart attracted and drawn after Jesus, as Elisha to Elijah. 
So says the smitten soul to Jesus, e I will follow thee:' and, 
like him, its affections are drawn from worldly objects, and acts 
as the woman of Samaria when she found the Messiah; she 
forgot her errand, and left her water pot behind her. 

' What manner of man is this,' said the disciples of Jesus in 
astonishment, * that even the winds and the seas obey him?' 
Surely we may cry out in admiration with St. John, ' What 
manner of love is this?' What a mighty God is Jesus, that the 
power of his love attracts our stubborn hearts, and causes us to 
follow him ! What cause ever to admire the power, and adore 
the freeness of Jesus' love ; It found us ere we sought it. Lit- 
tle did Elisha think, in the hour of his plowing, of being called 
to the high honour of being the Lord's prophet. Ah, what was 
thy employ when Jesus first cast his mantle over thee ? Perhaps, 
like Saul, sinning with a high hand, employed in the devil's 
drudgery, in open rebellion against a loving Saviour, and yet 
priding thyself in the filthy rags of thine own righteousness ; but 
now this is the joy and rejoicing of faith ; where God casts the 
mantle of his love, that soul he clothes with the robe of his Son's 
righteousness. So ' grace reigns by Jesus Christ unto eternal 
life.' Rom. v. 21. 



NOVEMBER 12.J 037 [EVENING. 

He who hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal 
that God is true. John iii. 33. 



Wherein consists the essential difference, between the righte- 
ous and the wicked? In this, the heart of the former receives 
the testimony of Christ, and thereby honours the God of truth. 
The latter rejects it, and thereby makes God a liar. 1 John v. 
10. No marvel then, that it is declared, ' He who believeth not 
the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him/ 
ver. 36. And that ' God is angry with the wicked every day.' 
Psal. vii. 11. Why? Because they every day live in this daring, 
provoking sin of unbelief of the testimony of the Son of God, 
and give the lie to his face. This is the greatest sin under hea- 
ven. Oh the long-suffering patience of God, toward such stout- 
hearted rebels. Consider, (1) What is this testimony? It is the 
witness which Christ bears to the children of men, that he is the 
Son of God: that he came forth from God: that he came to 
fulfil the law of God: to honour the justice of God : to bring 
glory to all the attributes of God, by saving sinners according 
to the truth of God. (2) What is it to receive this testimony ? 
Simply to credit it. Just as one does by a person in a solemn 
manner, gives a plain and faithful evidence in court, of what 
he knows of the cause on trial. Now here we see, what a sim 
pie thing faith is: it is no other, than receiving Christ's testi- 
mony : believing him to be, what he declares he is, the Saviour 
of lost sinners : righteousness to us who have none of our own : 
an atonement for sins, which we must have been damned for 
without : redemption from the curse of the law, which we could 
never avert ; and the hope of eternal life, which we have for- 
feited. Thus we receive the testimony of Jesus, as a reprieve 
for condemned malefactors: an act of grace for outlawed rebels : 
a report of mercy to miserable sinners. But alas ! How do we 
puzzle our heads and perplex our hearts? for instead of bless- 
ing Jesus for this precious testimony, looking at it, considering 
its suitableness, #nd deriving our comfort from it, we get to 
questioning our faith, whether we have received it and do be- 
lieve aright. This is our folly. (3) See the blessedness of re- 
ceiving this testimony. ' He hath set to his seal that God is 
true/ Or as some read it, God hath sealed him (by his Spirit) 
because he is true. As we set our seal to God's truth, he will 
seal our hearts with his comforts. We cannot honour God 
more, nor please him better, than to hear and believe his be- 
loved Son. 

The testimony of Christ's love By faith it lifts our souls above, 

Is full of joy and peace, "And doth from sin release. m. 



NOVEMBER 13.J G38 [MORNING. 

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the 
things which are not seen ; for the things which are seen, 
are temporal ; but the things which are not seen, are eternal. 
2 Cor. iv. 18. 



The faith of the gospel stamps vanity upon the righteousness, 
glory, and happiness of every object short of Jesus. When the 
soul beholds the King in his glory, it pours contempt upon all 
things beside ; all the transient objects of time and sense die in 
esteem while the crucified Saviour is in view ; this is our great- 
est gain, our chiefest glory, Far, infinitely beyond all the rea- 
sonings of vain philosophy, is the christian's sight by faith, to 
reconcile his mind to afflictions, endure with patience under, 
and give victory over them. Thus Moses ' endured, seeing him 
who is invisible.' Heb. xi. 27. Though the eye of nature hath 
not seen, nor the uncircumcised ear hath heard, nor can the car- 
nal heart conceive the spiritual things of God's covenant, Je- 
sus' incarnation, and the Spirit's revelation, yet the enlightened, 
heaven-born soul, sees these things in open vision by the eye of 
faith ; to look at them is his chief delight and joy, to obtain 
clearer views of them his daily study, to converse and be more 
familiar with them, is his chief happiness, his heaven begu<n on 
earth ; a strange mystery to his natural self and to the carnal 
world, is the believing sou! ; to love and converse with an un- 
seen Saviour, to look to invisible objects, to derive all happi- 
ness from things that are not seen ; no marvel that there should 
be so great sight of opposition from fallen nature and carnal 
reason against such a life. 

Soul, ever remember with humility and thankfulness, our dear 
Saviour saith, ' unto you it is given to know the mystery of the 
kingdom of God/ Mark iv. 11. 'These things are hid from the 
wise and prudent.' Oh disciple, whilst thou dost adote the Fa- 
ther's love, dost rejoice in the Son's grace, remember thou art 
wholly indebted for all this rich discovery to the divine Spirit; 
give him equal glory ; grieve not the Spirit, who is the glorifier 
of Jesus, by turning thine eyes to any other object for righte- 
ousness, peace, and happiness. Is Christ thine all? Are the 
unseen things of his kingdom thy portion ? Be a chaste virgin 
to thy Lord. ' Where thy treasure is, there let thy heart be also.' 
Happy for thee to find with Paul, ' I die daily.' I am dying to 
the world while living in it ; T find and feel many pains and dis- 
orders in my frail body as sure forebodings of hastening disso- 
lution ; I know perfectly that the day of the Lord is coming, 
that each breath I draw brings nearer this solemn advent. What 
then should I look to? Upon what should my affections be 
placed? Blessed be God for revealing these eternal things as 
our portion. ' Be careful for nothing,' &c. Phil. iv. 6 



NOVEMBER 13.] 639 [EVENING. 

The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. 
2 Chron. xxv, 9. 



Thus spoke the prophet to Amaziah king of Judah. ' He did 
that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a per- 
fect heart/ ver. 2. His works were externally right, but he was 
destitute of uprightness of heart towards the Lord. Our Savi- 
our forbids, ' Judge not according to the appearance.' John 
vii, 24. Be not hasty in judging of any one. Nay, not of thy 
own state neither, merely from a few external actions. Look 
well to thy heart. See that there is upright honesty, and integ- 
rity at the bottom of thy conduct. If otherwise, it will soon be 
made manifest. So it was with Amaziah. This chapter records 
three abominable evils which he fell into. Confidence in an arm 
of flesh — Idolatry — Pride, which proved his destruction. As to 
the first, he hired one hundred thousand mighty men of valor, to 
strengthen his army against his enemies, for one hundred talents 
of silver, (i. e.) thirty-five thousand, three hundred pounds ster- 
ling. A prophet of the Lord is sent, to forbid his going to war 
with these hired forces. He takes the warning', but is concerned 
at losing so large a sum of money. The prophet adds, ' The Lord 
is able to give thee much more.' Had he. consulted the Lord 
upon his expedition, he had saved his money. But he asked not 
counsel from him. Oh christian, lean not to thine own under- 
standing. Seek to thy Lord. Consult his will in his word. Beg 
for his direction in every enterprize. Otherwise, though the 
Lord may kindly send a messenger to thee, yet thou wilt suffer 
loss, and gain vexation. If thou hast taken a wrong step, do 
not obstinately pursue it. Better suffer the loss of any thing, 
than thy Lord's favour. Amaziah was wrought upon by the 
prophet's word. He sent back the hired forces, and gave up the 
loss of his money. Oh sweet word, the Lord is able to give thee 
more than this. He can, and he will repay every loss thou sus- 
tainest in doing and suffering his will. Does thy enemy fret and 
tease thee from day to day ? Are thy violent passions ready to 
break out against him? Oh give up all. Give way to none. Be 
content to suffer for thy Lord's sake. Is not thy Lord able to 
make it up to thee? Remember "he says, ' Whatever ye give up 
for my sake, and the gospel's sake, ye shall receive an hundred 
fold now, and in the world to come eternal life.' Matt. xix. 29. 

■ My soul, count Christ thy greatest gain, Not one good thing- will he withhold, 

Who gave up all for thee.: To make thee truly blest : 

His love and grace do ever reign, Against thy foes lie makes thee bold ; 
From sin to set thee free Oh give up all for Christ. u. 



NOVEMBER 11] 640 [MORNING 

Perfect, as pertaining to the conscience. Heb. ix. 9. 

Conscience, or an inward perception of divine truth, is not 
common to all men ; when sin is charged upon it, it perceives 
its guilt, knows and feels misery, and is filled with wrath. This 
is the peculiar glory and excellency of the gospel, it brings re- 
lief to the conscience. We say, my mind to me a kingdom is ; 
for we feel in our minds the kingdom of Jesus. We enjoy some- 
what more in Jesus than outward show and shadow; even in- 
ward, substantial comforts. What was that lord the better for 
the miraculous plenty in Samaria, when for his unbelief, Elisha 
told him, ' thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat of 
it?' 2 Kings vii. 19. The truths of Jesus do not merely amuse 
our heads and engage our tongues, but we feed on them in our 
consciences. Like the patriarchs. Heb. xi. 13. ' We embrace 
them' as the very joy of our souls. The blood of Christ, through 
the eternal Spirit, sprinkles our hearts from an evil or guilty 
conscience, brings pardon and peace of mind to our troubled 
conscience, cleansing to our defiled conscience, and, ' by the 
resurrection of Jesus, we have the answer of a good conscience 
towards God.' ] Pet. iii. 21, Herein we glory in being perfec- 
tionists; nothing but this can make us * perfect pertaining to 
the conscience ;' for the law maketh nothing perfect, but the 
bringing in of a better hope does ; Jesus is our hope ; by him 
we draw nigh to God ; in his blood we perceive and know by 
faith we have a perfect atonement and perfect cleansing from 
all our sins, perfect deliverance from the condemnation of the 
law; in his righteousness we are perfectly accepted and justi- 
fied before God ; this is our wedding garment ; this we have, 
being married to the Lamb ; we dare not look to any thing else 
for perfection ; if we do, we feel the smart of it; our conscience 
is defiled. That we may have and keep a good conscience, 
purged from dead works to serve the living God, we exercise 
our minds on Jesus ; so we rejoice in Jesus, and walk with 
him by faith. Conscience is the best friend or the worst enemy ; 
a sense of guilt makes it our worst enemy; Jesus makes it our 
best friend. To maintain peace and perfection of conscience, 
observe first, the moment the guilt of sin is felt, confess it to 
Jesus, and pray him to take it away. Secondly, seek not that 
from the law of works which can only be found in the gospel of 
grace, perfect salvation. Thirdly, look not for that, in yourselves 
which is only in Jesus, perfect righteousness. Fourthly, expect 
not that in this world which can only be enjoyed in the next, 
perfect freedom from all sin. ' Jesus is our rock, his work is 
perfect.' Deut. xxxii. 4. 



NOVEMBER 14.] 64l [EVENING 

Art thou made of the kings council? Forbear: Why 
shouldest thou be smitten? 2 Chron. xxv. 16. 



Horrid ingratitude ! No sooner was Amaziah returned from 
the slaughter of the Edomites, but instead of erecting an altar 
to the Lord of Hosts, who had given him success, he falls into 
idolatry, and burns incense to their gods. He went to war 
without God. He returns victorious, sets up idols, and for- 
sakes the Lord. Vain confidence is departing from the Lord, 
and the first step to idolatry. Never think of a sin being sub- 
dued, a grace strengthened, or a comfort enjoyed, without giving 
all the glory to the grace of Christ. Look at thy victories with 
humility. Know self to be as great an idol, as the gods of the 
Edomites. Though the Lord's anger was kindled against Ama- 
ziah, yet he is long-suffering to sinners. He sends his prophet 
to reprove him. He gives him a most stinging sarcasm. ' Why 
hast thou sought unto the gods of the people, who could not 
deliver them out of thy hands?' This is an instance of the 
greatest folly and madness. Wilt thou, Oh Christian, sacrifice 
to the goodness of thy heart, or burn incense to the pride of thy 
free-will ? Could these deliver thee from the hands of thine ene- 
mies? Nay, if the Lord had not restrained the wickedness of 
Jiine heart, and bowed the stubborn rebellion of thy will, they 
would have delivered thee into the hands of thine enemies, and 
eternal destruction had been thy doom. Oh constantly sacri- 
fice to free-grace. Let the sweet incense of praise ascend from 
thy heart this night to the God of all grace, the Saviour of wick- 
ed-hearted, proud sinners ! How does Amaziah behave under 
this sharp reproof? Why, instead of falling under conviction, 
and repenting of his base ingratitude, and ridiculous conduct, 
he falls upon the Lord's prophet. Like Ahab to Elijah. ( Hast 
thou found me, Oh mine enemy. ' So he asks, Art thou made 
of the king's council? And he threatened him. Oh it is a 
dreadful sign, to be angry with a faithful reprover of one's sin ! 
When the horrid consequence of sin is laid before one, it is a 
vain, foolish shift of the devil to ask, What have you been in 
the Lord's cabinet-council? Or when the doctrine of God's 
electing Jove is spoken of, some foolishly demand, are you one 
of the Lord's privy-council? No. But we know the Lord's 
mind concerning sin, grace and salvation, in his word, without 
searching the records of eternity. There it is wrote as with a 
sun-beam. Impenitent sinners shall die in their sins, and be 
damned for their sins. All who are saved, it is by the free 
grare of God abounding to sinners in Christ Jesus. 

Lord soften tbis hard heart of mine And yield anto Ihv wise design, 

Each kind reproof to feel ; To keep mv sotil from ill, m, 



4 N 



NOVEMBER 15.] 642 [MORNING. 

My God shall supply all your need, according to his riches 
in glory, by Christ Jesus. Phil. iv. 19. 

Paul, though an eminent saint and great apostle, was yet a 
man of like passions, a poor sinner, even as others ; yet, with 
what amazing boldness and confidence he speaks of what 
his God shall do! Though he had never. been admitted into 
the secret counsels of the glorious Trinity ; yet the Holy Spi- 
rit had well instructed him in the covenant transactions of 
Jehovah; he well knew the nature of the everlasting covenant, 
that it was* ordered in all things 'in infinite wisdom and eter- 
nal love, that all the graces and blessings contained in it are 
sure to all the heirs of promise. As soon might a God of truth 
prove false, a God of faithfulness be unjust, as any one of his 
promises in Jesus to his people fail. 

Such is the security of the covenant; such the confidence of 
faith. God the Father is the fountain, the Son the treasury, 
and the Spirit the dispenser of all grace; believers needs are 
God's concerns! They shall have a rich supply for all their 
wants; the value of their supplies are enhanced to the highest 
degree, not only riches, but riches in glory, glorious riches; 
they receive all from glory, and all comes (o them through the 
glorified man Jesus Christ; he is their 'friend, who loveth at 
all times ; their brother, who was born for adversity.' In the 
hour of our distresses and in the time ot our need, we too often 
forget that we have such a God and Saviour to trust in and call 
upon. Instead of looking to a throne of grace, we pore over 
our dunghill of corruptions; here we are sure to find nothing 
but misery., poverty, and sin. Is there such an inexhaustible 
fund of riches in Christ Jesus? Is it for the poor and needy? 
Dishonourable thought of Jesus, ever to imagine he is an un- 
concerned spectator of our wants, or that he will withhold when 
we need. Nay, but he 'knows how to have compassion.' He 
is touched with a tender sympathy, ' a feeling sense of our in- 
firmities.' Heb. iv. 15. 'Trust in him at all times, ye people, 
pour out your hearts before him, God is a refuge for us;' and 
the Psalmist adds 'Selah.' Psal lxii. 8. Consider this well, 
spread it before your minds, just as we put N. B for Nota 
Bene; take special notice of this, it is of the greatest impor- 
tance. ' Lord help our unbelief.' 

When in the light of faith divine In him my vast desires are fill'd, 
We look on things helow, And all my povv'rs rejoice. 

Honour, and gold, and sensual _]oy, 

How vain and dangerous too ! " In vain the world accosts my ear, 

And tempts my heart anew ; 

God is mine all-suflicient aid, I cannot buy your bliss so dear, 
My portion and my choice j Nor partwith Heav'n for vou. 



NOVEMBER 15.] 643 [EVENING. 

Thine heart lifteth thee up to boast. 2 Chron xxv. 19 

How despicable, how contemptible, does pride make a man 
look in the eyes of his enemies? Amaziah sets out with the 
first step to idolatry, confidence in an arm of flesh. He next 
falls into the most gross and absurd idolatry. Reproof leaver 
him under it. As he had forsaken the Lord, the Lord cast him 
off. His destruction is near. * A haughty spirit goes before a 
fall. Let him who thinks he standeth, take heed lest he fall* 
One sin brings on another : when the Lord leaves a man, he 
exposes his pride, and makes himself ridiculous. Amaziah, 
being flushed with success at his victory over the Edomites, 
sends a message to Joash king of Israel, saying, 'Come let us 
see one another in the face/ A challenge to war: face me if 
you dare. Alas! he little thought that the Lord was departed 
from him, that he was given up to hardness of heart, and to seek 
his own destruction. How different his language from that oi 
David, to the boasting Goliath, 'i come against thee in the 
name of the Lord of Hosts. ' 1 Sam. xvii. 45. Joash, accord- 
ing to the custom of the Easterns, answers him by a proverb. 
'The thistle sent to the cedar, saying, Give thy daughter to my 
son to wife: and lo, a wild beast passed by and trod down the 
thistle :' intimating, that there was as contemptible a compari- 
son between Amaziah and himself, as between that low, base 
weed a thistle, and a tall stately cedar. However, what Ama- 
ziah wanted in strength, he possessed in pride, which proved 
his overthrow. Christian, learn to know thyself: be not high- 
minded, though thy Lord gives thee to tread down all the pow- 
er of the enemy, yet he says, 'notwithstanding, rejoice not in 
this, that evil spirits are subject unto thee.' No. Why not? 
Is not this matter of joy? Doubtless. But take heed of vain- 
glorying here: beware,, lest thy heart be lifted up to boast. 
The worst evil, pride, may be excited by the best of causes. 
Know thyself to be like that very contemptible thistle in Leba- 
non : that vile, prickly weed, in which dwells no good, and has 
no strength to stand against the foot of an enemy. But, the 
Lord points thee to incessant cause of joy. 'Rather rejoice 
because thy name is written in heaven.' Therefore, the ever- 
lasting love of the God 'of heaven is fixed on thee: the invinci- 
ble arm of the God of heaven is engaged to keep thee: and 
know, to thy humility, thou hast done nothing to deserve this. 
'Thou O Lord God, art a God full of compassion, and graci- 
ous. ' Psal lxxxvi. 15. 

Is this a time for us to boast, forbid it. O thou Lord of Host, 

When sin within us dwell For 'tis the pride of hell. m 



NOVEMBER 16.] 044 [ MORNING 

But rather rejoice, because your names are written in 
Heaven. Luke x. 20. 



It is matter of great joy to faithful ministers of the gospel to 
see the work of their Lord prosper in their hands, Satan de- 
throned, and the kingdom of Jesus set up in the hearts of poor 
sinners. Our Lord by no means discourages rejoicing on this 
account ; but his loving heart would not have it terminate and 
centre in this only ; for their success may abate, a season may 
come when they may take up this lamentation, ' Lord who hath 
believed our report?' we see no more tokens of thy victorious 
grace. Therefore, lest their hands should hang down, and 
their hearts grow dejected and faint in their labours, he directs 
them to an inexhaustible fountain of consolation and joy: 
'your names are written in heaven.' Always rejoice in this: 
remember you are always 'unto God a sweet savour of Christ, 
as well in them that perish, as in them that are saved. ' 2 Cor. 
ii. 15. 

This is also a sweet lesson to every christian. It is, doubt 
less, cause of great joy to find and feel the power of sin and 
Satan subdued, corrupt lusts mortified, disorderly passions res- 
trained, unruly appetites brought into subjection, and the meek- 
ness and power of Christ to have the rule and government in 
one's heart. For these spiritual blessings we are inexpressi- 
bly indebted to the Holy Spirit, through the faith of Jesus. 
Notwithstanding, 'in this rejoice not' (only and chiefly) saith 
Jesus, He leads us from the streams to the fountain : from 
the effects to the cause. 'Jlather rejoice because your names 
are written in Heaven. ' In times of heaviness, through mani- 
fold temptations, frames may vary. In seasons *of darkness, 
feelings and comforts may decline, e nevertheless the foundation 
of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them 
that are his. ' 2 Tim. ii. 19. But can any one know that his 
name is written in the book of life? Doubtless; else there is 
no meaning in our Lord's words. How can one rejoice on this 
account, if he do not know it? Though we cannot read the book 
of life, yet we have the records of truth. These reveal it plain- 
ly, and assures us, ' We are the children of God, by faith in 
Christ Jesus.' Gal. iii. 26. If we have faith in Jesus, the 
faith of Gods elect, this is an evidence of our adoption, and we 
may, we ought to rejoice. So Paul, who had the mind of Christ, 
speaking of some whose names are written in the book of life, 
immediately adds, 'Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I 
say rejoice.' Phil. iv. 4. But may not our names be blotted 
out? No, that is impossible. We are assured, 'whatsoever 
God doeth it shall be for ever; nothing can be put to it or 
taken from it. ' Eccles. iii. 14. 



NOVEMBER 16.] 0*45 [EVENING. 

• Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have 
rejoicing in himself alone. Gal. vi. 4. 

A day is coming, ' when the fire shall try every man's work, 
of what sort it is. ' 1 Cor. iii. 13. O how much wood of pride, 
hay of self-love, and stubble of self-complacency, will then be 
burnt up! Yea, and it will be entirely owing to the rich grace, 
and finished salvation of Jesus (not for any work of ours) that 
our souls too, are not in that day, cast into unquenchable fire. 
Why then does the apostle bid us prove our own work ? That 
we may be joyful. Alas, says the convinced humble sinner, I 
have not a work that I dare look at, but instead of giving me 
joy, it occasions sorrow. ■ God be merciful to me a sinner : 
Lord be gracious to me an unprofitable servant. Is this the 
confession of thy heart? prove it by the word of God : — Thou 
wilt find it agreeable thereto. Rejoice in thyself for it. Give 
glory to him, who taught thee to know thyself, and put into 
thine heart the language of grace. Thou art saved from self- 
righteousness, and self-confidence. Rejoice in that. It is thine 
own work to believe, the power is the Lord's. Prove thy work 
of faith. Does it fix on Jesus alone? Does it work by love to 
him, to his rejected truth, his despised people, and his scorned 
interest and glory ? Rejoice in thyself, but give all glory to Christ 
who is the author of thy faith. Are the commands of Christ, 
as well as his salvation, precious to thee? Dost thou love and 
pursue holiness, knowing, in this way only, thou canst enjoy 
fellowship with Christ? Dost thou hate sin and eschew it, as 
contrary to the glory of Christ, the faith of thy heart, the peace 
of thy conscience, and the love of thy soul? Rejoice in thyself. 
Thou art highly distinguished by the Spirit of truth and holi- 
ness. Thou art born again of him, and art a new creature in 
Christ. Thy grief and concern for thy imperfections and short 
comings, are evidences of the purity of thy heart. Though they 
lay thee low in humility, yet they should never prevent the 
abounding of joy in thyself. There is an essential difference 
between the humble joy of faith, in the heart of a poor sinner ; 
and the self-righteous joy of a proud Pharisee. He rejoices 
because he sees a difference between himself and others — that 
he is more righteous than others — has a better title from himself, 
to God's favour, and kingdom than others. Hence he despises, 
and glories over other poor sinners. The other rejoices in 
himself, for what Christ is to him, has done for him, and has 
wrought in him, in consequence of love-union. Hence his 
works spring from faith — are done in faith — and in all he de- 
sires to eye his Lord's glory ; and while he has no confidence 
in the flesh, he rejoices in Christ Jesus. Phil. iii. 3. 



NOVEMBER 17. j 646 [MORNING. 

He is our peace. Ephes, ii. 14 

When Jehu came to take possession of the crown of Israel, 
Jezebel put this (as she thought) cutting question, ' Had Zimri 
peace who slew his master?' 2 Kings ix. 31. As Jehu was 
called and anointed to be king of Israel, according to the word 
of the Lord, so is every christian called and anointed by the 
word and Spirit to the kingdom of Jesus. f He hath made us 
kings and priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory, ' 
&c. Rev. i. 6. 

But ere we take possession of our crown of glory, we must 
expect many severe and aggravating questions from the mouth 
of the adversary on earth. Verily, he hath great reason to urge 
the most cruel treatment, and to charge upon us the vilest be- 
haviour to our master Jesus; that bloody deed of crucifying 
the Lord of life and glory was caused by our sins. Not a trans- 
gression a disciple of Jesus commits, but the precious blood of 
his master was spilt for. The life of sin, and love of sin, is in 
our nature ; and the law of sin is m our members, and while w r e 
are daily exposed to sin in our practice, Satan, like a powerful 
Assyrian army, will invade our land of nature, and attack the 
peace of our souls. What can we do? If we deny his charge, 
and say, ' we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth 
is not in us. ' Acknowledge his accusations we must; all in 
nature, reason, and conscience, unite to witness against us. 
But shall this destroy the comfort of our minds, the hope of our 
souls, and the peace of our hearts ? Then how small our know- 
ledge ! how feeble our faith ! how weak our hearts, in the grace 
which is in Christ Jesus! All the power of darkness, all the 
curses of the law, all the accusations of sin, blessed, for ever 
blessed be the grace of our God, cannot, shall not overthrow 
this soul-comforting, Christ-exalting, love-exciting truth, this 
man> even Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, and died at Cal- 
vary, 'he is our peace, he hath made peace by the blood of 
his cross. ' Col. i. 20. The everlasting gospel proclaims it ; 
the eternal law of love confirms it; by faith we receive the joy- 
ful news of it; by the Spirit our souls enjoy the sweet sense of 
it; by the word, the blessed Spirit stirs up our pure minds 
by exhortations and examples to look unto Jesus, look off from 
every other hope, turn from every other object. His name, his 
nature, his offices, his work, all speak peace to poor, guilty, 
self-condemned souls, whose only hope is Jesus. The work of 
(Jesus) righteousness shall be peace ; and the effect of (Ins) 
righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever. Isai. xxxii. 
17. 

Oli let our voices never cease It cost him cries and tears * 

To sing the Saviour's name ; To bring r.s near to God ; 

Jesus, the ambassador of peace. Great was our debt, and he appears 
How cheerfully he cane! To makefile payment good.. 



NOVEMBER 17.] 64/ [EVENING. 

The God of the whole earth shall he be called. Isai. liv. 5. 

An affectionate wife, cannot bear to hear her loving- husband 
traduced and spoken contemptibly of. It must hurt her mind. 
The church of the faithful, * is the Bride, the Lamb's wife,' 
Rev. xxi. 9. Her Redeemer is here said to be her husband. 
These four names are given to him. Thy Maker— The Lord 
of Hosts -The Holy One of Israel— The God of the whole 
earth. Now if after this, any should dare deny, that Jesus 
Christ is not truly and essentially God, they must be quite 
blind, exceeding bold, and abominably wicked. Jealous of 
our dear husband's honour and glory, we cannot bear to hear 
him so vilely traduced and blasphemed. While we pity, we 
would flee from such, and take shelter under the wings of our 
Redeemer, and the protection of our Husband. The Godhead 
dignity of his Person, is the glory of our souls. The humility 
of his appearing in flesh, adds charms to his matchless beauty. 
Though he is our Husband in our nature : our Redeemer incar- 
nate : though we have free access to him : sweet converse with 
him: and are indulged with holy fellowship by him as man, 
still we honour and adore him, as * The God of the whole 
earth. ' A poor sinner can never get near God in his mind, en- 
joy God in his heart, have any peace with God in his con- 
science, or comfort from God in his soul, but when he has sim- 
ple believing views, by faith, of an incarnate God-— God in Je- 
sus, his Redeemer, and his Husband. And is he thy Maker ? 
Then give him the glory of thy existence. Is he the Lord of 
Hosts? Then glory in him and rejoice, for thou art more than 
conqueror over all the powers of darkness and the hosts of hell, 
through him who hath loved thee. Is he the Holy One of 
Israel? Then study to be like him, pray for conformity to him, 
walk in holy fellowship with him, so as to derive all holiness 
from him. Is he 'The God of the whole earth ?' Then be as- 
sured, being married to him, and redeemed by him, thou shalt 
want nothing, which his infinite wisdom sees best to give; for 
his everlasting love will supply all. Live daily upon the ful- 
ness of thy Husband, and the grace of thy Redeemer. Behold 
your precious, free-grace charter. ' No weapon that is formed 
against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise 
against thee in judgment, thou shalt condemn. This is the he- 
ritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is ot 
rae, saith the Lord.' Isai. liv. 17. 

True faith vvil! Jesu's godhead own This is the God of the whole earth, 
For faith's tlie gift of heav'n • Christ is his human name : 

Christ is God's co-eternal Son, We know this by our heav'nly birth, 
He's blest to whom its giv'n. We glory in the Lamb. w. 



NOVEMBER 18.] 648 [MORNING. 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the 
truth is not in us. 1 John i. 8. 



Sincere upright souls before God, the scriptures deem Per- 
fect. They are free from hypocrisy and dissimulation ; they 
}udge and speak of themselves according to truth ; Christ who 
is essentially The Truth, dwelleth in their hearts by faith ; the 
Spirit leads them into all truth, concerning themselves and sal- 
vation in Christ. Satan, who abode not in the truth, is ever 
blinding souls to the truth, striving to seduce them from the 
truth, and to make them, not only deceive others, but them- 
selves also. He never baits his hook with a more alluring 
bait than pride. He aims to make us think of ourselves more 
highly than we ought to think, and to judge of ourselves, and 
say, 'I am not like other men/ I have no sin, I am perfect. 
This is the very essence of Pharisaism. 

That very moment any soul says so, he is under the influ- 
ence of a lying deceitful spirit; ' he bridleth not his tongue, he 
deceiveth his own heart, his religion is vain.' James i. 29, 
'He flattereth himself in his own eyes, till his iniquity be found 
hateful/ Psal xxxvi. 2. But if we see no sin, if we feel no 
sin in us, are we not to tell of our happy state? Is not Jesus 
glorified hereby, who hath thus perfectly saved us? Seeing and 
feeling ! If one in a high fever says, * I am quite well, I feel no 
disorder, ' we are sure he has a deceitful sense, he is not in his 
right mind. Alas, our senses are deceitful judges; they may 
delude us ; they most certainly do, if they testify contrary to 
the truth of God's word. Our Saviour is only glorified by the 
truth. What! shall we give the lie to the Spirit of truth and 
the word of truth, under pretence of glorifying Jesus ? Beware, 
oh soul, Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, and 
makes thee think and say, * Thou hast no sin,' for another rea- 
son than to glorify Christ, even to glorify thyself in thine own 
eyes, and in the sight of others. Hear confident Peter. Little 
did he think what was in his heart when he said (perhaps he 
saw no sin, nor felt no sin at that time) 'Though I die with 
thee, yet will I not deny thee. ' Think of his awful fall, his 
horrid oaths and dreadful imprecations, and be humble. Awful 
effects are not wanting in our day, of such whom Satan has 
puffed up with this unscriptural notion of being sinless; but 
dreadful effects have followed. The higher the elevation, the 
greater the fall. Oh soul, ever remember, 'thou standest by 
faith ; this leads us entirely out of ourselves to the perfection 
of Jesus. Be not high minded, exalted with the notions of a 
state contrary to God's truth, here stiled self-deceit, but fear/ 
ever be afraid of setting up thyself in opposition to the positive 
assertions of the Spirit of Truth. He who says he has no sin, 
commits sin in saying so; for he lies, the truth is not in him, 
he is deceived by the father of lies. 



NOVEMBER 18.] 649 [EVENING. 

Be not carried about with diverse and strange doctrines : 
for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, 
Heb. xiii. 9. 



The doctrines of grace are streams which flow from the foun- 
tain head, the covenant of grace. They all lead to Jesus, the 
surety of the covenant. All doctrines that oppose the covenant- 
engagements of the Holy Trinity, for the salvation of sinners, 
are diverse, and strange doctrines: they direct to a different 
hope than Christ, and lead souls from the truth, as it is in him. 
With these diverse and strange doctrines, men may carry great 
zeal for holiness and good works, while they have rooted enmity 
against the leading truths, and capital doctrines of the gospel. 
Who talk more of holiness, and contend more for good works, 
than Arians and Socinians, who yet deny the proper deity of 
Christ? So, many of another cast, carry their notions of holi- 
ness, and perfection to the greatest height, yet vehemently op- 
pose the doctrines of grace — election of grace— salvation by 
grace— justification by the righteousness of Christ, and the sure 
and certain perseverance of all his saints, to eternal glory. We 
are in danger of being carried about, like light clouds, and me- 
teors in the air, by the wind ; so as to have our minds always 
fluctuating, wavering and unsettled, by diverse and strange doc- 
trines, touching our acceptance with God, and the hope of eter- 
nal life. 

But as a remedy against this evil, says the apostle, ' It is a 
good thing that the heart be established with grace :' with the 
doctrines of grace, and with an experience of the grace of those 
doctrines. But this is not to be expected, if the doctrines of 
grace are not constantly attended to, cordially believed, and 
highly prized, as making the everlasting love and salvation of 
the Trinity, precious to our souls. Some are all for warm affec- 
tions, but care little for solid judgment ; these soon grow giddy- 
headed. Others are all for doctrines, and aim only to have clear 
heads, and a sound judgment ; but care not whether the heart is 
warmly affected, and the life powerfully influenced. Such are 
like dry sticks in a garden, which support other vegetables, 
but neither grow, nor bring forth any fruit to Christ's glory. Oh 
christian, be concerned to have thy heart established with the 
grace of Christ, rooted in the love of Christ, and animated by 
the Spirit of Christ : ' Built up in him, and established in the 
faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanks- 
giving.' Col. ii. 7. This is the good thing which you should 
earnestly covet day by day. 

Tlio' nien and Satan me perplex Whatever tends to drive away, 
^ About a thousand things ; My faith and hope in Christ, 

Christ's word is simple and directs Shall never with mv spirit stay. 
To him, and comfort brings. By grace I will resist. M. 

4 o 



NOYKMBER 19.] 6*50 [MORNING. 

I 1 his is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life ; 
and this life is in his Son : he that hath the Son hath life. 
I John v. 11, 12. 



Sovereign power permits man to fall. Guilt fills the wretched 
pair with dread, and cuts off all hope in God, all claim upon 
him. Hence our first parents ' lied from the presence of the 
Lord, and hid themselves.' Sovereign love interposed, and the 
poor, guilty, trembling partners in woe, were called before their 
highly-offended, justly provoked Lord. Was it to behold him 
clothed with vengeance? To hear the sentence of their eternal 
doom to destruction ? To see hell opened to receive them ? No, 
be astonished, oh heavens ! Rejoice ye apostate children of 
hell-deserving parents ! They were to hear a record of what was 
transacted in the eternal court and counsel of heaven, published 
on earth. This, instead of wrath, brought mercy ; instead of 
woe, blessing; instead of eternal death, everlasting life; in- 
stead of a hell of misery, a heaven of happiness, to their trem- 
bling hearts. 

Fallen man came not to meet God, to sue for pardon, and in- 
treat grace, but fled his presence. But the Lord follows sinful 
man with love in his heart ; not to propose terms of accommo- 
dation or conditions of peace, but to proclaim the joyful news 
of eternal life as the free gift of free favour, unmerited grace, 
unconditional mercy, in and by the seed of the woman, Jesus 
Christ. Glorious record of love ! Blessed testimony of life ! Joy- 
ful tidings of grace ! Hast thou heard, known, and believed this 
record ? ' Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within 
me praise his holy name.' Behold and admire the wisdom, 
as well as the love of thy God. Sn this rejoice alway ; be hum- 
ble continually. Life, eternal life, is given us. This life is in 
God's beloved Son, therefore can never be lost and forfeited. 
' Our life is hid with Christ in God.' Oh, if Jesus dwells in our 
hearts by faith, we have God's beloved Son, we have eternal 
life. The report of this is joyful to our ears. The enjoyment 
of this enters our hearts, creates our present heaven, and fills 
us with joyful hopes of future glory. We have the strongest 
confidence, the fullest assurance tc animate our souls, { Because 
I live, saith the head, ye (my members) shall live also.' John 
xiv. 19. God hath given us eternal life. He is faithful, he will 
not revoke his own precious free gift. Jesus hath overcome 
every enemy and opposer that might prevent our enjoyment of 
eternal life. The Holy Spirit hath effected such a union to Je- 
sus, as can never be broken. ' We are joined unto the Lord, 
and are one spirit.' 1 Cor. vi. 17. 

Look up, my soul to him, And humhly view the loving stream 

Whose dealh was thy desert . Flo v from his niorced heart. 



yOVEMBER 19.] 651 [EVENING 

Good and upright is the Lord, therefore will he teach sin- 
ners in the way. Psalm xxv. 8. 

Here are two characters the most opposite : a good and up- 
right Lord — wicked and perverse sinners. Good and upright 
as the Lord is, he might justly damn sinners. But no, oh con- 
descending grace ? He will not leave sinners to perish in their 
ignorance, and obstinacy : He will teach them. It is said of 
one, that after his conversion, he could scarce mention the 
name of jesus, without a tear. Oh had it not been for his re- 
demption, no sinner would have had divine teaching! but all 
whom Christ has redeemed by his blood, the Spirit teaches by 
his power. This is his olfice in the covenant of grace. This 
implies, that so ignorant are sinners of divine truths, that no 
teaching besides the Lord the Spirit, can instruct and make them 
wise unto salvation. Come sinner, come down from the alti- 
tudes of thy fancied wisdom and boasted knowledge, and learn 
this humbling truth to-night. If thou seest thine own ignorance, 
and thy want of being divinely taught, rejoice at this declara- 
tion. Cry to the Spirit, Lord teach me. He will teach. Who ? 
Only such as are good and upright like himself? No, but such 
as are of a contrary character, sinners: whose carnal minds 
are enmity against his holy law, who f are sold under sin, and 
in whose flesh dwells no good thing.' Is this thy character? 
The Lord will teach such. In the way. What way ? Not in the 
way of sin, that is contrary to his holiness. Not in the way of 
self-righteousness, that is contrary to his truth. But in the 
knowledge of Christ, who is the way : the way of access to God, 
acceptance with God, justification before God, and everlasting 
life as the free gift of God, according to the covenant-grace and 
everlasting love of God. By repentance unto life in this way of 
peace, in this walk of faith, in this path of love, truth and holi- 
ness, the Spirit will teach redeemed sinners on earth, till he 
brings them to glory. His teaching shall be as essential to their 
glorification, as the death of Christ for their salvation. Poor 
sinners, who like me art oft distressed and dejected with thy 
wicked nature, take comfort to-night from these two truths. Till 
Satan can blot them out of God's book, or make us worse than 
sinners, they stand on Record for our comfort: ' Christ Jesus 
came to save sinners.' God will teach sinners. Look then to 
the finished salvation of Jesus. Look to the Spirit to teach thee 
the glory of it, 'to bear witness to thy soul of interest in it, and 
to fill thee with joy and peace by it. 

When we consult- nit.li flesh and blood, Saiuts, if you* d live anil walk in peace, 

We quit the pow'r of faith, Your reas'ning pride forego ; 

And cry the news of truths too good, Look simply to the God of grace, 

Rejecting what God saith. Whose pow"r can all things tin. m 



NOVEMBER 20.] Gb'2 [MORNING. 

Hide not thy face from me ; put not thy servant away in 
anger : thou hast been my help ; leave me not, neither for- 
sake me, oh God of my salvation. Psalm xxvii. 9. 

* Love never faileth :' it ever worketh in the heart of disciples 
towards its beloved object. Love cannot bear distance or sepa- 
ration from Jesus ; the thought of it is grievous and painful ; the 
dread of it makes the soul plead, fills the mouth with argu- 
ments, lest the poor heart should lose the sweet sense and com- 
forting favour of the love of God. His presence is its heaven, 
his absence is its hell ; his smiles create joy, his frowns bring 
gloom and sorrow on the mind. When the heart feels a sensible 
withdrawing of God, and the light of his countenance is hid, it 
cannot but be restless and uneasy. Real believers experience 
Christianity to be more than a name — doctrines more than mere 
speculations to fill the head and amuse the thoughts — in ordi- 
nances, somewhat more is enjoyed than a dull round and formal 
attendance upon them. Christianity is a life of love; it consists 
in knowing and enjoying the God of truth, of faithfulness, and 
of love in his ordinances. 

Therefore a loving soul most of all fears the anger of its lov- 
ing Father ; it dreads to be put away in displeasure, though but 
for a moment. To be left to one's self, oh this calls up one's 
cries and tears, and urges one to plead hard with one's dear 
Saviour ; ' Thou hast been my help.' Past experiences of the 
love and power of its Lord are remembered, and urged as a 
plea for present help and future hope. God's precious promises 
of faithfulness and truth, oh they are beheld as ' fitly spoken, 
like apples of gold in pictures of silver.' Prov. xxv. 11. Past 
love cannot be forgotten ; past mercies are recalled. What the 
Lord is still, in the appropriation of faith, is pleaded. ' Forsake 
me not.' Why so ? Because ' thou art the God of my salvation.' 
To whom should we go but to thee, oh Jesus? Thou hast the 
words of eternal life. Forsake not the work of thine own hands ; 
the soul for whom thou didst toil and suffer, bleed and die. 
There is salvation in thee, and in no other. I have found it so. 
Arise oh thou sun of righteousness, scatter the clouds of dark- 
ness, the mists of sin, and the fogs of unbelief; recal my wan- 
dering steps ; revive my drooping spirit; ' bring near thy salva- 
tion in present peace and love.' Such will be the cries and 
pleadings of Jesus-loving hearts. Such are the genuine actings 
of that faith which worketh by love. It ever hath a God in 
Christ for its object, his faithfulness and truth for its support, 
his promises for its plea, his glory for its aim, and the com- 
fortable sense and enjoyment of his love as its portion and hea- 
ven. * Whom have I in heaven but thee ? and there is none 
upon earth that I desire beside thee.' Psal. Ixxiii. 25. 



NOVEMBER 20.] 653 [EVENING. 

When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a 
crown of glory, that fadeth not away. 3 Pet. v. 4. 

Peter speaks, with the utmost confidence, of the appearing of 
Christ, and of all his members being crowned in glory. Yes, he 
knew better than to make his Lord a liar. For if any one of 
them should perish in their sins, and by the force and fraud of 
Satan be dragged down to hell, then they would lose their crown 
in glory. But how then would the goodness of their Shepherd 
appear, if he suffered this? Peter never received, nor ever 
taught such devilish, damnable doctrine. He too well knew the 
unchangeable love of the chief Shepherd. He knew Christ could 
not be glorified, nor would his heavenly Father be satisfied, 
without each, and every one, ofhis chosen, redeemed, justified, 
believing members, were crowned in glory. He says, ' I am the 
good Shepherd : I know my sheep, I give my life for my sheep.' 
John x. If but one of them was missing, he would ransack hell 
and the grave to find him, and to crown him. For, (1) Christ is 
our chief Shepherd. The sheep are all his own. By the gift 
ofhis Father. John xvii. 2. (2) By the purchase ofhis blood. 
Our souls are bought with that precious price. 1 Cor. vi. 20. (3) 
A.s a shepherd, he calls us, and gathers us, to himself, by the 
grace ofhis word, and the power ofhis Spirit. (4) He is, what 
no other shepherd can be, and in this he is chief indeed to our 
souls. He is our life. Our life is not in our own keeping. It 
can never be lost or forfeited. It is in our Head : safe and sure, 
certain and eternal. Being in union to, and communion with 
Christ by faith, we now enjoy the earnest of glory, in the spiri- 
tual blessings and comforts of this life. When we find our 
hearts holy and happy, this is because Christ is our life. 
When we groan under sin, and hunger and thirst after righ- 
teousness, this is because Christ is our life. Thus Christ, our 
chief Shepherd, appears now, in the spirit and life of our souls. 
(2) Christ shall appear. As verily, as he once appeared, as a 
mean man, and hung as a vile malefactor, to put away sin by 
the sacrifice of himself; he shall appear to be glorified in his 
saints, and to he admired in all them who believe. But says a 
poor sensible sinner, How shall I appear before him ? I deserve 
ever to be banished from him. True. But, (3) You shall re- 
ceive from him, a never-fading crown of glory. That dear hand 
which was nailed to the cross for you, shall be stretched forth 
to crown you. Oh Lord ! Is it possible ? I am not worthy of 
this. True. So you will think to all eternity. Therefore you 
will sing, 'Worthy is the Lamb,' &c. Rev. v. 12. 



NOVEMBER 21.] G54 [MORNING. 

Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare hh 
ways : to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the 
^emission of their sins. Luke i. 76, 77. 

The day of gospel-truth, like the light of the morning, breaks 
forth gradually upon the benighted soul, and it increaseth to 
mid-day brightness and glory. ' The path of the justified is like 
the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect 
day.' Thus it is in the experience of enlightened souls. The 
light of God's word manifests the truth as it is in Jesus, gradu- 
ally ; it discovers condemnation and guilt by the law, and grace 
and pardon by the gospel. The baptist dispensation prepares 
the way in the heart before the soul enjoys the sweet sense oi 
pardon of sins through the faith in Jesus. The law is a voice 
only of wrath and terror to the soul; it leaves the poor sinner 
in the dreadful state it finds him ; it pronounces nothing but 
curses upon him ; it can shew him no remedy ; it points to no 
hope; to work wrath in the conscience, and to condemn, is all 
the broken law can do. 

The voice of the baptist cries to the soul in a wilderness 
state ; but it is rather the hoarse cry of austere severity than 
the charming, melodious voice of peace and love; it calls to bap- 
tism of repentance — a confession of sins — a change of mind con- 
cerning former hopes of salvation — and also a change of life 
and practice. The poor sinner is hereby * warned to flee from 
the wrath to come' — is pointed to ' the Lamb of God, who taketh 
away the sin of the world.' Most souls seem to be brought 
under this dispensation ; some continue for a long season in it ; 
they are in suspense between hope and fear concerning their 
state. The spirit of wisdom sees meet it should be so. The 
name of Jesus is precious to them ; his word is their hope : his 
promises the stay of their souls. The kingdom of Jesus is at 
hand, in knowledge and comfort. Salvation by Christ is made 
known to them ; but as yet they do not enjoy the assurance of 
their interest in, and the knowledge that their sins are forgiven 
through the blood of Christ. They are the people of God, 
though they are not fully assured of it, not having yet received 
' the baptism of remission of sins' by the Spirit of adoption ; 
but pardon is the certain privilege of believing souls ; it is sure, 
by the promise of a faithful God ; it is obtained by the precious 
blood of Jesus; it assuredly shall be enjoyed as the gift of the 
comforting Spirit. ' The .vision is yet for an appointed time ; 
but at the end it shall speak, and not lie : Though it tarry, wait 
for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry. ' The just 
shall live by faith.' Heb. ii. 3, 4. As sure as John the baptist 
has prepared the way in thine heart, • the Lord whom thou seek- 
est shall suddenly come to his tc^nle.' Mai. iii. 1. 



NOVEMBER 21. J 655 L EV 'KNING. 

Judge me, oh Lord, according to my righteousness, and 
according to mine integrity that is in me. Psalm vii. 8. 

What! is David become a self-justiciary ? Does be trust in, 
and depend upon his own righteousness? Does he plead it, 
even before the Lord, and expect justification by it? Hath he 
not elsewhere declared ? * In thy sight shall no man living be 
justified.' Psal. cxliii. 2. Why then does he talk here of my 
righteousness? And why does he say, 'The Lord reward me, 
according to my righteousness?' xviii. 20. It was far from 
David's heart, to make his own righteousness the ground of his 
acceptance before God, or to place his hope of eternal life in it. 
He was a poor sinner. He knew it full well. He confesses it 
constantly to the Lord. He declares in point of justification, 
' I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.' 
Psal. Ixxk 16. Why then does he here talk of his own righte- 
ousness ? Let not this puzzle thy mind, nor pervert thy judg- 
ment, oh Christian. You may also do the same, in the same 
sense. Consider, David is here speaking of false calumnies, and 
unjust accusations brought against him, by Saul his cruel and 
unkind enemy. Hast not thou met with the same treatment? 
Has thy conscience acquitted thee of what has been laid to thy 
charge ? Hast thou known that thy hands were clean, thy heart 
pure, and thine integrity free from base imputation ? Then thou 
hast a right to carry thy cause to thy Lord, and to plead thy 
righteousness, uprightness and integrity of conduct, in this sense 
before him: to thank him for his grace which kept thee from 
doing, as thy enemies unjustly charge thee, and enal>Ied thee to 
do what was just and right; and to beseech the Lord to save 
thee from them, who unjustly persecute thee : to pity their 
cruelty before him ; to pray to thy Lord for them. All this is 
perfectly consistent with thy faith, thy hope, and thy love. Study 
to profit by thy enemies' treatment. Cease ye from man. Like 
thy Lord, learn obedience by the things which you suffer. Heb. 
v. 8. Commit thy cause unto the Lord. Be assured, he will de- 
liver thee from unreasonable and wicked men. ' For all men 
have not faith.' 2 Thess. iii. 2. A Christian's moral character 
sliould be held most sacred by him. Righteousness, integrity 
and uprightness to all men, should ever be practised by him, that 
the way of truth be not blamed on his account. Oh it grieves 
one to the very heart, when professors give cause to the ene- 
mies of Christ to say, see, here are your saints ! They pay no 
regard to moral righteousness and integrity ! Be careful to * give 
no offence in any thing, that the ministrv be not blamed.' 2 Cor. 
vi. 3. 

Tlie rule of right, the way that's just, Dear Lord, I daily need thy grace, 
Oh may 1 ever prize ! Each duty to fulfil. 

Tho' in my works I dare not trust, Blameless to walk before thy face, 
Yet works faith justifies. Tho' charged with ev'ry ill. fc. 



NOVEMBER 22.] 656 [morning, 

Wait on the Lord : be of good courage, and he shall 
strengthen thine heart : Wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 
xxvii. 14. 



i Be of good courage!' Alas, how can one be so, when all 
sense and feeling tends to dishearten the mind and deject the 
soul? Lively frames in duty, sweet enlargement of heart, hea- 
venly transports of joy, delightful ecstasies of faith, ravishing 
tastes of love, all, all, like Noah's dove, have taken their flight ; 
and I fear, says the drooping soul, never, never more to return. 
Truly, like Hezekiah, ' 1 mourn as a dove, mine eyes fail with 
looking upward, oh Lord 1 am oppressed, undertake for me.' 
Isai. xxxviii. 14. Still, saith the Comforter by his word, ' Be 
of good courage.' Remember thy calling: it is to live by faith, 
to honour thy Lord, and be obedient to his word. Thou hast 
the sentence of death in thyself, lest thine heart depart from thy 
Lord. Not frames and feelings, but Gods love and promises in 
Christ Jesus to sinners, are the foundation of hope. These are 
abundantly sufficient to inspire the soul with courage, yea with 
good courage, to go on in the ways of the Lord. 

Here is the steadiness of faith ; to cleave to Jesus, to abide 
by the truth, steadily to persevere in the paths of duty in the 
course of obedience to him. Shall this ever be suspended be- 
y ause we have not lively frames and joyful feeliugs? How 
would this prove that we walk by faith, and that our eye is sin- 
gle to Christ's glory? Nay, we shall then serve the Lord only 
by fits and starts of sense and passion, rather that by the uni- 
form, consistent obedience of faith. The Lord's word is our 
rule of duty; his promises our support; his grace is sufficient 
for us; his strength is made perfect in our weakness. If our 
hearts are weak, that we cannot run with alacrity the way of 
God's commandments as we desire, so much the more reason 
have we for our souls to wait on the Lord for the times of re- 
freshing from his presence. He will strengthen our hearts, l for 
he giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might 
he increaseth strength/ Isai. xl. 29. e Wait I say on the Lord.' 
David repeats the injunction, with a holy fervour, both to his 
own soul and to others. God has promised, expect fulfilment. 
Here is the exercise of faith, trust in the Lord Christ for what 
we stand in need of: of hope, expecting to receive all from him ; 
of patience, waiting continually upon him. Most precious pro- 
mise ! ' They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, 
they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and 
not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint/ Isai. xl. 31. 
'^The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the 
patient waiting for Christ/ 2 Thess. iii. 5. 



NOVEMBER 22.] 657 [evening. 

Come and see. John i. 39. 



Thus replies the Lamb of God, to an enquiry after where he 
dwelt. How came these two disciples of John, to make this 
enquiry? John had pointed them from himself, to Jesus, with 
' behold the Lamb of God/ Just as though he had said, * Look 
at that dear man : take special notice of him. He has a whole 
world of sinners to save : he loved them from all eternity. He 
is come as an innocent, meek Lamb, to be slain as a sacrifice 
for them ; and his precious blood taketh away all their sins. 
You and i are poor miserable sinners. We have no object to 
look to, but that Lamb. Nothing can take away our sins : no- 
thing can bring pardon to our hearts, peace to our consciences, 
and salvation to our souls, but his blood. Nothing can make 
us holy and happy here on earth, but looking to, and living upon 
this Lamb of God. ' They believed this. No wonder then, 
that they followed Jesus, and asked him, 'where dwellest thou?' 
he said, ' Come and see.' Oh what a sweet, free and loving in- 
vitation is here! Just so it is now, that disciples are gathered 
to Jesus. His ministers preach of, and point poor lost sinners 
to him. They tell of the love of his tender heart, the virtue of 
his precious blood, and the Iamb-like meekness of his nature, 
to receive every poor sinner who comes to him. Hence poor, 
sin-sick souls, dejected, distressed hearts, and troubled minds, 
hear, are encouraged, and follow him. He turns and sees, and 
asks them, 'What seek ye?' They ask him, where dwelleth 
thou ? Then saith Jesus, ' Come and see. ' Come, and live 
with me, upon all the fulness of grace, which I have for your 
needy souls. ■ Come and see/ all the fulness of my salvation 
for your destroyed souls: the full atonement my blood has 
made for your sins : the glorious righteousness I have wrought 
out to justify your persons : the peace I have made on the cross 
for your souls. Come and see, and this is effectually, and for 
ever done, and is fully to be enjoyed by faith. Hence learn, 
(1) There cannot an enquiry arise in ^a poor sinner's mind 
concerning Christ, but he has a meek and loving answer to give. 
He has compassion on the ignorant, and them who are out of 
the way. (2) Do we enquire where Christ dwells? He an- 
swers, 'Come and see. ' ' I the high and lofty One who inhabi- 
teth eternity, dwell also in your nature : I became flesh for you, 
that you may freely come to me, joyfully see, and richly par- 
take of my fulness to supply all your wants, and all your need. 
(3) Here is a free invitation. Come and see: without money : 
you have nothing to bring. Come, see, and enjoy all freely 
without money, and without price. Lastly, Jesus will soon 
say, Come and see all the glory of my kingdom above. Glory 
be to thee, O Lord. 



4 t» 



NOVEMBER 23.] 658 [MORNING. 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evi- 
dence of things not seen. Heb. xi. 1. 

Happiness, that inestimable jewel, every man is in search 
after. But to seek it from objects unseen and invisible to our 
natural senses, is a downright paradox, and will be ever con- 
demned as the greatest absurdity in the judgment of depraved 
sense and carnal reason. In the knowledge, love, and enjoy- 
ment of God, true happiness alone consists. The only living 
and true God hath revealed himself in Christ Jesus. This is 
the christian's God : he knows no other. It is a blessed truth 
built upon and supported by the word of God, By faith this 
subsists in his mind, and is clear and evident to his new-born 
soul. 

From this inward believing, ' That God was in Christ, re- 
conciling the world to himself, ' Oh what an extensive pros- 
pect for hope ariseth ! God in Christ, the promises all in Christ; 
he that believeth is in Christ; Christ dwelleth in his heart by 
faith. All the blessings of time, all the glories of eternity are 
sure ; they are settled, by the yea and amen of God, upon such 
believing souls. Shall any bold emissary from Satan demand 
of such a soul, ( What right hast thou to the inheritance of this 
good land?' Abraham's sons have Abraham's plea, it is mine 
by promise ; by faith I sojourn in it. God's promise is faith's 
claim. What he has spoken is the ground or substitute of 
hope. But may not other witnesses stand up and declare 
against the christian ? Yea, doubtless, many ; from the old 
man, the flesh, Satan, and the law. But the first is under sen- 
tence of death, his witness is invalid. Satan is a known liar 
from the beginning, therefore no credit is to be given to him ; 
the evidence of law is out of date ; it is superseded by the pro- 
mise ; ' for the law, which was four hundred and thirty years 
after the covenant, which was confirmed by God in Christ, can- 
not disannul it, that it should make the promise of none effect.' 
Gal. iii. 17. But blessed be our Lord, though he suffers his 
children to be attacked by many adversaries, he doth not leave 
himself without a witness and an evidence in their hearts. 
Though each one of them cannot say, I know I am a child of 
God, yet the weakest believer in Jesus hath the evidence of 
truth ; the witness in himself, of the reality and certainty of in- 
visible objects ; 'things not seen, ' of things past in the eternal 
covenant of grace and peace ; of things in time, the finished 
work of Jesus ; of things to come, the glories of an eternal 
world ; and, amidst opposition from every quarter, here is a 
proof of the inward subsistence, and evidence of spiritual and 
invisible objects, in their longing for stronger faith in them, 
and clearer knowledge and enjoyment of them. ' To every one 
that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance.' Matt, 
xxv. 29. 



November 23.] 659 [evening; 

Freely ye have received, freely give. Matt. x. 8. 

Christ spake these words to his apostles. They had their 
commission immediately from him, to preach his everlasting 
gospel. Many of the clergy who pretend to be their succes- 
sors, cannot receive this saying. Their learned lumber, (be- 
cause uusanctiried) cost them too much, to be dispensed for 
nought. Free-grace truths, they cannot give freely : they have 
not freely received them into their own hearts. Hence, 
through ignorance, they are enemies to them, and opposers of 
them. Expect to receive nothing from such unconverted mi- 
nisters. Pity them: pray for them: avoid their errors: be 
courteous to their persons. Private Christians as well as mi- 
nisters, have freely received out of the fulness of Christ, there- 
fore, oh soul, you and I are concerned in these words. (1) 
What have we received? The free favour of God, in the rich 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. This comprehends all things 
from God: this includes all things in God. Have we repent- 
ance unto life ? it is by his grace. Have we faith in, hope on, 
and love to Christ? all springs from the grace of Christ. 
Have we a new heart, spiritual affections, holy desires? the 
grace of God bestowed them. How? (2) Freely. Like the 
lilies of the field they toil not, neither do they spin, to obtain 
.heir rich fragrance, and beautiful tinge. The God of nature 
freely bestows both. So on us he freely bestows the riches 
of his grace. Neither by toil could we perform conditions, 
nor by spinning fulfil terms, to entitle ourselves to it. We 
have freely received life from the dead — justification from con- 
demnation — pardon from guilt — sane title at ion from unholiness 
— the assured hope of heaven, from the dread of hell. Oh con- 
sider the rich and free bounty of the Giver : the misery and 
unworthiness of the receiver; and say, art not thou bound to 
obey his command. (3) Freely give. Thyself: thy whole 
soul and body, gifts and abilities, time and talents to God the 
justifier : to Jesus the Eedeemer ; and to the Spirit the sanc- 
tirier. Freely give, the hatred of thy heart to thy sins, the ab- 
horrence of thy soul to Satan, contempt of thy spirit to a vain 
world, love to thy brethren in Christ, pity to thy fellow sinners, 
good will to all men, and food to thine own soul daily, from 
Christ and the word of his grace. This is the sweet exercise of 
faith, through the power of the Spirit : thus free-grace ope- 
rates upon new-born souls. ' They give their own selves unto 
the Lord. ' 2 Cor. viii. 5. Oh the power of this truth ! c Christ 
gave himself for our sins. ' Gal. i. 4. 

Lord, I am thine, redeem'd by grace Let free-grace love be all my boast. 

I freely give myself to thee: For worth and worthiness I've none, 

By pow'r divine I seek thy face, I feel that operates the most, 

How matchless is thv love to me ! To love the Lord for all he's done. m. 



NOVEMBER 24.] ()60 [MORNING. 

The word of God, which effectually worketh also in you 
that believe. 1 Thess. ii. 13. 



A proclamation of grace from an earthly king, has reduced 
the most desperate and hardened rebels to lay down their arms 
and promise true allegiance. But though the word of God is a 
proclamation of free grace, glad tidings of full pardon; though 
replete with the most tender expostulations and the most en- 
dearing invitations, yet so abominable is our perverseness, so 
daring our obstinacy, that we should remain deaf to every call, 
and continue hardened in our rebellion against the most high 
God, till we fall victims to his justly deserved wrath. For un- 
belief shuts up every avenue of the soul against the light, truth, 
peace, and love of the word of God. But, oh amazing love! 
lie in the dust, oh my soul! adore the power of our all-con- 
quering Saviour! The gracious Spirit makes gracious words 
effectual. Hence faith esteems every portion of the gospel as 
the food, the life, the joy of the sou!. By the agency of the 
Spirit the word becomes powerful to beget faith, and then works 
effectually in believing hearts. 

Those speak unadvisedly who call the word of God a dead 
letter. Indeed St. Paul saith, * the letter killeth;' but this can 
never prove God's word to be dead : that which is dead itself 
cannot kill. We should distinguish between the letter of the 
law that killeth all flesh, and the gospel of grace that worketh 
life and salvation in all who believe. When we read the word 
of God, we should never consider it distinct from the essential 
and personal word, Jesus. He is emphatically stiled the 
word of God, Rev. xix. 13. He who executed all the purposes 
of the word of truth, works effectually in the hearts of the chil- 
dren of faith. Hence, the once despised and lightly esteemed 
Nazarene is known, believed in, and loved as most precious ; 
'the chiefest among ten thousand, yea as altogether lovely. ' 
God's precious promises in Jesus, once wholly unregarded, are 
now sweetly prized : they are beheld as sweetly ranged and 
profusely scattered through every page of the lively oracles. 
The Spirit's holy gifts and sanctifying graces are pleaded as 
God's blessed charter of free-grace. All his sovereign edicts 
and absolute declarations of grace and salvation, instead of 
being proudly cavilled against, are bowed to with humility. In 
the word of our King, there is power. Sin and Satan are de- 
throned in the heart, and Jesus rules and reigns in the soul. 
Thus the word of God is quick and powerful ; thus it works 
effectually to salvation. 

This is the word of truth and love May but this grace my soul renew, 

Sent to the nations from above ; Fjet sinners gaze and hate me too ; 

Jehovah in his word doth shew The word that saves me does engage 

What his almighty arm can do. A sure defence from all their rage. 



NOVEMBER 24.] 3l>] [EVENING 

Behold my servant whom I uphold, mine elect in whom my 
soul delighteth* Isa. xlii. 1. 



Angels reproved disciples of old with, ' Why stand ye gaz- 
ing up into heaven ? ' Acts i. 11. How much do we deserve 
this reproof? Why stand ye gazing upon the vanities of the 
earth? Soul, what art thou looking at? What is the object of 
thy attention to-night? Be it what it may, God calleth to thee, 
and demands audience of him, and attention to him. It is for 
your comfort and his glory. The Majesty of heaven speaks to 
sinful worms of the earth. Behold. Take off your eyes, and 
Thoughts from every object : be all eye, ear and attention to me. 
Ye poor, miserable, law-condemned, sin-distressed souls, look 
at, and take special notice of my servant. Wonder, adore, re- 
joice and love. My beloved, my co-equal Son, who is Lord of 
all, becomes man, takes on him the form of a servant, to do my 
will perfectly, and to finish your salvation completely. Whom 
I uphold. Carnal reason bow. Satanic pride avaunt. High 
thoughts submit to faith's mystery. Not a God. upheld by a 
God : but a perfect man upheld by a perfect God. Christ, as 
perfect man, w r as too weak to sustain the ponderous load of a 
world of sin: and to support the suffering of divine wrath, in 
atoning for sin and satisfying divine justice. Therefore, all 
the fulness of the godhead dwelt in him bodily, to uphold his 
manhood. Oh sinners, in your precious Saviour behold the 
man : adore the God. Mine elect. Christ was chosen to the 
office of God's servant and our Saviour. Chosen in the eternal 
council and covenant before time, to assume human nature in 
the fulness of time. In whom my soul delighteth. Says St. John, 
* We know that we are of God,' v. 19. How? By this sure 
mark, this infallible evidence, we are of one mind with God. 
Doth God's soul delight in the person, and work of his beloved 
Son? So doth ours. Is God's soul delighted, that Christ hath 
satisfied his justice, magnified and made honourable his law, 
and finished salvation for miserable sinners? So is ours Then, 
as surely as our souls delight in Christ, the Lord's soul de- 
lights in us. We are called Hephzibah, that is, the Lord's 
pleasure is in thee. Thou art married to him. His soul de- 
lighteth over thee. Jsai. lxiv. 4. He hath given his Spirit to 
thee: for, says Christ, he shall receive of mine, my love, my 
atonement, my redemption, my righteousness, my salvation, 
my resurrection, ascension and intercession, and shall shew it 
unto you. Thus he shall glorify me in your eyes and in your 
hearts. John xvi. 14. 

God calls, my soul attend, This is llie joy of faith : 

Behold his precious Son, This is the spring of love : 

In form of servant he did send, Behold this to thy latest breath ! 

Salvation work he's done. Of this thou'lt sing above. 21. 



NOVEMBER 25.] 662 [morning 

For me to believe is Christ, and to die is gain. Phil. i. 21. 



Oh happy, happy soul, who can thus say with Paul, 'in life* 
in death, Christ is my gain !' Verily, if thou helievest on the 
Son of God, thou mayest. Thou also hast the same right and 
the same reason as he had. Paul was a poor sinner, even as 
thou art ; but Christ was all his gain : so he is to thee, and 
every one who believes in him. Come christian, let us, like the 
wise trader, state our accounts of loss and gain, and see the 
sum total this day. In self-righteousness before God, peace 
with God, love to God, hope in God, power to please God, en- 
joyment of God, the life of our souls, yea, our souls themselves 
are all lost. We are all a lump of sin, bankrupt sinners, in- 
solvent debtors to law and justice, and are exposed to lie for 
ever in the prison of hell. Awful loss ! 

What is our gain? Inestimable riches! nothing less than 
precious Christ, and a precious salvation ! Oh is his dear name 
enrolled in the book of our hearts? can we read Jesus there? 
then in Christ we have perfect righteousness before God, full 
acceptance with God, free access to God, love from God, peace 
with God, hope of enjoying, yea, present fellowship with God ; 
we are his children in Christ Jesus; all that he has is ours; 
every attribute and perfection of Jehovah are engaged for us; 
his Spirit is ours, to make us holy and happy here, and to lead 
us to eternal felicity hereafter. But, saith the poor believing 
sinner, 'I am put to a stand in my reckoning ; though Christ 
is my gain, yet I have not entirely lost my burden, sin : sin is 
still alive in me.' Stop not, oh soul, reckon on. Though we 
have sin, feel sin raging and rebelling, What then? In Christ 
we have gained a sacrifice for it, and redemption from it. His 
precious blood hath taken away all the guilt of sin from us, 
and all the wrath due to us from the justice of God. So it 
stands upon record in the court of heaven, and the Holy Ghost 
is witness of it on earth ; therefore record this in the court of 
conscience. Faith can shew a discharge from the guilt of sin 
and the curse of the law, therefore reckon yourselves to be 
dead indeed unto sin. Dead indeed, how emphatic ! yes, as 
much dead to sin as a corpse buried under ground; and as 
much alive to God in Christ, as though you had never commit- 
ted one sin, nor have any sin in you. 'For, oh precious words! 
the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath made us free 
from the law of sin and death. ' Rom. viii. 2. Thus in Christ 
we gain a perfect victory over sin and the law. But say, will 
sin destroy our mortal bodies? let it ; this is all it can do ; it 
cannot hurt our immortal souls ; for, thanks be to God in Christ, 
we have a complete victory over death; Christ is our gain in 
death. We shall lose nothing by death but sin and sorrow: 
we shall gain. What? Eternal glory. 'We shall be with our 
Jesus.' John xvii. 24. 



.NOVEMBER .25.] 603 [evening. 

Let me sec the king's face. 2 Sam. xiv. 32. 

Beloved Absalom was now in a state of exile, from his royal 
lather. He had shed his brother Aranon's blood. The king 
was enraged against him. Though he suffered Absalom to re- 
turn to his own house at Jerusalem, yet, says he, 'Let him not 
see my face. ' Still there was love, great love in David's hear 
towards his son. Thus, oh believer, thy heavenly Father may 
hide away his face in anger, because of thy provocations: 
that's thy hell. But his love never abates : it is always the 
same towards thee, from everlasting to everlasting. That's thy 
heaven to know. Was it not so, hell had long since been thy 
portion and mine. Oh think of, believe in, rejoice for, everlast- 
ing, unchangeable love: love, that will never be wearied out 
by thy sins, till it hath brought the soul, where sin and sorrow 
shall be no more for ever. But, was Absalom quiet and easy, 
to return to his house at Jerusalem? No, amidst all his enjoy- 
ments, there was a fly in the pot: his mind was corroded: his 
heart unhappy. Why? The king would not see him: and as 
though he had but this one desire in his soul, and all other en- 
joyments were nothing without this, says he, 'Let me see the 
king's face. ' He could not rest till this request was granted 
him. Some folks are very fond of having their fortunes told. 
Oh soul, dost thou desire to know thy state? Thoumayest very 
easily know to-night, whether thou art in the^way to heaven or 
hell. Is it the one desire of thy soul, to see the king's face ? 
The face of the King of kings — the king of saints, the friend of 
sinners? Is thy soul restless and unsatisfied without this sight? 
Though surrounded with all that heart can wish, yet art thou 
saying? 'Lord, I cannot live at a distance from thee, without 
the smiles of thy love, the sight of thy reconciled face in Jesus. 
Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me, and I 
shall be whole : quite happy and comfortable. The light of thy 
countenance will make me exceeding glad. In thy smiles is 
heaven : in thy frowns is hell. ' Here is a blessed and sure 
evidence, that thou art a child of God. Here is the proof of 
thy faith, and the regeneration of thy soul. It is disposed to 
God : has a loving desire, an earnest pressing after, enjoying 
the comforts of the Spirit: a sight of his face, and a sense of 
his love. You will' not, you cannot, rest upon doctrines of 
grace, without experiencing the grace of the doctrines in your 
heart: not be satisfied with believing the everlasting love of 
God, without feeling it shed abroad in your heart, by the Holy 
Ghost. 

Love cannot bear absent to live, It makes me daily crv and grieve, 

At distance from its Lord, 'Till nearness be afford, m. 



NOVEMBER 26.] 664 [morning. 

Behold, he comet h with clouds ; and every eye shall see 
him. Rev. i. 7. 



With what ardour of heart may every believer cry out, Bless- 
ed be God, every hour brings nearer the solemn advent, the 
glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus ! 
'Oh Christians, now is our salvation nearer than when we first 
believed. ' Come ? thou once despised Nazarene, thou once cru- 
cified Saviour, he shall come ; he will come quickly, and be 
seen in human form. Shall we not see those wounds and scars 
in his body, the tokens of his inestimable Jove to and perfect 
victory of his cross for us poor sinners? How joyful in the 
exercise of faith, the fervour of love, the expectation of hope, 
is this contemplation! This quells the fears of nature, mortifies 
its lusts, subdues its corruptions. To this end are we born 
again of the Spirit, that we should enjoy the visions of faith, 
see Jesus, live by faith upon him, have fellowship with him, in 
the sufferings of his cross, and long for his appearing in glory. 
Then shall we share with him in the glories of his kingdom. 
'He shall come to be glorified in his saints, and admired in 
all them that believe. ' 

Whence then our dejection of mind, our fear of death, our 
unwillingness 'to be absent from the body, that we maybe 
present with the Lord?' Truly, all this ariseth from the mystery 
of iniquity, which worketh in us. But here is our wisdom, ts 
oppose the mystery of faith to that. Never venture to think of 
your own dying, without considering the death of Jesus ; look 
not at your own sins, without looking at the blood of Jesus; 
think not a moment of his appearing as a judge, without re- 
membering him as our precious Saviour ; Dwell not on the 
glory and majesty of his eternal power and Godhead, without 
reflecting on his humble form, his manhood state; conceive not 
of him, as a king and lawgiver, without considering him as a 
priest to atone for our sin, an advocate to plead our cause, and 
our forerunner entered into the heavens for us; for so shall 
we daily prove, that we are more than conquerors over every 
foe that opposeth the holiness and comfort of our souls, 
through Jesus who loved us. ' Behold, he cometh !' Oh joyful 
day ! most desirable sight ! then our sorrows, our fears shall for 
ever cease. Then our eyes shall see our dearest friends : our 
foes, that we this day find and feel, we shall see no more for 
ever. ( To them that look for him, shall he appear the second 
time without sin unto salvation.' 'Oh lift up your heads with 
joy, for your redemption draweth nigh.' 

Christ is t lie man, th' exalted man, Those soft, those blessed feet of his, 

Whom we unseen adore : That once rude iron tore, 

But when our eyes behold his face," High on a throne of light they stand. 

Our hearts shall love him more. And all the saints adore. 



NOVEMBER £6] 6^5 [EVENING, 

Bh faith the walls of Jericho fell down. Heb. xi. 30. 

Doubtless, this story has been food for the profane wit of 
scoffing infidels. To see Joshua and his army, with seven 
priests blowing rams horns, marching round Jericho, once every 
day, and on the seventh day, seven times, what could the men 
of Jericho think ? Doubtless that it was the foolish parade, of 
a set of weak headed men. Had they told them, behold on the 
seventh day's blowing of the rams horns, the strong walls of 
your city shall fall down at our shouting, without any human 
power, they would have laughed them to scorn, as a set of dream- 
ing enthusiasts. The obedience of faith, is the scorn and ridi- 
cule of carnal men. What of that? Our Lord was pleased with 
it. They had his word for their warrant. They believed his 
word. They did as he commanded. The event was as he pro- 
mised. The Lord soon made it manifest, who were the fools 
and madmen. But, (I) Why is it said, ' By faith the walls of 
Jericho fell down V Was not this effected by the power of God \ 
Yes, but it was according to the faith of the Israelites ; and 
agreeable to the word of God, which was the ground of their 
faith. Divine faith, and divine truth, are inseparable. So it is 
said, ' by faith we are justified, and have peace with God.' Rom. 
v. 1. 'Yet it is God who justifieth,' viii. 33. Faith has no more 
hand in procuring justification, than the Israelites had in throw- 
ing down the walls of Jericho. The righteousness of Christ, 
solely obtains this for us. But as they did, so we do by faith, 
shout, Christ and salvation. All opposition from sin and Satan 
fall before us. We see the kingdom of heaven open to us. (2) 
Here was the obedience of faith. Though to carnal sense and 
reason, the means commanded, were even ridiculous, yet they 
obeyed. Study the Lords word : obey bis will: attend his ordi- 
nances: look to the Lord for the promised blessing. (3) Here 
is the patience of faith. They encompassed the city seven days, 
and repeated their work. Oh Christian, be not weary. Hold 
en and hold out, till the seventh day, the sabbath of thy eternal 
rest comes. Says bishop Hall. e A good heart groans under 
his infirmities, fain would be rid of them : strives and prays : 
but when he hath done all, until the end of the seventh day, it 
cannot be.' But, (4) At God's time the walls fell: not one 
moment sooner. His word cannot fail. So believer, at God's 
appointed time (you are immortal till then) shall your body, 
the prison walls of your soul fall. Oh then faith may shout, 
' for there remainetha rest for the people of God/ Heb. iv. 9, 

Faith looks at God's omnipotence, Increase our faith, thou dearest Lord. 

Consult not reason vain : That we may shout thy praise, 

Soars far above our sight and sense, Gvt daily comfort from thy word 

Paiili is our precious gain. Of pardon, love aqd ^raio. m 



4 u 



NOVEMBER 27. J 666 [MORMNG. 

Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward re- 
ceive me to glory. Psalm Ixxiii. 24. 

That is a precious caution of our loving Saviour, ' Judge not 
according to the appearance/ John vii. 24. St. Paul reproves 
saints, ' do ye look on the things after the outward appearance?' 
2 Cor. x. 7. Through this conduct, saints in all ages have puz- 
zled their minds, distressed their souls, and have been tempted 
to hard thoughts of their God. They have not ' judged righte- 
ous judgment/ in respect to carnal men and the dispensations 
of God's providence to them. So we see Job greatly exercised 
Job xxi. 7, and Asaph in the above Psalm. But after the cloud 
of carnal reasoning and unbelief passed over their minds, the 
sun of glory and truth shone again with splendour upon them ; 
then faith puts forth its lively exercises and sweet approbations 
of God. ' Oh my God and Saviour, I see thy ways to man are 
just! Righteous art thou, oh Lord, thou art my God, I will love 
thee : thou shalt guide me by thy counsel,' &c. As the Lord Js 
often said to make a covenant with his people, when it was only 
renewing his old covenant of grace and love in Christ Jesus, so 
faith frequently makes a fresh choice of, claim to, and glory in 
the Lord 'Jesus. ' My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my 
pleasure, saith the Lord.' Isai. xlvi. 10. Amen, saith the be* 
lieving heart. By thy word and spirit guide me continually ; I 
cannot guide myself. Jesus be thou my guide, my companion, 
and my familiar friend. 

Blessed christian ! though in Paul's case Acts xxvii. 20. 
' When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, when no 
small tempest is upon thee, and all hope of being saved seems 
taken away,' yet Jesus is at the helm. Thy vessel shall ride 
out every storm ; he will guide safe to the haven of glory and 
blessedness. Some persons seem so wholly taken up with pry- 
ing into the secret purposes and inscrutable depths of God's de- 
crees, that they take no heed to their steps, but, like the philoso r 
pher who was so intent in observing the starry heavens, but 
being careless of his walk he fell into a ditch. Not God's secret 
purposes, but his revealed truths are the objects of our faith : 
*' his word is a light to our feet :' by that, he counsels and directs 
us. The gracious spirit leads and guides his children in the 
paths of peace and holiness. It is true, the path to glory is 
unpleasing to the flesh, and therefore is ever opposed by it; but 
as there is a disposition in regenerate souls to long for glory, so 
also a love in them to God's word and the way of holiness. In 
this, the children of God are manifest. All such, God will most 
certainly receive to glory. ' As many as are led by the Spirit of 
God, they are the Sons of God.' Bom. viii. 14. 



NOVEMBER 27.] GG7 [evenikc. 

He received from God the Father, honour and glory, when 
there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This 
is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 2 Pet. i. 17. 

These words furnish poor sinners with matter for sweet medi- 
tation. Spirit of truth, help us to see the honour, and glory of 
the Father, and Son in them, and to get comfort from them. 
Here is, (1) A silencing answer to that objection, you rob God 
the Father of his honour and glory, by ascribing so much to his 
Son Jesus. Have you never been baited with this temptation? 
It comes from the enemy of God and sinners. Can two walk 
together, except they be agreed ? But God and we are agreed. 
Our faith puts all the honour and glory of our salvation, upon 
God's beloved Son. There God himself puts it. In his beloved 
Son, God is well pleased, and with us also in him. (2) Here see 
the nature of faith. It causes the soul both to imitate and obey 
God, and to be well pleased with what God is, the dear Man, the 
beloved Son of God. (3) Though to the eye of nature, Jesus ap- 
peared as a mere man, in abject poverty, contemptible mean- 
ness, and lowest abasement ; yet the Father gives them the 
highest honour and glory-, because he magnified his holy law, 
and made it honourable : satisfied his divine justice, and brought 
everlasting honour and glory to every attribute and perfection 
of his nature. So that now, e God is just, and the justifier ot 
sinners who believe in Jesus/ Then under a sight and sense 
of your ruined nature, innumerable sins, and dreadful aposta- 
cies from God, put honour and glory upon the Son of God this 
night. His work and salvation, God is well pleased with. It 
has satisfied heaven for all thy sins, let thy conscience be satis- 
fied with Jesus, and glory of him, and in him alone. For thy 
encouragement herein, (4) Consider Peter who wrote these 
words. He was honoured to be on the mount : saw his Lord's 

transfiguration : heard these words from the excellent glory 

and yet, oh shocking to think of! This same Peter, with horrid 
oaths and curses, denied that he knew the man, whom God the 
Father had so lately honoured and glorified. Yet, there was an 
inexpressible fulness of grace in Jesus for him. Out of Christ's 
fulness, Peter received grace upon grace, whereby he was re- 
covered from his fall,, restored to repentance, and preserved to 
salvation. Oh may the dear Saviour look our hearts into godly 
sorrow, and holy love, that we may say, \ This is my beloved 
Saviour in whom I am well pleased.' 

Jf God in Jesus is well pleas'd, Oh Lamb of God, we lift our eves 

Such glory to liim gave Up to thy gracious throne, 

We ne'er can honour Christ too much, Grant us thee daily more to prize, 

Who came our souls to save. And oall thee Lord our own. ' m. 



NOVEMBER 28.] 6G8 [MORNING, 

Zealous of good works. Titus ii 14. 

Call to mind, disciple of Jesus, how in times past thou didst 
walk according to the course of this world, fulfilling the desires 
of the flesh and of the mind ; and yet the god of this world so 
blinded thine eyes, and so deceived thine heart (strange infatua- 
tion !) that thou didst talk of and trust in even what had no ex- 
istence, thine own good works. Glory to the rich grace of our 
Saviour, who delivers us from the natural notions of our corrupt 
reason, the pride of our free-will, and the vain confidence of our 
own righteousness! Now all our glorying is in Jesus; for though 
by nature we are slaves to our lusts, in bondage to iniquity, our 
minds defiled, our consciences impure, and therefore to every 
good work reprobate, yet such was the love of Jesus to Us, that 
' he gave himself for us/ He hath redeemed us from all ini- 
quity ; he hath purified us unto himself as a peculiar people, 
' zealous of good works.' By the knowledge of faith, we are 
persuaded Jesus loves us, delights in us, grants us peculiar fa- 
miliarity with himself, bestows peculiar blessings on us, and 
hath made peculiar provisions for us, both in time and eternity. 
Hence christians are inspired with a peculiar zeal for good 
works; a zeal according to godliness. We love our God and 
only Saviour ; therefore we delight to serve and study to glorify 
him in our souls and bodies. Our sinful lusts and passions are 
contrary to him ; therefore, as assisted, we daily strive and pray 
to mortify and subdue them. To do good to the souls and bodies 
of all men, especially to them that are of the household of faith, 
is well-pleasing to the Lord ; therefore it is the joy of our hearts 
to abound in those things. Here true zeal centres, that we do 
good from a good principle, love to God ; from a good motive, 
Jesus hath commanded it; with a good aim, that the glory of 
his name, the honour and interest of his cause may be advanced 
in the world by us. Such a zeal stabs the pride of self-seeking 
and vain-glorying ; for our best works, our chiefest good, is to 
glorify our God and Saviour. Godly souls blush therefore, and 
are grieved to the very heart when a thought arises of doing 
any good work to procure the favour of God or to secure his 
love to our souls, or to intille us to his kingdom. This is to 
glorify ourselves. But we have not so learned Christ as to op- 
pose God's free-grace truths, dishonour a God of love, degrade 
the glory of our precious Saviour, for we give all the glory to 
him, as having done all for us. We see salvation finished by 
him, and glory secured to us in him; therefore, in love we de- 
sire to be wholly devoted to him, and to do those things that 
may glorify him only l who hath bought us with his blood/ 
1 Cor. vi. 20. This is truly a zeal according to knowledge. 



NOVEMBER 28.] G69 [EVENING. 

/ say unto all, watch. Mark xiii. 37. 

It is very awful, when God's precious promises are opposed 
to bis righteous commands. Hence some get above and beyond 
duty : they cannot bear the word Duty ! Oh say they, don't tell 
us of duty, it is such legal stuff ! We are at liberty : we are not 
under the law, but under grace. True, indeed they are at liberiy, 
but it is to pervert the gospel. They are awfully under the law 
of sin : not under the law of love, but the spirit of delusion. 
Their ears are closed, and their hearts shut against the sweet 
voice of our loving Charmer, Christ. Oh my soul, watch against 
such, and their licentious notions of liberty, as you prize the 
love of Christ, and sweet communion with him. He who sees 
no danger, and thinks he has nothing to lose, will give no atten- 
tion to this command, watch. It is here opposed to sleep. Sin 
is not dead. Satan never sleeps. The world ever invites and 
enchants. All is at war against (hee. Therefore, thy Lord in 
love calls unto thee, watch. And you have a most treacherous, 
most deceitful, and desperately wicked foe within, who ever 
takes part with your enemies without, even your heart, • out of 
which proceed all evils.' Matt. xv. 19. There- is not an evil in 
our thoughts, in our tongue, or in our life, but what is first 
hatched there, and springs from thence. If there was no evil 
within, there would be none without. Satan finds something 
within us to work upon, or we might bid him defiance. We can- 
not say as our Lord did, ' the prince of this world cometh, and 
hath nothing in me.' John xiv. 30. No, but we have, as Paul 
had, an evil nature, ' flesh, in which dwelleth no good thing.' 
Rom. vii. 18. Oh then, watch continually over the motions of 
your wicked heart and evil nature. Watch against high thoughts 
which spring from pride : against carnal reasonings, which exalt 
themselves against thy Lord, and his truths, and tend to rob 
thee of thy peace, thy hope, and t Ivy joy. Watch against that 
vile brat of pride and carnal reason, cursed unbelief. Oh this is 
a many headed monster. He will suggest, that truth is fiction : 
the way of holiness, folly, and the paths of sin delightful. 
' Watch and pray, that ye enternot into temptation.' Matt. xxvi. 
41. Join prayer to watching. The diligence and number of our 
enemies, should urge us to watch, that we be not surprized : our 
weakness and proneness to presumption, should make us pray 
to be powerfully strengthened. For though the devil takes part 
with all evil in us, Christ takes our part, and is before the throne 
for us. Heb. ix. 24. 

My soul be ever on thy guard, Oil may I ever bear tby voice, 

Still watch and keep thy armour on, Jesus, thou Captain of my soul, 

Be ever looking to thy Lord, So live and walk, as to rejoice 

And know thou can'st not stand a'.o»e In thee, who dost my noxv'rs controui. m. 



NOVEMBER 29.] 670 [MORNING. 

Giving thanks to the Father, who hath made us meet to 
he partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Col. 
i. 12. 



Too many of God's dear children seem to abound more in 
complaining of what they find and feel in themselves, than in 
praising God for what he hath done for and in them. Why is 
this? they do not live enough in their own kingdom; they do 
not enough consider their own privileges ; they dwell not enough 
upon (he rich love of God their Father to them; the free-grace 
of Jesus their redeemer for them, and the work of the comforter 
in them. But, what from a sense of their corruptions, the de- 
vices of Satan, the sight of the spirituality of the law, the lega- 
lity that is in them, they cannot think themselves made meet for 
God's kingdom; therefore they do not praise God for it. Say, 
oh ye sons and daughters of the Most High, is this right? What ! 
because you find sin abound in you, will you not give praise, 
that grace doth much more abound towards you and in you also? 
Consider, God the Father hath made us meet. Who? Us vile 
sinners. How? by taking away the being of all sin in us? No, 
no more than by taking us out of the body. If we never have 
meetness for glory till all sin is perfectly destroyed in us, we 
shall never begin the work of praise till we get to glory. But 
praise is a present work, for what God hath already done in us. 
First, * God hath delivered us from the power of darkness.' The 
prince of darkness no more blinds our eyes to the evil of sin, 
the curse of the law, the glory of God shining in the face of Je- 
sus, and the preciousness of his salvation. For, secondly, * God 
hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.' We are 
out of the kingdom of nature, sin, pride, and unbelief; we live 
under the spiritual reign of Jesus. Therefore, thirdly, we possess 
all the graces of this kingdom ; faith in the king of saints, love 
to the king of saints, and ( love to all the saints :' to all our fel- 
low sinners who confess Jesus the Son of God, and salvation 
by him only. Is sin our burden? Christ our glory, our life of 
holiness? Is holiness the desire of our souls? we have light, 
life, faith, love, holiness; then God hath made us meet for the 
enjoyment of his glory. Nay, we do enjoy him now. We have 
fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, therefore, 
we are now to give him thanks ; we shall never have any othei 
meetness for heaven on earth, though greater degrees of the 
comforts of this may be experienced. Oh my soul, art thou no 
longer in the darkness of sin? Satan's slave? under the curse 
of the law? blinded by pride to the charms of Jesus? tied and 
bound by the chains of unbelief? an enemy to God's grace, his 
truth, and his people? ' Oh Lord, my God, I will exalt thee," 
I will praise thy name, for thou hast done wonderful things/ 
&c Isai. xxv. 1. 






NOVEMBER 29.] [EVENING 

/ was alive without the law once : but when the command- 
ment came, sin revived, and I died. Rom. vii. 9. 



Would you read the best experience of a true believer in 
Christ, that ever was wrote? Here it is in this chapter. Try 
your own. Judge of others by this. Commend me to holy, hum- 
ble Paul's experience. If we are taught by the same Spirit, 
ours will answer to his, as face does to face in a glass, in the 
following particulars. (1) A sense of sin will be revived in the 
conscience, which no human palliatives, or lulling opiates, can 
keep ir a swoon any longer : You will so see, feel and be sensi- 
ble of its dread and terror, that you will confess yourself to be 
totally destroyed by it, and your case to be quite desperate under 
it. (2) This is effected by the law. ' For by the law is the know- 
ledge of sin.' Rom. iii. 20. 'When the commandment came.' 
That is, when the purity and spirituality of the holy and perfect 
law of God, comes into your heart and conscience, then you see 
that it requires truth and perfection- of obedience in the inward 
parts, as well as in the outward walk. You see you have it 
not: you find it is as much impossible for you, a sinner, to ful- 
fil God's holy law, as it is for you to create a world. Then, (3) 
You die. You become as a dead man. Seeing the exceeding 
sinfulness of sin in you, and the dreadful curse of the law hang- 
ing over you, all hopes of life forsake you. Sin and the law 
live within you. They pierce your soul to the quick. The law 
adds strength to sin. You can no longer flatter yourself, that 
your state is good, that you can do any thing to bring yourself 
upon good terms with God. You have now done with all works 
of righteousness to that end. You can have no more hope, from 
your obedience to the law, than from your transgressions against 
it. You see yourself sin in all that you are, and in all that you 
do. But, (4) The hand of the Comforter is in all this. His lov- 
ing design, is to bring you to live by the faith of the Son of 
God. Instead of looking to and living by your own righteous- 
ness, you are to live wholly and solely upon his life, and by his 
righteousness. But while alive without the law, and striving to 
fulfil the law, you overlook Christ — slight his righteousness — 
think your own better to trust to than his. Now the Spirit 
keeps alive sin and the law in you for this very purpose, to make 
you wretched in self, and happy in Christ. All experiences that 
do not effect this, are not worth a straw. Christ is the end of 
the law for righteousness, to every one who believeth. Rom. 
x. 4. 

When dead in sin, I was alive, Think, oh my soul, with grateful joy, 

And strong in legal confidence ; When legal terrors thee beset, 

But Christ me lov'd, and would not leave Christ sav'd thee from the fiery law, 

My soul, under such false pretence. And brought to tbee salvation sweet. m. 



NOVEMliKlt 80. J 672 [morning. 

/ had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of 
the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm xxvii. 13. 

In times of sore distress and affliction, whether in soul or 
body, saints are taught many sweet lessons. Chastenings from 
the Lord are all in love; by them our God teaches the soul to 
profit. ' No chastening for the present is joyous, but grievous.' 
In the dark night of suffering, christians sigh out many a doleful 
strain. Sometimes according to all appearances from nature, 
sense, feeling, and the judgment of reason, they are ready to cry 
out, 'All things are against me.' Hence their courage sinks, 
their hopes and their hearts fail them, and they are ready to 
faint; but they have an invisible friend always near them; he 
supports them by his power under all their trials and conflicts ; 
supplies with comforting cordials, revives their spirits with the 
consolations of his word, and when he brings them out of their 
troubles, then how sweetly do they sing of him ! how many a 
joyful psalm! What a rich treasury of experience are we fa- 
voured with from the pen of David, dipt in the ink of affliction ! 
How sweetly does he indite, to the glory of his God and the 
comfort of his Father's children in after-ages ! He believed, 
therefore he spake. Unless he had believed, he had fainted. 

Faith will support when all things else fail. Oh what a soul 
supporting grace is faith ! Why so ? Because it looks to, de- 
pends upon, trusts in an almighty, faithful, covenant-keeping 
God. Faith consults not flesh and blood, but the word of grace 
and truth. By faith we endure every sight of affliction, every 
onset of the enemy, seeing him who is invisible. As faith is 
the support of the soul, so the object of faith Jesus, he is both 
faith's author and strength. ' Thy faith shall not fail,' saith Je- 
sus to Peter; ' I have prayed for thee.' It failed not as an 
abiding principle in the heart unto salvation, though it did in 
the confession of the lips. While the precious head is praying 
above, the dear members shall be kept in faith below. Though 
poor souls, through the enemy's power, the corruptions and re- 
bellions of the flesh, may speak unadvisedly with their lips as 
David did. Psal. cxvi. 10, 11. ' I was greatly afflicted, I said 
in my haste, all men are liars.' But in their right mind they 
give all glory to God, confess his goodness, and take shame to 
themselves for such base declarations, and, from their own ex- 
perience, give sweet advice to their brethren. I had fainted 
unless I had believed. Therefore do thou ■ Wait on the Lord, 
be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart ; waft I 
say on the Lord.' 

Great God, thy glories shall employ And will this glorious Lord descend 

My holy fear, my humble joy ; To be my Father and my friend ' 

My lips, in songs of honour, bring, Then let my songs with angels join, 

The tribute to th' eternal King. Heuv'n's secure, for Christ is mine. 



NOVEMBER 30.J (373 [EVENING. 

Be content with such things as ye have : for he hath said, 
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb. xiii. 5. 



Preach content to a covetous carnal man, and you will just 
have the same success, as if yOu bid the surging billows be calm, 
or the boisterous winds be still. He possesses nothing which 
can give true content to his mind. Has he riches? They are a 
curse to him: for he himself is under the curse of the law. Oh 
believer, was not this, in a certain sense, your case also, you 
stand in no need of this exhortation, 'Be content' You are 
the subject of a carnal nature. This is under the curse of the 
law. For this is ever dissatisfied, craving for more, murmur- 
ing against the dispensations of the Lord. Know and consider 
this. Be humble. Be watchful. Consider, (1) What good 
things of this life you have. Be they little or much, do you de- 
serve them? Have you a right to challenge more from God, the 
giver of them? Here set your foot, and let conscience answer 
nature's cravings. (2) Consider what spiritual things you 
have. 1. You have the everlasting, unchangeable love of a co- 
venant God and Father, fixed on you. 2. The life, death, and 
intercession of God the Son, for your righteousness, atonement, 
and salvation. 3. As a consequence of this, and that you 
may know and be sure of this, the Spirit has bestowed his 
graces upon you. Hence you have faith in Christ— hope to- 
wards God— love to him— delight in him — a heart to cry to him 
— a will to please him — a desire to walk holily before him. And. 
4. To encourage and enable to this, you have all his precious 
promises in Christ. These are the staff of your faith, the support 
of your hope, and the joy of your soul. What want you more? 
Paul sums up all in one word: 'All things are yours.' 1 Cor. 
iii. 22. Is not this enough to make you content? No, say you, 
I find myself such a vile sinner, I am afraid I shall forfeit all 
these things. So you would before the next setting sun, if you 
stood in yourself, but you are in Christ. Therefore here is a 
covenant promise, from a faithful God for you, 'I will never 
leave thee nor forsake thee.' This is a most precious word for 
you: fasten upon it: draw comfort, derive content from it. 
Some who spoil texts, and mar comforts, cry, Oh this regards 
things of this life only. Well, surely if God loves his people's 
bodies, he will never forsake their souls. And to silence all 
the cavils of unbelief, the words run, No, I will not leave thee, 
no, no, I will not forsake thee. Here are five negatives. ' Be 
not faithless but believing.' John xx. 27. 

With such a promise' in my heart- Content is to he found in God, 
My soul cleave close to God. In nothing else beside : 

Cause all base munn'rings todepar He II ne'er forsake us thro' the road, 
Which do gainsay his word. But to the end will guide m. 



4 it 



DECEMBER 1.] 674 [MORNING 

Let him kiss me with the kisses of Ms mouth ; for thy love 
is better than wine. Solomon's Song i. 2. 

Such is the familiar loving language of chaste virgins espous- 
ed to Jesus. Love in the heart begets desires after tokens of 
affection, from the object beloved. * Saw ye Him whom my soul 
loveth?' asks the inquiring heart. 'If ye have taken away 
Him,' says sorrowful Mary. 'That I may know Him, ' says 
affectionate Paul. 'Let Him kiss me, ' saith the church; as 
though all the world knew whom is meant or who is their belov- 
ed. Every heart that is blessed with the discovery of Jesus, 
will be excited with such desires after him. Here is a very 
short and abrupt request; 'Let him kiss me,' that will make 
me quite happy. My heart is simple, I have but one object in 
view. Oh if Jesus will but favour me with a love-token, all my 
fears vanish, my scruples are at an end, my doubts are all si- 
lenced, peace, happiness, and joy shall possess my mind. So 
the love-allured heart reasons and prays. But sometimes de- 
lays excite impatience, and promote jealousies, which issue in 
mourning surmises. ' Hope deferred, makes the heart sick. ' 
I fear Jesus doth not love me, or sure he would hear, and not 
delay affording me sweet evidences and pledges of love. But 
so Jesus proves the soul's faith and stedfastness to him; so he 
draws out its importunity after him. 'Whom, having not seen, 
we love; and though now we see him not, yet, believing, we 
rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. I Pet. i. 8. 

Such is the language of faith. Where revealed love is receiv- 
ed in the heart, sensible tokens will be longed after and shall 
be enjoyed: nor can the believing heart rest satisfied, nor be 
truly happy without them ; its cry is none but Christ, none but 
Christ! What are the smiles of the world if Jesus frowns? 
What is life itself without his presence and favour? His pre- 
sence creates a paradise; nearness to him is heaven on earth; 
his cross is our glory ; his kisses our comfort. ' For thy love is 
better than wine. ' I have tasted both ; I have felt the sweet 
effects of each. Experience has taught me, that as wine re- 
vives and cheers the heart, so doth love ; I cannot live without 
love ; I cannot be happy without a sense of it. I cannot be 
holy, I cannot serve cheerfully, or obey perfectly, nor conquer 
sin powerfully, but while love, thy love, Oh my beloved Jesus, 
inspires, enlivens, and influences my heavy, sluggish heart. 
Such sentiments possess loving, longing souls. Oh this love is 
a precious plant! It springs not in nature's garden ; its origi- 
nal is divine, it comes from God. ' For God is love. ' 1 John iv 
8. Those who have obeyed the Father's voice, 'kiss my Son. 
Psal. ii 12. * Know that the love of Christ passeth knowledge.' 
Ephes. iii. 19. 



DECEMBER 1.] 0*75 [EVENING 

Those all died in faith . Heb. xi. 13. 

An officer in the navy, who held me exceedingly in derision 
on account of religion, fell dangerously ill. To my great sur- 
prize, he sent for me. I found him in distress of soul: spoke 
freely to him of our lost estate, of Christ's love and salvation, 
und prayed with him. He wept sore, clapping his hands to his 
breast, he cried out, - Oh my God, have I got a soul !' As though 
he had never known it before. Turning to the place where I 
kneeled, he said, ' Where have I lived, that 1 never heard these 
things before ! Oh I shall never forget what I have heard this 
night !' 1 visited him to his last moments, and trust he died in 
the faith, and hope to see him in glory. ' Heaven is a house 
full of the miracles of Christ's free grace,' says one. There is 
the once idolatrous Manasseh — the murdering, adulterous David 
—the persecuting Saul— the Christ-denying Peter, &c. Oh my 
God, shall wretched I be there! Yes, it I die in the faith of 
Christ. My vileness, sinfulness, and unworthiness, do but as it 
were, qualify me for Christ and his free-grace. Christ by his 
free grace qualifies me for heaven. See the nature of this faith, 
(1) It looks to precious promises. Though seen afar off, yet it 
brings assurance of their existence into the mind, and the soul 
embraces them. Oh Christian, when you complain of j^our 
faith, you forget the great and precious promises, which are the 
ground and support of it. (2) It not only eyes Christ in the pro- 
mises, but it receives Christ, ' In whom are all the promises, 
yea, and amen to the glory of God/ 2 Cor. i. 20. Oh when 
Christ dwells in the heart by faith ! What then ? (8) We con- 
fess ourselves strangers and pilgrims in the earth. We see we 
have got a heavenly inheritance : W r e are only passing through 
this world to it. This world is not our home. We are not of 
the world. Our hearts are above the world. Our souls cry to 
be at home with our Father, God ; our elder brother, Christ; 
and our brethren in glory. For, (4) With Abraham we seethe 
day of Christ. He saw the first coming of Christ, long before 
his advent. We see by faith his second coming to take us to 
himself in glory, hence we rejoice. (5) Oh the comfort of liv- 
ing, Oh the joy of dyipg in this faith. It realizes heaven and 
glory to the soul. Hope is its constant attendant. By faith 
and hope in the promises, love springs up in the heart to the 
Promiser. Thus the sinner is fit for the enjoyment of God. 
Die when he may, he dies in faith — dies in the Lord, and shall 
live eternally with the Lord. ■ By grace ye are saved through 
feith. ' Ephes. ii. 5. 

Tis sweet to live by faith in Christ, Soon we must die, then we shall prove 
In peace with God above: The precious jov of faith, 

False hopes and sin do we resist, How safe in everlasting love, 

Ff.r faith does work hv love. Sv'n at our latest breath. m. 



DECEMBER 2.] G76 [MORN INC., 

I have loved thee with an everlasting love ; therefore, with 
loving kindness have I drawn thee. Jer. xxxi. 3. 



Thus the Lord speaks to his church as to a collected .body ; 
therefore ye members of Jesus, what foundation of comfort, 
what cause of rejoicing have you daily? But what doubts and 
scruples do often arise in your poor hearts concerning Gods 
love to you? Why is this? Because we judge of and determine 
the bounds of the love of our God, from the sense and feeling 
we find in ourselves, instead of abiding by the Lord's own gra- 
cious declarations in his word to us. How absurd would it be 
for us to judge of the dimensions of that glorious luminary the 
sun, by the little light and heat which we partake of! Shall we 
conclude from the severe cold we feel in winter's frost ; or, in 
the sense of midnight darkness, that light and heat cease to 
exist in the sun? Alas, we may as well ' measure the waters in 
the hollow of our hand, mete out the heaven with our span, 
weigh the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance, ' as 
truly to estimate and judge of the infinite, boundless love of 
God to poor sinners in Christ Jesus, from our perception and 
sense of it. Dost thou, oh soul, experience the drawing of thy 
heart to Jesus for righteousness, atonement, life, and salva- 
tion ? This is not of the will of the flesh, but of the power of 
God, the effects of his loving kindness to thee. For, saith Je- 
sus, 'no man can come unto me, except the Father draw him.' 
John vi, 44. As the rays of light lead to the source from 
whence they flow, so this stream of love, in time, instructs our 
souls in the most comfortable truth of God's everlasting love. 
Think not, because I experience repentance towards God, faith 
in our Lord Jesus Christ, am obedient to the gospel of holi- 
ness, therefore, for these graces, now the Lord begins to love 
me. Oh no ! For his love is of an earlier date ; this is revers- 
ing God's method ; and in times of darkness arid desertion, 
and under Satan's bufferings, when thou hast no light to see 
thy graces, nor feeling sense of comfort in the exercise of them, 
this method of judging of God's love will be most distressing 
to thy poor soul. Oh may the Spirit of truth help us to judge 
of God's love according to his own word of grace. *1 have 
loved thee with an everlasting love; and therefore (for this 
cause) with loving kindness have I drawn thee ' from darkness 
to light, from the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of my 
dear Son ; glory shall crown what grace begun. What motive 
so powerful, what doctrine so influential to animate and enliv- 
en the soul with fervent love and cheerful obedience as the 
daily reflection and constant belief of the everlasting,unchange- 
able love of God to us in Christ Jesus? ' Not any thing shall 
be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ 
Jesus our Lord. ' Rom. viii. 39. 



DECEMBER 2.] 67"/ [EVENING. 

The times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the 
Lord. Acts iii. 19. 



Who shall these times come to? Every sinner who repents 
and turns to Christ for salvation. From whence shall they 
come? From the presence of the Lord. Here then it is mani- 
fest, whether yon have repented and turned to the Lord. If so, 
(3) Your soul will delight in God's presence. (2) You will 
earnestly long for, and highly prize these refreshing seasons. 
(3) You will say with David, 'Thou art my God, my times are 
in thy hands. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise 
shall be continually in my mouth. ' Psal. xxxi. 15. xxxiv. 1 
Hence, (4) You will turn from your sins, your self-righteous 
hopes, carnal pleasures and worldly vanities, to seek all your 
happiness in the enjoyment of the presence of the Lord. And, 
(5) You will wait in the patience of faith, for the coming of 
refreshing seasons, believing they shall come. It is now a 
night of gloom and sadness? Are we tried and afflicted, bowed 
down and dejected ? Is the sun of comfort set ? Does the moon 
withhold its shining, and the stars their light? Yet times of re- 
freshing shall come. Believe this. Hang on this word. Bless 
the Lord for it, That dear Comforter, who brought us to Christ, 
will refresh our souls with a sense of the love of Christ, the 
peace of God, and the joys of the heavenly world. He will re- 
fresh ns with his witness to our hearts, that we are the children 
of God, and heirs of glory. He does keep up in our minds, a 
constant sense of this precious truth, that Christ is both an 
able and a willing Saviour to us : that he calls our weary, la- 
bouring souls to him, and promises to ease and refresh us. 
This is refreshing to our hearts, Is sin our burden ? Do we 
want rest? Are our souls troubled, for want of peace? Are our 
spirits distressed for want of refreshment? Christ says, Come 
unto me. But the most precious times of refreshment shall 
soon come. Yet a little while, and we shall behold, and be in 
the eternal enjoyment of the presence of the Lord. Oh a lively 
view of this by faith, is most refreshing indeed ! Then we long 
to be absent from the body and present with the Lord: we are 
sick of the world : sick of ourselves ; we triumph over sin and 
Satan, smile at death and welcome its approach. And now, 
Lord, what wait I for? ' My hope is in thee. ' Psal. xxxix. 7. 
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing ot 
the great God, even our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave him- 
self for us. Tit. ii. 13. 

Tho' sin and sorrow bow me down, Therefore I'll wait and look and pray, 

And m\ dear Lord delays : And not from him depart ; 

He will refresh my spirit soon, His presence makes my happy day, 

With tokens of his grace. And fills with joy my heart. v* 



DECEMBER 3.] 678 ^MORNING 

As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, 
that ye may grow thereby. 1 Pet. ii. 2. 

'What I cannot comprehend shall never be the object of my 
faith, ' is the weak language of a proud sceptic. ' Where I can- 
not comprehend, I silently adore; what I cannot explain, yet I 
humbly believe, because divine truths bear the impress, 'The 
Lord hath spoken.' This is the language of an humble, gra- 
cious heart. 'Marvellous are thy works, oh Lord, in wisdom 
hast thou made them all/ Glorious is thy grace in Christ Je- 
sus ; in love hast thou revealed it to the children of men. Here 
is the wisdom of saints, to learn from the images of nature the 
mysteries of grace. From the book of the former we are taught 
sweet and precious instructions in the latter. How kindly has 
the God of nature provided for the infant cry of the new-born 
babe ! It soon discovers its wants ; and though as sensible of 
the provision it has brought, and its right unto it, it scarce 
breathes the air, but it hunts for the breast of its parent, and its 
tender appetite is drawn out after the milk. No less pleased 
and delighted is the affectionate mother to administer to its 
w r ants and relieve its sorrows, and nourish and strengthen her 
new born infant. Dwelieth such love in parents to their off- 
spring? Infinitely greater is the love of God to his babes in 
Christ. Dwelieth such a disposition in thebabe of nature af- 
ter milk? So also is this exemplified in every child of grace in 
his love to and hunting after the rnilk of God's word. Hath 
the God of nature made such suitable provision for the child- 
ren of this world? Glory to his grace, so hath he richly provid- 
ed spiritual milk for the children of his kingdom. Desire it, 
saith he, and grow thereby ; feed on it and be strengthened : 
but the Spirit of wisdom hath given us a caution to try the milk, 
to see that it be sincere milk; not any milk, but the pure and 
unmixt milk of God's word and truth; Jesus is the very essence 
and substance of it. Jf the nourishing doctrines of God's ever- 
lasting love and election in Christ, pardon by his blood, cloth- 
ing by his righteousness, and final salvation of all his dear 
people through him, are omitted by ministers, they administer 
skimmed milk, which has lost its strengthening and nourishing 
qualities; hence, it will not edify and cause the soul to 'grow 
strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus.' When from the 
word of God its rich qualities are extracted, carnal reason is set 
up, human pride is established, creature righteousness is exalt- 
ed ; hence, instead of ' growing up unto Christ in all things, ' 
professors grow into self-complacency and vain confidences. 
Oh love the revealed word above all human teaching; prize 
and attend upon the faithful ministers of Jesus, that thou m-ay- 
estbe 'nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine.' 
1 Tim iv. 6. 






DECEMBER 3. J 675* [EVENING, 

Nourished up in the words of faith, and of good doctrine. 
1 Tim. iv. 6. 



Many a soul is saying, alas I hear, and bear again, and do 
not see that I am profited. I get little or no comfort from what 
I hear. Consider, (1) What you hear. Is it the words of faith, 
and of good doctrine 1 There is more danger in words than we 
are aware of. Words convey corrupt ideas to the mind, and 
nourish vain hopes and false confidences in the heart. They 
subvert the gospel, and pervert the soul. Many words of this 
sort have obtained amongst us. Such as the merit of works — 
perhaps you start at that. You would not hear preachers who 
use the phrase. But these amount to just the same thing, the 
terms of the gospel — the conditions of salvation. These are not the 
words of faith, nor of good doctrine: not the words which the 
Holy Ghost teaches. They are the words of man's proud wis- 
dom They were hatched in the church of Rome, and are con- 
tended for by the greatest enemies to our Lord's divinity, his 
atonement of sin, and justifying righteousness. One of this 
stamp in our day, says, ' he longs to pull down that idol Christ 
from his throne ' It is well if he don' t plunge into hell in the 
attempt. The notion of terms and conditions of salvation, 
swells sinners with pride, nourishes them up in self-compla- 
cency and self-righteousness : they tend to obscure (he glory of 
the finished work of Christ — the freeness of gospel grace, and 
the need of the agency of the holy Spirit. 

Therefore, (2) Avoid such preachers who contend for these 
phrases. Seek and attend those, who follow the example ot 
an old, a very old preacher. He had true wisdom Therefore 
he says, 'The preacher sought to find out acceptable words, 
written words, and that which was upright, even words of truth.' 
Eecles xii 10. (3) Consider what it is to be nourished up in 
faith and good works. Tt is to have a sound judgment of the 
truth — a peaceful conscience through the truth — warm affec- 
tions to the truth — the heart in love with the truth— the life in- 
fluenced by the truth — and the hope of salvation and glory 
founded solely upon the truth. What is truth? Jesus says, I 
am the truth. John xiv. 6. The truths of the gospel nourish 
the soul, and cause it to 'grow up into Christ in all things, who 
is the head. ' Ephes. iv. 14. Prize the words of faith. Dili- 
gently attend good doctrine. B.ut evermore remember, all 
nourishment of soul comes from Christ the head. To him look. 
Upon him live. Study him to please in all things. ' Of his 
fulness have we all received. ' John i. 16. 

( -brist'a words are full of truth and grace, Speak, Lord, uuto my heart with pow'r, 

And nou'-i'sh up the sen!, Make me grow up in thee : 

In love and peace and holiness, Oh mav I feed on thee each hour, 

And all our Itisfe controul. Till I thv glorv sec. m. 



DECEMBER 4.] 680 [MORNING 

Who delivered from so great a death, and doth deliver ; in 
whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us. 2 Cor. i. 10. 

Divine confidence is founded upon God's revealed truth ; 
it arises in the heart in proportion to the discovery which is 
made of free-grace promises to sinners in Christ Jesus. Faith 
looks at nothing in nature, nor in the creature; it stands not 
upon any human probability or rational possibility ; but, as the 
queen of graces, faith looks wholly to the king of glory, consults 
the word of his truth, relies on his promises and oath, and trusts 
in the power of an omnipotent Lord. Past experience of for- 
mer deliverances sweetly encourage the soul to trust God for fu- 
ture. So the apostles reasoned upon temporal deliverances, 
from the persecuting powers of earth and hell, which were en- 
gaged against them. All hope and help from the right hand 
and left were cutoff. In themselves they had the sentence of 
death. They were like malefactors in their own apprehension, 
doomed to certain execution. But God had delivered them in 
time past! He did deliver them at the present; hence, their 
trust was excited for future deliverance. Just so they taught 
and gloried in a salvation equally as extensive, through all the 
periods of time past, present, and to come ; which should cer- 
tainly issue in everlasting glory. 

Oh believer, here is a mode of reasoning for thy soul. Exer- 
cise thy faith on things past, present, and to come. Call to 
mind how God in time past delivered thy soul from thy great 
death, in trespasses and sins. In how many dangers has he 
kept thee? From how many snares has he delivered thee? And 
art thou this present hour, a saved sinner, living by faith on the 
Son of God? Oh see thy Lord's past mercies! Oh consider thy 
Lord's present blessings! Thence honour him with the faith of 
thy heart, the trust of thy soul, that he will yet deliver thee 
from every enemy. Art thou harassed by temptations? Re- 
member, ' thy Lord knoweth how and when to deliver out of 
them ? ' 2 Pet. ii. 9. Art thou groaning under a body of sin and 
death? Crying out, Oh wretched that I am! Consider the ever- 
lasting love and almighty power of thy precious deliverer, exult 
and triumph with, 'thanks be to God who giveth the victory 
through Jesus Christ. ' Thus daily study, Oh soul, to live in an 
habitual view of thy God and Saviour; pray and wrestle for 
constant applications of Jesus's grace, daily feelings of his love 
by the Spirit; so shall every lust of thy nature be subdued, Sa- 
tan shall fly from the resistings of faith, victory shall be obtain- 
ed over the world, holiness will be delightful to thy heart, and 
Heaven desirable and longed for by thy soul. Ever remember 
it is God who worketh in us to will and to do of his good plea- 
sure, as the only enlivening confidence to encourage thee to wcrV 
out thy salvation with fear and trembling?' Phil. ii. 13. 



DECEMBER 4.] 68* [EVENINC. 

/, even I am he, who blottcth out thy transgressions for 
mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isa. xliii. 25. 

With tears of joy, and emotion of love, my once dearly be- 
loved and much honoured friend, now with Jesus, the late 
reverend Mr. Jones, minister of St. Saviour's, told me, the awful 
charges which precede, and the free and unmerited grace which 
is proclaimed in this text, made the first impressions of the Sa- 
viour's love upon his heart. Oh that the Lord of all grace, may 
give us some comfort from it to-night. Here grace shines with 
meridian splendour. Here grace gloriously reigns, over all the 
aboundings of sin. Here grace sweetly triumphs over all the 
baseness and unworthiness of the sinner. In the two former 
verses, God arraigns the sinner, reads a black catalogue of 
indictment against him, and concludes with, ' thou hast made 
me to serve with thy sins, thou hast weaned me with thine ini- 
quities.' The sinner is struck dumb. He dare not deny it. The 
judge proceeds to pass sentence. What is it ? Vengeance, hell 
fire, and damnation? What else could be expected? Be asto- 
nished, oh heavens? Shout for joy, oh sinners, upon earth. ' I, 
even I am he' — what? Who will be avenged of thee? Yes, but 
it is love which takes vengeance upon thy sins, and will melt 
down thy hard, thy base heart. ' That blotteth out thy trans- 
gressions.' What, my soul, the very God whom thou hast made 
to serve with thy sins, and wearied with thine iniquities, will 
he blot them all out? Yes, as a black cloud is dispelled by 
the sun, or dispersed by the wind ; or as an immense debt is 
discharged^ by the stroke of the pen of a merciful creditor, never, 
never more to appear against, or be demanded of the debtor. 
For, oh wonder of love ! He saith farther, ' and will not remem- 
ber thy sins.' I cannot forget my sins. How then can my Lord? 
They are all forgiven and forgotten as thy sins. The Lord re- 
members he laid them all upon his Son, thy surety. Then they 
passed from thee to him. Then they were all atoned for by him. 
Why all this? For the sake of thy works? For any terms 
and conditions thou hast performed ? Spurn the thought. 
Hear thy Lord, ' for mine own sake,' the dear Jesus blotted 
out thy sins with his blood. The loving Father blots them 
out for the sake of his 'justice and truth.' The gracious 
Spirit blots them out of the conscience, for the glory of the 
Father and the Son, and because he is the comforter of poor 
sinners. Oh what boundless bliss is here ! Believe, rejoice 
and love. 

Here is most joyful gospel news Then give thy Lord liis glory due, 

Sin's blotted and forgot ! Rejoice, adore and love, 

On this sweet word, ray soul, now muse. Thou art as safe from sin and woe, 

'Till comfort thou hast got. As those in heav'n above. *». 



4 S) 



DECEMBER 5.*j 682 [MORNING. 

Sanctify them through thy truth ; thy word is truth. 
John xvii. 17. 



With what confidence and joy are we assured of our sanctifi- 
cation, both from the prayer of Jesus on earth, and his interces- 
sion in glory ! Man cannot sanctify himself, it is the work of the 
Lord the Spirit ; he effects it by his sovereign power ; earth and 
hell shall not prevent it. Oh special mercy! Not to be left to 
act with the generality of professors, who, like Pilate, demand 
' What is truth?' and then turn away from it as offensive, and 
hate and oppose it. Yet, if there is but kept up a great cry and 
vehement zeal for good works and holiness, it is enough ; no 
matter what principles they spring from. Nay, under pretence 
for these, truth is trampled under foot. But not so Jesus prayed, 
nor taught ; nor are his members thus sanctified. Jesus is essen- 
tially the truth. We are sanctified to God no other way than in 
him, and by the faith of him. ' We are chosen from the begin- 
ning through sanctification of the. Spirit, and belief of the truth.' 
' Ye shail know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 
John viii. 32. Saith Jesus; free from the deceitful hopes and 
vain confidences that are natural to us. Souls sanctified through 
the truth, are no longer left to deny the foundation truths of 
God's word— his sovereign, everlasting, electing love of sinners 
in Christ Jesus — this essential truth of their sins being atoned 
by the precious blood, and their persons justified by the perfect 
righteousness of Jesus imputed to them — the certain persever- 
ance and sure glorification of every believing member of Christ. 
Thus our judgments are sanctified in truth, in opposition to the 
false notions of self-righteousness and sinless perfection. These 
proceed from self-ignorance, blindness to God's law, and leave 
its professors under a fatal error; nor are we left to dream of 
universal redemption which detracts from the glory of God, by 
ascribing salvation to free-will; nor to reject the sovereign 
agency of the holy Spirit, which reduces the gospel of grace tc 
a covenant of works. Glory to our Lord, not only are we sanc- 
tified as to a right judgment in all things, but our affections are 
also sanctified to love the truth and cleave to it, seeing all 
our hopes centre in it, and deiiving all our comforts from it ; 
and it is the delight and joy of our souls to live in conformity 
to the truth. Jesus hath our hearts. Fellowship with him is our 
heaven upon earth. What is contrary to that, is hateful to us 
Sin is b^^come the burden, and holiness most pleasant to the 
sanctified soul. To fancy thyself perfectly freed from all sin,, 
is a mark, not of a soul sanctified through the truth, but deceived 
by lies ; but daily to feel a holy striving against sin, fervent de 
sires after greater conformity to Jesus, and abiding in the truth 
of his word, is a full proof ' of the sanctification of his spirit 
unto obedience.' 1 Pet. i °- 



DECEMBER 5.J 083 [EVENING. 

Put me in remembr'ance : let us plead together : declare 
thou, that thou mayest be justified. Isai. xliii. 26. 

The Lord had just laid open the rich love of his gracious 
heart to poor sinners, in fully blotting out their transgressions, 
and in not remembering their sins. To keep down their pride, 
and exalt the riches of his mercy, he tells them plainly, I do all 
this, for mine own sake. But he knows what is in man. He sees 
the devilish pride of our hearts, and how many would reject his 
free declaration, and will not accept of free-grace mercy, by 
free-gift of love, without money, and without price. Such will 
have some hand in procuring pardon and justification, by fulfill- 
ing terms, and performing conditions. These words may be con- 
sidered, (1) As a sarcasm upon such persons, and a derision 
upon their notions. Says the Lord, put me in remembrance. What 
spiritual act could you do when dead in trespasses and sins, in 
order to get life ? What good works sprung out of your flesh, 
in which dwells no good thing? Remind me of your power to 
will and to do what I commanded, and how you have done all 
things perfectly well to my glory. Let us plead together. Let us 
come into open court and try this matter. Declare thou. Thy 
own righteousness, for which of all thy good works dost thou 
challenge my grace, and a right to be justified ? Verily, if thou 
canst face this ; as the prophet says, * thou hast a whore's fore- 
head, and refusest to be ashamed.' Jer. iii. 3. But, (2) We may 
consider them as spoken to the Lord's people. Put me in remem- 
brance. Of my free declaration, of full pardon. Believe it. Pray 
the Spirit to apply the sense and comfort of it to thy consci- 
ence. Give me no rest till I have made thee thus happy. Let 
us plead together. Confess your vileness. Own your wretched- 
ness. Acknowledge your sinfulness. I will plead, my grace 
reigns over all the aboundings of sin, through righteousness unto 
life. Rom. v. 21. Declare thou that thoumayest be justified. Plead 
at my throne, what I am ever well pleased with, the blood and 
righteousness of my beloved Son only: and thou shalt be jus- 
tified from all things, have my peace in thy conscience, which 
passeth all understanding: be filled with joy and peace in be- 
lieving, and abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
Now is not all this amazing love, and these gracious dealings, 
enough to make thee ashamed of thy folly, and slowness of 
heart to believe the truths of a covenant God in Christ? 

Grace reigns, and over sin abooCdg, Oil for an heart of faith and love, 

And justifies the soul ; Rejoicing in the Lord, 

While grace our pride and lust confounds, And imitate the blest above, 

It makes poor sinners whole. Singing his praise abroad. m. 



DECEMBER 0.] (J84 [MORNING, 

jtiy the grace of God, I am what I am. 1 Cor. xv. 1 0. 

It would be one great means of preventing complaints and 
murmurings, it' christians' hearts were more in meditation upon 
what they once were, still are, and what they deserve. Such 
was the conduct of the once Jesus persecuting, but afterwards 
Jesus exalting, Paul. The same grace that reached his heart, 
has continued to run through the many revolving periods down 
to this day, and effects the same blessed work on poor sinners 
now. Thou therefore, oh disciple of Jesus, hast the same cause 
as Paul had, daily to sing of rich, free, sovereign, distinguishing 
grace — the eternal love, free favour, and unmerited good-will of 
God, to thy soul, in Christ Jesus. 

Grace shines with resplendent lustre, in the person of Jesus. 
Grace operates with sovereign, irresistible power, in the hearts 
of his members. Hence, it triumphs over all the resisting powers, 
rebellious motives, carnal workings, and perverse obstinacy of 
proud nature. Publicans and harlots are often raised and beau- 
tified by grace, while self-righteous pharisees, are left buried in 
the ruins of nature. Hell-deserving soul ! What hast thou to 
boast of? wherein canst thou glory ? Art thou converted to Je- 
sus ? Verily of this thou hast greatest cause of glory and tri- 
umph. But ever know the cause. Study daily to give all the 
glory, where it is only due, even to the free favour of thy God. 
"Wilt thou ever open the mouth of thy obedience, thy fulfilling 
terms and conditions; by which thou hast obtained the prize? 
Ever know Jesus hath done all this. Hence grace freely flowed 
to thee. In the height of thy rebellion, in the depth of thy de- 
struction, the voice of eternal love spoke to thy soul. The power 
of almighty grace challenged thee, as its blood-bought purchase : 
seized thee, as its lawful captive, and snatched thee as a brand 
from the fire of destruction. 

Oh wondrous love ! Should not amazement strike thy heart, 
and the fire of love and gratitude ever burn in thy soul? What 
shall we say to these things ? Truly grace, that dwelt in the 
heart of God from eternity, hath sovereignly reached thy heart 
in time. Therefore art thou turned to Jesus by repentance. Hast 
remissions of sins through faith in his blood. This is given, by 
the exalted prince of grace and peace, to thine heart. Hast thou 
a love to holiness, and a hatred to sin ? This is contrary to na- 
ture, and is given through the grace of the Spirit. ■ By the grace 
of God I am what I am/ is the confession of saints in earth. 
By the grace of God I am where I am, is the triumphant song 
of saints in heaven. For ' where sin abounded, grace did much 
more abound.' Rom. v. 20. 

Tis not bv works of righteousness, Tis from mere mercy of our God 

Which our own hands have done ; That all our hopes begin : 

But we are sav'd by sov'reign grace, 'Tis by the water and the blood 

Abounding thro' God's Son Our souls are wash'd from sin. 



DECEMBER 6.] 685 [EVENING. 

The law worketh wrath. Rom. vi. 15. 



Our misery as poor sinners is greatly heightened, for want of 
duly considering the end and design of the holy law, and of the 
everlasting gospel ; and through our blending them together in 
our consciences. Consider what is meant by the law working 
wrath. (1) ' Sin is the transgression of the law.' 1 John iii. 4. 

(2) * The law was added because of transgressions.' Gal. iii. 19. 

(3) ' By the law is the knowledge of sin.' Therefore, (4) * By 
the deeds of* the law shall no flesh be justified in God's sight.' 
Rom. iii. 20. For, (5) * It is a ministration of condemnation.' 
2 Cor. iii. 9. ' Cursed is every one who continueth not in all 
things, which are w r ritten in the book of the law to do them.' 
Gal. iii. 10. Hence is it any marvel, that we, who are trans- 
gressors of the law, and cursed by the law, if we examine our- 
selves by the law, that it should work in us a sense of w rath, a 
dread of damnation, and a fearful looking for of judgment, and 
of fiery indignation? Therefore we must see and own, that by 
nature we are children of wrath even as others — deserve hell as 
well as others — and can do no more to save ourselves than 
others. Now have we thus seen ourselves under the law, and 
felt the law working wrath in our consciences ? If so, this is the 
certain consequence. ' Our mouth is stopped. We are become, 
(oh awful word) guilty before God.' Rom. iii. 19. 

How do we expect to get relief in our guilty minds, and ease 
from wrath in our consciences? For as the law works wrath, 
sin works deceitfully in our proud natures. Dear Spirit of truth, 
leave us not in this momentous point to seek death in the error 
of our lives : either to palliate our sins — to extenuate the rigour 
of the law — or to strive by any future obedience to the law to 
quell its wrath. Oh blessed Comforter ! Lead us to our law-ful- 
filling head — shew us, that Jesus hath suffered all the penalties 
of the law for us — took away all its wrath and curse from us — 
and obtained everlasting peace with God for us. Here then it 
is manifest, whether w r e have received the Spirit of truth, or are 
blinded by the spirit of error. If we attempt to set up any works 
or doings of our own, to get relief from the wrath of the law, sin 
blinds our eyes and deceives our hearts. If we flee from the 
wrath of the law, to the grace of Christ, we are enlightened by 
the Spirit of truth. ' For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ 
Jesus, hath made us free from the law of sin and death.' Rom 
viii. 2. 

A sinner cars' d by holy law, Let conscience find in thee sweet peace, 

I flee from wrath to come : From all law's threat'ning wrath : 

Lord fill my refuge soul with joy, I'll glory in thy righteousness, 

While here below I roam. Tho' law works sin and death. m. 



DECEMBER 7. J 686 [MORNING. 

Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken 
nothing : nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net, 
Luke v. 5. 



Whatever one engages in, success gives pleasure, but disap- 
pointment causes dejection. The passing over of a black cloud 
is often followed by the brighter shining of the sun. Naturalists 
observe, it is always darkest just before the break of day. So 
here, these poor fishermen, had toiled through a tedious night 
of disappointment ; not one fish came to net : yet, at Christ's 
word they let down the net. Behold the event. The greatest 
success they ever met with succeeded their fruitless (oil : their 
nets were too weak to hold the miraculous draught of fishes 
they had taken. Oh how adorable is Jesus's power and god- 
head. 

The occupation of a fisherman is not unlike that of the chris- 
tian's vocation. It is his employ to fish in the wide and deep 
ocean of God's eternal love and grace, revealed in his word of 
truth. What he taketh here, he is to live upon day by day. It is 
sometimes his lot to toil through a dark night of disappoint- 
ment, and take nothing which may refresh his spirit and rejoice 
his soul. Here f patience must have its perfect work.' Not 
one, nor many nights' oad success, makes the fisherman quit his 
trade, and forsake his calling. So the christian should consider, 
he has need of patience, that after he has done the .will of God 
he might receive the fulfilment of the promises. These are 
blessed encouragements for him ever to fish in the great and 
wide sea of God's covenant love and faithfulness. In his word 
are blessings innumerable. Ever remember, ' He that believeth 
shall not make haste :' that is, be in a hurry and confusion, as 
one in supprise and fear, in time of trouble. Though Gods mer- 
cies are not stiled swift, yet they are called ' sure mercies.' Isai. 
lv. 3. Where the grace of faith is in the front, perseverance 
shall be in the centre, and glory shall be in the rear. The soul 
thirsting after comfort, shall in God's time be refreshed with the 
plentiful showers of heavenly consolation. Some souls have 
been so filled herewith, even like these disciples nets that broke 
with the great draught of fishes, that they have cried out, * Lord, 
stay thine hand; my brittle vessel can hold no more.' Live 
upon the word of God's truth, and thou shalt be sure to enjoy 
the comforts of God's faithfulness. Whatever fails, his word is 
sure ; his promises certain ; his covenant immutable ; his oath 
irreversible. Consolation, yea ' strong consolation from God, 
awaits every soul who has fled to Jesus for refuge, to lay hold 
on the hope set before him.' Heb. vi. 18. 

Onr nnchor's cast within the vaii We walk by faith and live by hope ; 

Where Jesus ever reigns: Assnr'd of endless gains. wt 



DECEMBER 7.] 68? [EVENING 

If we sin wilfully after that we have received the know- 
ledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 
but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery 
indignation which shall devour the adversaries. Heb. x. 
26, 27: 



Awful words ! enough to make one's heart tremble, excite a 
holy fear, and provoke a godly jealousy. Wilful sins bring on 
woful complaints. Yes, says a soul, I find it so by woful expe- 
rience. I have received the knowledge of the truth of salvation 
by Christ Jesus, and oh what have 1 done ! Sinned wilfully, and 
now I must be damned eternally. There is no hope, nor help. 
My sin is unpardonable. There remains no more sacrifice for 
sins, but a certain, fearful looking for destruction. I am shut 
up in despair. I wait with terror my dreadful doom. Stop a 
little. Write not such bitter things against thyself. True, thou 
art condemned for thy past wicked conduct. It is fit you should 
take shame to yourself, humble yourself, and repent as in dust 
and ashes. But this text never was intended to drive to despair, 
even the wilful sinner, who sees and is sorry for his vile con- 
duct. Consider, if every wilful sin is unpardonable, after a per- 
son has received the knowledge of the truth, the whole world 
must be damned : not one sinner would be saved. If so, that 
word could not be true, ' The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth 
from all sin.' 1 John i. 7. Then backsliding sinners must perish 
without hope. God himself must prove false to his word ; * I 
will heal their backslidings.' Hosea xiv. 4. And Christ must 
be a false prophet when he declares, ' All manner of sin and blas- 
phemy shall be forgiven unto men.' Matt. xii. 31. Consider well, 
two words in this text. (1) There remaineth no more sacrifice 
for sins. Now this wilful sin, is rejecting the one sacrifice of 
Jesus — treading underfoot the Son of God — accounting his 
blood an unholy thing, and expecting to be saved some other 
way. Here is total apostacy and final unbelief. Whereas your 
guilty conscience seeks no sacrifice beside the one offering of 
the Son of God. (2) Mind, it is the adversary who is to be de- 
voured. Is your heart set against Christ? Do you turn from 
him? Do you desire to have nothing to do with him? Oh no! 
I'll answer for you, the one desire of your soul is to be pardoned 
through him, accepted in him, and saved by him. Then you are 
not an adversary to Christ. You shall not be devoured. This 
text no more belongs to you, than to angels in heaven. But this 
does : * This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.' 1 Tim. 
i. 15. 



DECEMBER 8.] 688 [MORNING. 

Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down ; for the 
Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm xxxvii. 24. 

The absolute declarations and promises of scripture, are ever 
to be considered as having relation to, and dependance upon 
the covenant of grace. Hence, whatever is asserted concerning 
the salvation of lost sinners, is an exhibition or display of the 
grace of the covenant by Jesus Christ. When men see not the 
nature of the covenant, ordered in all things and sure, they make 
the promises of the gospel, as it were, a mere rope of sand. Not 
seeing salvation, established, upon*the sure foundation of God's 
immutable love and faithfulness, they make it depend on human 
wisdom, power, and goodness. Poor comfort for sensible souls. 
Though pride for a time, may keep up the vain hopes of the 
self-righteous and self-deluded. How long ? till they are tried 
by fire. 

The just man's standing is of God's power. His falls are 
from his own frailty. That he is raised from his falls, is from 
the sovereign love and covenant faithfulness of his God. But, 
is not God able to keep us from falling? Doubtless, his power 
is almighty. He can take away all sin and corruption out of 
us; and not suffer temptation from Satan, the world and the 
flesh ever to attack us. Yes, he can instantly change us into 
angelic purity. But this is not his will. The Lord sees it is 
most for his glory that we should be just what we are — believe 
his truths — live upon his promises — rely on his power from day 
to day, or it should be otherwise. All things are in being for 
the elects* sake. All things 'work together for their good/ 
Rom. viii. 28. Satan may tempt souls as he did Christ, to cast 
themselves down to prove the power of God. Carnal hearts 
may say, ' let us do evil, that good may come.' Each shew 
what spirit they are of. Saints express the inward disposition 
of their souls by other language. Gracious works proceed from 
gracious hearts which are influenced by divine truth and ever- 
lasting love. Saints falls are suffered, to humble them for sin, 
wean them from their pride, self-righteousness, and self-suffici- 
ency—to deaden them to the love of the world, and to endear Je- 
sus more and more to them — to teach them the usefulness of or- 
dinances, to exercise their graces, to purge out their dross, to 
enable them to succour others, with the assurance of comfort 
and protection, which they themselves have found from our Sa- 
viour. So he displays the wisdom, power and faithfulness of a 
covenant God. Thus he makes souls meet for glory, and causes 
them to long more for the heavenly inheritance. Saints may fall, 
and do fall, into many things that hurt and bruise them. This 
is their shame; it causcth sorrow and grief; and excites watch- 
fulness. But fall into hell they cannot, they shall not, because 
they are upheld by the arm of omnipotence ; and Jesus declares 
€ I give unto them eternal Jife.' John x. 28. 



DECEMBER 8J 689 [EVENING. 

He who eateth me, even he shall live by me. John vi. 57. 

Why is the meek Lamb so very wrath against self-righteous 
people, while he is nothing but love and tenderness to poor sen 
sible sinners? Why does he stamp the highest indignity and 
contempt on the character of the former, while he receives pub- 
licans and harlots with open arms? Is it not hard, because a 
man hugs his own righteousness and perfection in his heart, 
that the Saviour should reject him? Are we not to do good, to 
be very good, yea, to strive to be as righteous as an angel? Yes, 
we are to have a better righteousness than angels ever had. 
But if we think that righteousness is to be obtained by us, to 
cover our wicked nature, to recommend us to God, and to jus- 
tify us either first or last, in whole or in part, we deceive our- 
selves— the truth is not in us — there is the pride of the devil at 
the bottom of all this. 'Wo unto us, we are full, but we shall 
hunger.' Luke vi. 25. If full of a proud conceit, and high opinion 
of our own righteousness, our souls will famish and starve. 
'■ The full soul loatheth the honey-comb. ' Prov. xxvii. 7. It 
has no appetite to feed upon Christ, and to live by him, as its 
only food and cloathing. ' Blessed are they who hunger and 
thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. ' Matt. v. f>. 
That soul is truly convinced of sin, by the Spirit, who sees he 
has no righteousness of his own, is sensible, that he must |> P „ 
rish everlastingly, without a perfect, spotless righteousness: 
knows this is only in Christ, and therefore hungers and thirsts 
after his righteousness. This is the soul who eats Christ — 
feeds upon him, and shall live by him. A hungry soul is a self 
emptied soul. Is yours such? Does it go out alter Christ, as a 
hungry appetite does after food? Will nothing satisfy you, but 
the flesh and blood, the righteousness and atonement of the Son 
of God ? Bless the Lord, you have David's experience. ' I will 
go in the strength of the Lord God. ' He fed on Christ, and got 
his strength from him. ' 1 will make mention of thy righteous- 
ness, even of thine only. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I 
sing unto thee, and my soul which thou hast redeemed. ' Psal. 
Ixxi. 23. Holy Paul's language is yours: e I count all things 
but loss for the excellency of Christ Jesus my Lord. I esteem 
all things but dung, that I may win Christ. The whole and 
sole desire of your soul is, to be 'found in him.' Phil. iii. 9. 
You have the sure word of Christ. You shall live by m e. Live 
by his grace in time: live with him in glory to all eternity. 

'Tis sweet to live ana daily feed Lord may I love thee more aud more 

On Jesu's flesh and blood : For ev'ry word thou saith : 

His flesh and blood are drink indeed, Increase my hunger and my pow'r 

Tc all the souls he's lov'd. To feed on thee hv faith. k. 



4 T 



DECEMBER 9.] 690 [MORNING* 

If he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from 
the cross, and we will believe him. Matt, xxvii. 42. 



Our blessed Lord was not only crucified between two thieves, 
but was also surrounded on the cross, and mocked and derided 
by the very worst sort of thieves, the chief priests, scribes, and 
elders. Those professing ministers of Jehovah did their utmost 
to rob the Prince of life and Lord of glory of that honour, which 
is ever due unto him, of being our Saviour; and, like thieves 
and robbers, they would enter his kingdom some other way. 
Verily he is the king of all his spiritual Israel. Every subject 
of his love will bow to the sovereignty of his grace, kiss the 
sceptre of his love, glory only in his despised cross, and rejoice, 
that Jesus rules in and reigns over him. Most true, this way of 
salvation is contrary to the wisdom of the flesh, the reasonings 
of corrupt nature, and the pride of boasted free-will. These, by 
how much the more they are assisted by human learning, are 
so much the more strengthened and fortified against this self- 
denying truth, salvation by free grace, through the cross of a 
despised Jesus. ' Their wisdom and their knowledge had per- 
verted them,' say3 Isai. xlvii. 10. or they would not have said, 
' Let him now come, and we will believe. ' Poor proud crea- 
tures! free-will is ever the same. Where it reigns, it always ex- 
alts the creature, and opposes the sovereignty of God. It pre- 
scribes methods of conviction. It refuses to submit to those of 
infinite wisdom. Through a life of thirty years, Jesus had 
afforded them the fullest conviction to their senses, and they 
believed not on him; neither w->uld their hearts have been per- 
suaded though he had come down from the cross ; yea, though he 
actually did rise again from the rlead, still they resisted (he full 
est evidence, therefore they remained inexcusable. 

Outward miracles and wonders may surprize the senses, but 
cannot work saving faith in the heart. Pride ever reigns in un 
regenerate hearts, and nothing but sovereign grace can subdue 
it. Even in hell the notion of free-will prevails. 'Nay, but 
said Dives, if one went to them from the dead, they will re- 
pent.' Luke xvi. 30. Humble souls are thankful for the gift 
of precious faith in a precious Christ. They know it is not of 
themselves that they believe. Therefore they adore and love 
1 the author and finisher of faith,' and own it is given of dis- 
tinguishing love and sovereign grace. Thus all glorifying in 
the flesh is cut off. By faith, we glory in the truth, and rejoice 
in Jesus only. ' It is not of him who willeth.' Rom. ix. 16. 

Subdue the pride of my free will, While others tempt and ask a sign, 

By thy free grace, my Lord ; In order to believe : 

Strengthen my faith, confirm my hope, May I rejoice to know thy truth, 

In thine unerring word. And on thy truth to live. ft. 



DECEMBER 9.] 691 [EVENING. 

/ will lift up my hands in thy name. Psal. lxiii. 4. 

From the little carnal men see of the conduct of saints, they 
pronounce them fools and madmen. But were they to follow 
them to their closets, and be witnesses to what passes there, 
between God and their souls, they would deem it the excess of 
folly, and the height of madness. Two Christian friends were 
conversing together of the plague of their hearts, the working of 
hypocrisy and evil in their best duties. An unconverted bro- 
ther of one of them overheard, and upbraided them, saying, I 
always thought you were two hypocrites, now I have heard it 
from your mouths. I have no wandering thoughts at church — 
I always go with a good heart. Brother, replied the Christian, 
putting a piece of money in his hand, that is your own, if, when 
you go to church next, you will watch your heart, and tell me 
honestly, if you found no wandering thoughts. The poor man 
faithfully returned the money, and frankly owned, I was scarce 
got into church, but I thought how many looms might be set to 
work in it. He was a weaver. Oh what an awful thing it is, 
to be ignorant of one's own heart! And yet the knowledge of its 
desperate wickedness, and superlative deceitfulness, often de- 
jects and puts disciples to the stand. Here is a blessed remedy 
at all times, 'The loving kindness of the Lord.' This is bet- 
ter than life. This super-abounds all the aboundings of sin in 
us. This enables us to say, joyfully, ' I will bless the Lord 
while I live : ' and with boldness, ' I will lift up my hands in 
thy name.' In our work and warfare, against all our spiritual 
enemies, there is a blessed name, which is above every other 
name, to animate us with courage, even the name Jesus. 
However dejected or despised, can we think of, believe in, and 
look to, that glorious name, person, work, and salvation with 
which God is well pleased, without lifting up our hands with 
comfort and joy? Here I am to-night, a poor sinner, empty of 
all good, full of all evil. No worth, work or excellency, to re- 
commend me to God, yet will I lift up my empty hand, to re- 
ceive a gift from the God of all grace. Oh that under a sight of 
my ruined state, and helpless impotency, the Spirit may teach 
me that heavenly art, 'I will go in the strength of the Lord 
God, I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine 
only, ' Oh Jesus. Psal. Ixxi. 16. It is from hence that feeble 
knees are strengthened, hands which hang down are lifted up, 
and fearful hearts made strong. Consider Christ Jesus, Heb. 
iii. 1. 

What name so sweet to sinners ears, My hands to thee I Mill lift up, 
As that of Christ my king? A blessing to receive, 

'Tis this repels our doubts and fears, From thee my Christ, my only hope , 
And joy of soul doth bring. Upon thee I will live. m. 



DECEMBER^LO.] 692 [MORNING. 

To them that are sanctified by God the Father*, preserved 
in Jesus, and called : mercy unto you, and peace, and love 
he multiplied. Jade, ver. 1, 2. 

One frequently meets with poor trembling- souls, just enlight- 
ened by the Spirit, to see their misery, feel their wretchedness 
as sinners, and who flee to Christ for hope; yet their poor 
hearts are greatly distressed with fear, lest they should not be 
sanctified : but perish in their sins, and so never obtain the end 
of their faith, the salvation of their souls. But that is impos- 
sible. They do not at present see the glorious order of the co- 
venant; nor consider the certain security of all who are effec- 
tually called by the word and Spirit to the knowledge of Christ. 
For this is a consequence of their being sanctified, separated or 
set apart by God the Father, as the objects of his everlasting 
love. As God loves them as his jewels, he is careful to pre- 
serve them. He well knew and clearly foresaw, the miserable 
effects sin would bring on them, therefore he chose them in 
Jesus Christ. He committed them into his hands. They are 
preserved safe and secure— not from falling into sin. For they 
are in themselves sinners — by nature ' children of wrath even 
as others. ' And to their after shame and sorrow, many of 
them run dreadful lengths in sin before their conversion, Some 
like Saul, are mad against Jesus, the way of salvation by him, 
and holiness by his Spirit. But still, as with the people of old, 
God bears with their manners. The long-suffering of the Lord 
is their salvation. He is not willing that any one of them 
should perish. All of them are called to repentance; and to 
know the preciousness of Jesus, in whom they are preserved. 

Disciple of Jesus, canst thou not look back on thy past life, 
and see thy many, many narrow escapes from death. How 
many dangers hast thou been delivered from. Yea, when only 
one hair's breadth seemed between thee and eternity? Oh hadst 
thou died in thy unregenerate state of sin and unbelief, how 
couldst thou have escaped the damnation of hell! But impos- 
sible this. Thou wast preserved in Christ Jesus, therefore 
every snare of death has been broken. Thou wast immortal, 
till the Spirit called thee. Think of this, and be humbled. 
Reflect on the love of thy God, rejoice, and give him all the 
glory. Thou hast not only been preserved from death and hell,, 
but art called to life and salvation by Jesus. His life is thy 
righteousness, his blood is thy redemption, his intercession thy 
salvation. And what awaits thee now? Mercy from God the 
Father, peace in Christ Jesus, love from the blessed Spirit. 
Such, such is the happy portion of all the called. May this be 
multiplied more and more upon thee day by day! Such is the 
doctrine, such the prayer of Jude, the servant of Jesus, under 
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of truth. ' Ask, and ye shall 
receive, that your joy may be full. ' John xvi. 24. 



DECEMBER 10.] 693 [EVENING. 

Ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to feai , 
but the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 
Rom. viii. 15, 

The Spirit of God, never was, never is, nor ever can be the 
Spirit of bondage to any soul. Some have asserted it, but it 
is a mistake. It is contrary to his name, * The Comforter. ' He 
is a free Spirit, a Spirit of liberty to the soul. It is inconsistent 
with his office, he takes of the things of Christ, and shews them 
to us — testifies of Christ — brings us into the liberty of Christ — 
enables us to glory in the adoption of children, and to call God 
Father, in the faith of -Christ. When he convinces of sin, it is 
not to bring the soul into bondage, but to break the bondage of 
sin, of the law, of death and of Satan, in the conscience, and to 
cast away the cords thereof, that the soul may be united to 
Christ by faith. In all this, he is ' The Comforter/ What then 
is this Spirit of bondage? It is the Spirit of the law. Just as 
the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor, 
and made their lives bitter with hard bondage. Exod. i. 14. So 
does the law all those who are under it. Do what they would, 
they could never please, never get a good word from their task- 
masters. So let the poor legal sinner labour, tug and toil from 
day to day, to fulfil the law, and be made righteous by obedience 
t<) it, yet like hard hearted Pharaoh, it says, 'ye are idle, ye are 
idle, ' pay me what thou owest me, my full due. I am not sa- 
tisfied. You have not fulfilled my righteous demands. You 
are still cursed. Thus a legal spirit is always in bondage. 
His soul is always subject to fear. Though he works like a 
slave, yet he gets nothing but slavish dread of God, and fear of 
being damned at last. For the law works nothing but wrath in 
the conscience. Rom. iv. 15. This is fearful bondage indeed. 
Glory to the Spirit of adoption, for bringing us from it, and 
enabling us to cry, Abba, Father. How does he effect this? 
We receive the Spirit of adoption by the faith of Jesus. We 
see a righteous law, perfectly fulfilled, by the owe obedience of 
Christ's life. By this, we sinners are made righteous. Rom. 
v. 19. Here our hearts take refuge. Through this righteous- 
ness, the Spirit brings peace to our consciences: discharges 
from the condemnation of the law : frees us from guilty fears 
and terrors of God, and instead thereof, breathes this precious 
cry in our hearts, Abba, my loving, my adopted Father in 
Christ. Now love takes place in the soul. Once a child of 
God, and for ever so. The Spirit of adoption never becomes a 
Spirit of bondage again. But if you do not walk in faith and 
love, he may leave you to the awful bondage of your own spi- 
rit, and under the terrors of a broken law. • Grieve not the 
Holy Spirit of God. ' Eph. iv. 30. 



DECEMBER II.] 694 [MORNING. 

Fear not, little flock ; it is your Father s good-pleasure to 
give you the kingdom. Luke xii. 32. 

When poor sinners are converted to Jesus, they become little 
in their own eyes, and they see but few comparatively, who fol- 
low the Lamb. Their former friends turn their enemies. Their 
former hopes are cut off. They know their own strength to be 
perfect weakness ; and they feel the burden of a body of sin 
and death. Hence their poor hearts are often exercised with 
ancious cares and distressing fears. Their Saviour knows 
this; therefore he speaks to them in love, forbids their fears, 
and administers the most reviving draught of consolation. 

Ye children, consider your dignity as adopted sons of God. 
Call to mind your honourable stale, heirs of a kingdom, heirs of 
God, the King of kings, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ your 
elder brother. Though at present ye are in a state of exile. 
The world knows you not. Your kindred after the flesh des- 
pise you. Carnal professors revile and persecute you. Satan 
is enraged to tempt and accuse you. Yea and your worst foes 
are most nearly allied to you, the flesh, with its corruptions and 
lusts, sin and unbelief. Yet, saith the head, in glory, to his 
conflicting members on earth, 'Fear not.' Why? what consi- 
deration can dispel the anxious fears, and alleviate the dis- 
tressing doubts of drooping disciples? Verily the good-pleasure 
of their Father: the eternal purposes of his grace: the immu- 
table designs of his love. A kingdom is prepared for you. 
Earth, with all its power: sin, with all its malignity: hell with 
all its rage and malice, shall never deprive you of your Father's 
patrimony. Oh disciple ! how does this heighten the mercy, 
and secure the inheritance ? It is a free gift, by Jesus Christ. 
Poor soul, thou art fearing about thy interest in, and title to the 
kingdom of glory. Verily, thou canst find nothing in thyself, to 
give thee a right thereto. But thy Saviour plainly assures 
thee, it is of ' thy Father's good-pleasure.' What power can 
avert that? Hast thou an heart to seek the kingdom? dost thou 
believe in, and follow the Lamb ? dost thou see somewhat in 
Jesus, which attracts thy affections? is the desire of thy soul 
after him, and to the remembrance of his name? Then hath the 
glory of the kingdom, by the Spirit, shined upon thine heart. 
No marvel, sin is thy grief and burden, while Jesus is the de- 
light and hope of thy soul. May it suffice to quiet and still 
thy mind, that the Father's gift is sure. And so is the way 
also; it is by Jesus. And ' through much tribulation thou 
(and all the heirs) must enter into the kingdom. ' Acts xiv. 22 

One of thy little fiock, my Lord, Ab Saviour, speak away tbese fears, ^ 

I'm cali'd to follow thee : From my poor doubting breast : 

But fears prevail and say tliat I Assure me, 'tis thy Father's will, 

Shall ne'er thy kingdom see- That I in thee am ble.-.t. .«. 



DECEMBER 11.] 695 [EVENING. 

And the Lord spake unto Moses, face to face, as a man 
speaketh to his friend. ExocL xxxiii. 11. 

In the sight of infidels, Moses is as vile a hypocrite, and as 
great an enthusiast as ever existed. You see your calling 
brethren. What shall be done unto the men, whom the King 
of saints delights to honour? Treat them as the filth and off- 
scouring of all things, say the world. Thank you, ye sons of 
folly. You give us an evident token of our salvation, and that 
of God. Phil. i. 28. If Moses is not to be credited, Christ is 
to be rejected. He puts his cause upon the testimony of Mo- 
ses. * Had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me, for 
he wrote of me. ' John v. 46. He was a friend of the bride- 
groom. He was admitted to close and intimate converse with 
him, before he appeared in flesh. Our Saviour saith to all his 
disciples, 'ye are my friends/ John xv. 14. He admits them 
into sweet fellowship, and free communion with himself. A 
precious minister of Christ, late on earth, now in glory, says in 
his diary, ' I walked in the fields, and conversed much with our 
Saviour, about the wickedness of my heart/ &c. Paul says, 
' Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty : ' freedom 
from the vail of nature's blindness and ignorance. Liberty, to 
draw nigh to God, and to pour out our hearts before him. For, 
we all: all true believers in Christ, 'behold as in a glass/ the 
clear glass oi the gospel, ' the glory of the Lord,' in the face of 
Jesus Christ, full of grace and truth to poor sinners. That is 
God's greatest glory. That is our highest mercy: this un- 
speakable privilege, believers in common are admitted to. This 
constitutes our heaven below : it creates heaven in the soul. It 
brings God and the soul near : yea, face to face. God's face is 
towards us in Christ. Our face is towards him by the faith of 
Christ. His countenance smiles upon us. That makes us of a 
joyful heart. ' My sheep hear my voice,' says Christ. John x. 
27. Yes, saith the soul, 'it is the voice of my beloved.' 
Song v. 2. See then your calling, Oh believer, and thou my 
soul. Live not below your exalted privilege. Draw nigh to 
God, and he will draw nigh to you. Speak humbly to God, of 
your sin, misery, and wretchedness. He will speak graciously 
to you, of his love and salvation in his Son. ' I said not unto 
the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain: I the Lord speak in 
righteousness,' 'Am mighty to save.' Isai. xlv. 19. and lxiii. 
1. Oh the blessedness of thus beholding the face of the Lord ! 
We are changed into the same image, by the Lord the Spirit. 
For God hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the 
knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. 
2 Cor. iv. 6 



DECEMBER 12.] 69b ^MORNING. 

Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the 
beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning : thou hast 
the dew of thy youth. Psal. ex. 3. 

When sovereign grace reacheth the heart, it casts out that 
son of the bond-woman, natural free-will. This had long usurp- 
ed the throne, and subjected the poor sinner to nothing but 
pride and evil. Yet all the while, the sinner vainly boasted of 
his liberty ; though he was a servile slave, to the worst of drudg- 
ery. Free indeed to do evil ; but to do good without power. 
Such is the natural will of every sinner that it is as averse to 
turn to Jesus, as the will of the devil is. But because of the 
free-will offering of Jesus, his members are made willing, by the 
Spirit, to come to him as their only hope. To Him they bring 
free-will offerings, with holy worship. Thus Jehovah the Fa- 
ther, speaks to the Son of his love, and gives a glorious display 
of the effects of everlasting election and covenant love, under 
the energy of the divine Spirit. See, believer, behold and 
adore the equal love of the glorious Trinity. Is thy will towards 
Jesus: is the language of thy heart none but Jesus, all other 
saviours I disclaim ? Verily, where this will is given by the 
Spirit in a day of power, the affections are attracted to Jesus in 
the beauties of holiness. Dost thou not choose the sceptre of 
his love to rule over thee, as well as the atonement of his blood 
to obtain thy pardon ? These are inseparable. Let no soul de- 
ceive himself. Every believer is washed in the blood of Jesus, 
and made a priest unto God. As the high-priest under the law 
'put on the breast-plate of judgment, the urim and thummim,' 
Exod. xxviii. 30. so every anointed one is endued with light 
and perfection. The light of the knowledge of Jesus; and the 
perfection of grace which dwells in him, is communicated to his 
members. Hence in the exercise of faith, their souls obey wil- 
lingly, serve cheerfully, and delight in Jesus continually. This 
is a soul-affecting consideration : all is of grace. Conceived in 
the womb of the morning of eternity, and its rich profusion free- 
ly poured forth in time, like the pearly dew, upon the vegetable 
creation, produces its verdure, refreshment, and fruits. 

So, disciple, all thy mercies come from above. Freely thou 
hast received an understanding to know, a will to choose, and 
affections to cleave unto Jesus : ' Render therefore unto Caesar 
the things that are Caesar's.' Do thou take all the shame of thy 
sinful, free-will and nature-state to thyself, and be humbled : 
' But unto God the things that are God's.' By his grace ' I am 
what I am ;' should be thy daily confession, and this the sweet 
exercise of thy grateful heart, to glory in the Lord alone, and 
devote thyself to his service ' Ye are not your own. ' 1 Cor 
vi. 19. 



DECEMBER 12.] 697 [EVENING, 

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should 
not have compassion on the son of her womb ? Yea, they may 
forget, yet will I not forget thee. Isai. xlix. 15. 

Lord, remember David and all his afflictions. Psal. cxxxii. ]. 
How comprehensive is this short petition? What a holy bold- 
ness, what a filial confidence breathes in it? Yes, says a poor 
doubting, dejected soul, but it came from an eminent saint, but 
I am a miserable sinner: I am afraid the Lord hath forgotten 
and forsaken me. Is your mind pained at the thoughts of this? 
That is a godly sorrow, which the wicked are strangers to. This 
is. one of the afflictions of the righteous. Lord, remember me, 
is the prayer of faith, to a covenant God. Here is a precious 
cordial, a heart-reviving answer from the Lord. Look at that 
woman with her smiling babe at her breast. See how fond she 
is of it, how delighted with it. It is part of herself. She bore 
it with pains, and brought it into the world with labour. Its in- 
nocent look, and helpless cry, call for her tenderest affection 
and regard. Can she forget it? can she refuse to shew compas- 
sion to it? will she neglect to administer to its wants, and to 
preserve from danger the dear and tendtr son of her womb? is 
it possible? Here is an image in nature, which strikes one with 
the most tender affection, to set forth the love and care of the 
Lord to his people : but strong and striking as it is, it fails. 
There have been, there may be such monsters in nature, who 
have not had compassion on the offspring of their womb. There- 
fore, knowing the fears and surmises of our nature, the Father 
of love, and the Friend of sinners, as it were, corrects himself, 
and says, ' yea, they may forget' — the comparison fails — this 
image, yea, all nature is too weak to borrow a representation 
from. 'Yet will I not forget thee.' Oh may faith catch, fasten, 
and live upon this precious word. Oh may love be excited, and 
joy increased by it. As though our dear Lord had said, ' I have 
loved thee with an everlasting love,' saved thee with an ever- 
lasting salvation, called thee by my grace, made thee know thy 
poverty and vileness, thy hopeless and helpless state : shall I 
ever be unmindful of thy distress, deaf to thy cry, and unwilling 
to relieve thy wants ? Impossible ! Is the tender infant part of 
its mother? Rememoer, ' we are members of Christ's body, of 
his flesh and of his bones.' Ephes. v. 19. In pain and sorrow 
did the mother bring the infant forth? Oh what agonies did it 
cost our Lord to redeem us ! Has he been at the pains, to bring 
us to himself for salvation? After all this, will he leave us to 
perish by sin, to be overcome by the world, or to be a prey to 
Satan? If we think so, we must sadly forget him who says, 
' Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands/ Isai. 
xlix. 16. 



4 u 



DECEMBER 13.] 698 [MORNING 

Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price. 1 Cor. 
vi. 19, 20. 



Oh how dear is every believer to God the Father, to Jesus 
the Saviour, and to the Spirit the comforter? Each divine per- 
son claims propriety in them. The Father by election : the Son 
by redemption: the Holy Spirit by inhabitation. How should 
this, oh soul, call forth love, excite gratitude, inflame with affec- 
tion, and quicken thee to glorify thy Lord ! Consider daily, thou 
art not thine own, but a ransomed captive of Jesus. Reflect on 
the price Jesus paid for thy redemption. Thou art bought with 
blood : with blood divine : blood spilt on the accursed tree, in 
direful agony, and shameful death, was the price of thy pur- 
chase. So thy Saviour bought thee, at the hands of justice. He 
paid the utmost farthing of thy debt to law : he redeemed thee 
from the power of Satan ; and snatched thee as a brand from 
the jaws of death and hell. And canst thou ever think, thy re- 
deeming Lord will leave the purchase of his blood to be the prey 
of the devil ? after he hath bought thee at such an inestimable 
price, will he not claim thee as his own, and bring thee safe to 
glory? Oh beware of indulging unbelief! Listen not to the sug- 
gestions of Satan. Nor to the voice of false teachers. Fly every 
thought, which impeaches thy Lord's love, wisdom or power. 
Consider, thou art thy Lord's freeman. As a chaste virgin, thou 
art espoused to Jesus. In faith hast plighted thy troth ; hast 
voluntarily given thyself, hand and heart, to be thy Lord's. 
What then is thy duty? what infinite obligations art thou under 
to forsake all other lovers, and to cleave to thy Lord alone, with 
full purpose of heart ! Dost thou believe thy vile body shall 
shortly be sown in the silent grave ? and that it shall certainly 
be raised a glorious body like unto thy Saviour's ? How much 
doth it concern thee to devote that body to his service and glory 
on earth, which shall reign with Jesus in heaven ! Is thy body 
the temple of the Holy Ghost ? canst thou reflect on its dignity, 
and debase and pollute it with filthy lusts ? God forbid ! Doth 
thy spirit enjoy sweet fellowship with the Father and his Son 
Jesus? doth the Spirit itself bear witness with thy spirit, that 
thou art a child of God ? Where is thy love to the truth as it is 
in Jesus ? where is thy zeal for his cause and interest ? Kemcm- 
ber whose thou art. Be concerned to live up to thy privilege 
and dignity. Be earnest in prayer for power to obey the obli- 
gations which infinite and eternal love hath laid thee under. 
• Glorify thy Lord in thy body and in thy spirit which are his." 

What sliall we pay th' eternal Son, Our everlasting love is due 

That left the heav'n of his abode, To him that ransom'd sinners lost, M 

And to this wretched earth came down And pity'd rebels when he knew 

To bring us wand'rers back to God ! The vast expence his love would cost. 



DECEMBER 13.J 699 [EVENING. 

Nay, but, oh man, who art thou that repliest against God? 
Rom. ix. 20. 



The sovereignty of God, in dispensing his grace to whom he 
pleaseth, which he oweth to none, ever was a bone of conten- 
tion. Unawakened people, with self-righteous hearts, and stub- 
born free-will pride, rise with indignation of spirit, daringly call 
in question the ways of God to man, and impiously reply 
against God, as though he had not an absolute right to do what 
he will with his own, and confer his favours when, and on whom 
he pleases. 'Ye shall be as Gods,' says the father of lies, Gen. 
iii. 5. Our first parents believed him. They have tainted our 
whole race with this proud lie. Hence the poet most sarcasti- 
cally says to repliers against God, 

Snatch from his hand the balance and the rod, 
Rejudge his justice, be the God of God. 

Paul meets such. He puts a question to them. He demands an 
answer from them. Who art thou ? The Lord in the sovereignty 
of grace, and with the glory of his majesty, issues his royal pro- 
clamation from heaven, ' I will have mercy on whom 1 will have 
mercy : and I will have compassion on whom I will have com- 
passion.' Now who? What art thou who darest to reply? 
What ! Reply against God ? What thou, oh man — worm of the 
earth — a creature of a day— born like a wild ass's colt, without 
understanding — by nature a child of wrath, dead in trespasses 
and sins, blind to thy own existence — thou vain fool, thou child 
of pride, and son of folly, dost thou exalt thy ignorance, and 
display thy enmity, by opening thy mouth against God, his 
truths and his ways ? This is one of the severest reproofs of the 
holy Spirit, in the whole Bible. Improve it. Remember there 
is ' a wo to him who striveth with his Maker.' Isai. xlv. 9. 
Know, you have nothing you can properly call your own, but 
sin. That is the parent of ignorance and pride. Wilt thou exalt 
these against the wisdom and grace of God ? Shall our corrupt 
reason reply against God, call him to an account of his ways, 
and say unto him, what doest thou? Consider, have we not for- 
feited ail right to God's favour ? Does any good thing dwell in 
our nature, to entitle us to his mercy ? Oh fall down, and bless 
God for the unmerited gift of his Son Jesus. Adore the riches 
of his abundant mercy, that • at this present time there is a rem- 
nant according to the election of grace : and if of grace, it is no 
more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace,' &c. Rom. 
xi. 5. 

While others wrangle and reply, Dear Spirit teach my soul the truth 

Against thy sovereign ways, oh Lord : As it in Christ my Saviour is : 

Oh bring my spirit down from high, Oh thou my God, guide of my youth. 

To feed by faith upon th^ word ' Preserve from proud rebellious lies. m. 



DECEMBER 14.] 700 [MORNING. 

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high ti?ne to 
awake out of sleep : for now is your salvation nearer than 
when we believed. Rom. xiii. 11. 



It is an affecting case, but a real truth, that wise virgins are 
apt to slumber and sleep as well as the foolish. Through the 
pressures of a body of sin and death, and the opiates of worldly 
ease and self-indulgence, they sometimes fall into a drowsy 
state, and a sleepy frame of soul. Hence, they lose their former 
delight, in religious duties and spiritual exercises. Their love 
to God and their brethren in Christ grows cold ; their zeal for 
the glory of Jesus and his precious truths decline. The enemy 
takes great advantage against them, and would triumph in their 
entire destruction. But that can never be, for the Lord prevents 
it. ' He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.' Will 
the loving father suffer his dear children to sleep in their beds, 
till devoured by raging flames? if we being evil, have such love 
for our children, how infinitely greater is the love of our hea- 
venly Father? Therefore he alarms souls and awakens them to 
duty and watchfulness. 

Thus Paul, his faithful watchman, lifts up his voice of warn- 
ing, cries the hour, and reproves disciples as acting unbecoming. 
It being both unreasonable and unseasonable for them who 
know the time of day to indulge sloth and heaviness. It is high 
time to awake out of sleep. Come, christian, look around thee; 
look up. The Saviour reigns. It is broad day. See the sun 
shining. Nay it is in its meridian. And thou art just got to thy 
journey's end. Just in sight of thy Father's house. Thy Lord 
is coming to meet thee. What! wilt thou sleep on and take thy 
rest? The Spirit speaks to thee in this word, ' Now is thy sal- 
vation nearer than when thou first believed.' The Lord is at 
hand. ' Let thy moderation, in care after the things of this 
world, be known unto all men.' What art thou grasping so 
much of perishing things for? Thou canst not hold them long. 
Off hands, before death makes thee quit thy hold. Think what 
thou art spiritually born for, called to, and art just going to take 
possession of. Verily, if thy soul is broad awake, thou seest 
things as they really are. Time, with all its toys, and plea- 
sures how short ! Eternity, with all its rich glories, and ines- 
timable blessings, how long! Jesus, with all his endearing ami- 
ableness, in his adorable person, precious offices, blessed pro- 
mises, and glorious work and finished salvation for thee, 
as the best object of all thy hope, love, peace and joy. For 
shame, sleep not when the delightful presence, and heavenly 
fellowship, of such a friend may be enjoyed. If thou hast lost 
the sense of this by sleep, oh resolve with the church, ' Twill 
give no sleep to mine eyes, until I find the Lord.' Psal. cxxxii. 4. 



DECEMBER 14.] 701 [EVENING. 

How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 
Gen. xxxix. 9. 



Look now at young Joseph, and say, is not this the finest rea- 
soning against a fierce temptation? Here is a youth in the bloom 
of life, in the vigour of nature, passions ran high, affections 
strong, a violent temptation presents, a fair seducer solicits. 
Yet, amidst all this, with the coolness of age, with the grace of 
faith he reasons, and with a holy fortitude of soul, he withstands 
and overcomes the sin. Here is a blessed lesson for you, ye 
youth, nor less instructive to me, and to you, ye aged. Every 
age of life has its peculiar temptations. Ye children of special 
grace, ye contenders for its glorious doctrines, consider, (1) 
What is implied in this, ' Sin against God?' Would not Joseph 
have sinned against the best of masters : against the wife of his 
master : against his own soul ? Doubtless. But his God is 
above and beyond all other objects. The love of his gracious 
God was in his heart; the fear of his covenant God was before 
his eyes: the glory of the God of his salvation, was near and 
dear to his soul. Oh believer, remember when tempted to com- 
mit sin, it is a great wickedness against the everlasting love of 
God your Father: the dying love of God your Redeemer; the 
reviving love of God your Comforter. Though sin cannot sink 
your soul into a hell of endless torment, yet it will surely bring 
a hell of misery into your conscience. Remember, it is against 
God. Look to him. Flee from sin. With every temptation 
God will make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 
God is faithful. * He will not suffer you to be tempted, above 
that ye are able. ' 1 Cor. x. 13. Consider, (2) the force of this 
reasoning. How can I sin? Lay a peculiar emphasis upon God 
and I. Here it is not criminal, nor arrogant, to introduce that 
little letter of great sound, I. What a peculiar spirit of the fire 
of generous love and holy energy is there in this question, how 
can I sin ? Is it possible that. I, hell deserving, yet heaven be- 
loved I, can wilfully and deliberately sin? I sin against my 
God ! Can I set at nought his love, I wilfully violate his law, I 
deliberately defy his power ? Impossible. His grace teaches 
ma to deny all ungodliness. The love of Christ constrains from 
it. If lusts prevail, the sense of love is lost. Oh let love abound 
over lust. Jesus save me. This is the reasoning, this the prayer, 
of genuine faith and generous love. 'Sin shall not have the 
dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under 
grace.' Rom. vi. 14. ( The grace of God teaches us.' Titus 
ii. 12. 

What soul on earth can sin withstan Lord then thy saving grace impart, 

When suited to his lust, When sin invades my soul, 

Unless upheld by God's right, hand ? Let love be strong within my heart, 

**or man is sinful dust And faith my pow'rs controul. m. 



DECEMBER 15.] 702 [MORNING, 

Watch ye, standfast in the faith, quit yourselves like men, 
be strong. 1 Cor, xvi. 13. 



Believers in the Lord Jesus, now partake of an everlasting- 
salvation. No enemy can deprive them of the full enjoyment 
of it in glory; because ■ they are kept by the mighty power of 
God.' But we are daily to consider, it is ' through faith.' 1 Pet. 
i 5. Do we believe in the atonement of Jesus's blood ? do we 
rely on the perfection of his righteousness? Why so ? Because 
the word of the Lord is the warrant for our faith. Hence, oh 
soul, the exhortations from the same word to duty, are equally 
binding on thy belief and practice. The same Lord, who has 
saved us from our enemies, calls us to watch against them. Je- 
sus, who is gone to prepare a place for us in glory, directs us 
how to demean ourselves in the way to it. Shall the christian 
soldier neglect the command of the captain of his salvation, 
when the glory of God and the peace and comfort of his own 
soul are equally concerned ? Surely not. 

Through watchfulness many evils are prevented, many bless- 
ings enjoyed. When a christian is off his guard, or asleep when 
he should watch, how is he exposed to the attacks and tempta- 
tions of the enemy ? It is for our good, that the Lord commands 
it as our duty. It is through his power, that hereby the good 
Soldier of Jesus Christ is enabled to stand fast in the profession, 
power and comfort of faith. It was Paul's joy in the views of 
death, that he had i kept the faith.' 2 Tim. iv. 7. Would we 
enjoy the same comfort? strive in the strength of the Lord to 
follow his example. Check the risings of unbelief. Oppose the 
workings of carnal reason. Resist stedfastly in the faith the sub- 
tle devices of Satan. This is our duty and wisdom. So shall 
we quit ourselves like men of valour and courage : like victori- 
ous saints of old, ' who overcame every enemy through the blood 
of the Lamb.' Droop not, oh believer, thy strength is the Lord's 
omnipotence. Lift up thy head with boldness, thine enemies 
are vanquished by thy conquering Jesus. Be strong. Look off 
thyself. Look to the strong for strength. Look unto Jesus con- 
tinually. Rely only on the power of his might hourly. His arm 
is not shortened. The reliance of faith engages his power. The 
cry of faith obtains victory. There is an open and effectual 
door, by which thou shalt enter into glory; but thou must fight 
through. Consider daily this is our motto, ( More than conquer- 
ors through Jesus who hath loved us.' Rom. viii. 37. 

Dear Lord, my thankful heart receives J am my Love's, and he is mine, 

The hope thine invitation gives Our hearts, our hopes, our passions join ; 

To thee my joyful lips shall raise Nor let n motion or a word.. 

The voice of prayer, the voice of praise. ' Nor thought arise to grieve my Lord. 



.DECEMBER 15. J 703 [EVENING. 

Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom 
of God. Mark iv. 11. 

When the Son of God came from heaven to earth, then was 
the mystery of heaven revealed, and the kingdom of God made 
manifest to the sons of men. What, to all of them? No : many, 
when Christ was on earth, and ever since, have neither eyes to 
see, ears to hear, nor hearts to understand the mystery of the 
kingdom of God. The god of this world blinds their eyes, stops 
their ears, and shuts their hearts against spiritual mysteries. 
And they are honest enough to proclaim it with their tongues, 
saying, Where mysteries begin, their religion ends- Lord, why 
am I not left in natural blindness, ignorance, and stupidity of 
soul ! Oh why me, Lord, and not others ! (1) The mystery of 
the kingdom of God, is that revealed truth, that the Trinity, God 
the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, will get 
everlasting honour and glory, to all the attributes and perfec- 
tions of the godhead, by the incarnate Jesus : in the salvation 
of cursed, miserable sinners, in setting up the kingdom of God 
in their hearts, upon the ruins of sin, and by the destruction of 
Satan. ' This is the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the 
flesh/ 1 Tim. iii. 16. This mystery, ' angels desire to look into/ 
1 Pet. i. 12. Oh my soul, oh my fellow-sinners,, we are much 
more concerned in it than they. Let us pry into it daily, with the 
greatest earnestness, and deepest attention. (2) What is it to 
know this mystery ? It is spiritually, savingly and experimen- 
tally to see it — understand the grace and mercy of it — to believe 
its suitableness to us — our want of it — the hope, peace, and joy, 
which are brought to our souls by it — so as heartily to approve 
of God's bringing an atonement for our sins, righteousness for 
our justification, and salvation to our souls, by his beloved Son, 
the man Christ Jesus. (3) How do we know this? By the reve- 
lation of the word, and the inspiration of the Spirit. It is given 
us to know it. The Spirit opens our eyes to see it, and our 
hearts to understand, and believe it, as revealed in his word. 
(4) Who? Even all whom the Lord shall call. In the days 
of his flesh, Jesus called unto him whom he would. Mark iii. 
13. So in the days of the Spirit's power, he enlightens whom he 
will to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. (5) We know 
the sweet ' fellowship of this mystery/ Ephes. iii. 9. Our hearts 
are in love with the doctrines of grace, and oui affections swayed 
by them, for we understand them, and our judgments approve 
of them. Thus we have joyful fellowship with the Father and 
his Son Jesus Christ in the truth, through the grace of the 
Spirit. The. more we know of this mystery, (he more comfort. 
Study the love of Christ, that ye may be filled with all the ful- 
ness of God. Ephes. iii. 1 



DECEMBER 16.] 704 [MORNING. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see. God. 
Matt. v. 8. 



Every institution of purification, under the law referred to Je- 
sus, the purifier of his people. Old-Testament saints received 
inward purity of heart, from the same fountain, Jesus ; and 
through the same means, faith in him. Without this inward 
purity of heart, ' without holiness, no man ever did or ever shall 
see the Lord.' When Jesus comes to his temple, even the hearts 
of his people, he * sits as a refiner and purifier.' Sinners are 
the objects of his love. Sin is the accursed thing his soul hates. 
From this he purifies them. In purity and holiness his soul de- 
lights : with this he blessed his disciples. He then pronounces 
them blessed. He tells them wherein their happiness consists : 
blessed are you, whose hearts are pure : blessed are your eyes, 
for they shall see God. 

e Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one 
of fallen Adam's race. Job xiv. 4. Such power belongs to God 
only. Man contributes nothing hereto. But man, every believ- 
ing, regenerate man, is the blessed subject of purity and holi- 
ness of heart. He has no hand in purifying his heart. No glory 
is due to him. But holy blessed effects flow from it, to God his 
Saviour's glory, to his present felicity, and to his eternal com- 
fort and joy. To thy shame, disciple, thou kno west, being^a 
child of an apostate sinful parent, naturally only sin was the 
delight of thine heart. It is thy present blessedness to be a 
child of the holy God, a member of the holy Jesus, a subject ot 
the Holy Spirit's new creating influence, and a partaker of holy 
faith. Hence it is natural to thy holy, new-born heart, to love 
holiness, as agreeable to the perfections of thy God and Savi- 
our, and as it is suitable to thy present state of blessedness in 
Christ Jesus. Whence those sighs and sorrows at finding the 
Canaanites still in the land? whence those groans and prayers 
because sin dwelletn in the flesh ? whence those importunate 
cries and longing requests to Jesus, for total victory and per- 
fect freedom from this troublesome inmate? whence that holy 
joy and sweet complacency in bringing forth the fruits of holi- 
ness? These are indubitable evidences that thou art united to 
a holy Jesus — that thy heart is purified by faith — that thou hast 
a heart cleansed from all sin by Cnrist's blood. A new heart 
and right spirit are put within faee. Thou dost see God in 
Christ now, as thy covenant God. Thou hast received covenant 
blessings from him. Rejoice in him. Shortly, thou shalt see him 
pud enjov him to all eternity in his kingdom and glory. 

Bless'd are the men of broken lieart, Lless-d are the pure whose hearts are clean 

Who mourn for sin with inward smart, From the defiling povv'r of sit? ; 

The blood of Christ divinely flows, vVith e.idless pleasure they shall see 

A healing balm for all their woes. A God of spotless purity. 



DECEMBER 16.] 705 [EVENING. 

What profit is it, that ice have kept his ordinances, and 
walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts ? Mai. iii. 14. 

These words were spoken to the carnal Jews. They may be 
applied to us. For the filthy leaven of the proud Pharisee, 
works in all our natures, at least, I know one who finds it 
does. What does it produce ? Hard thoughts of God, and stout 
words against him. We are apt to arraign his conduct to- 
wards others, and think he deals rather hardly with us. (1) 
' We call the proud happy. ' In a dark, tried, tempted, desert- 
ed hour, when we see the poor, proud sons of pride and folly, 
ranting and revelling in all the gay scenes of mirth and jollity, 
we are apt to look at them, think of them, and draw such con- 
clusions from them as these. Well, surely these people are 
happier in their ways, than I am in mine. They are strangers 
to my heart burdens and soul distresses. Mirth sits on their 
countenance, while grief and sorrow weigh them down. This 
was the experience of David, Job, Asaph, and the prophets. 
We frequently find them at times, sorely distressed about this 
very thing. The chief of sinners, and the least of all saints, 
who now writes, has also been often tried and tempted in this 
matter. (2) ' We say, they who work wickedness are set up. ' 
It staggers our reason, to see the openly notorious and ungodly 
flourish in great esteem and abundance: while I think, if I am 
a child of God, I am despised, and can but just get the neces- 
saries of life, and those with hard labour, and much care. (3) 
'Those who tempt God, are even delivered.' If they get into 
troubles and perplexities, though they daringly provoke God to 
bis face, yet, they find friends enough to deliver them, while I 
combat my troubles daily, and no man cares for my soul. And 
therefore, (4) The words of the text are taken up, ' What profit 
is it, &c. ' Oh my soul ! Lie low before the Lord. Be asham- 
ed of thy base, carnal reasoning against, and unbelieving- 
thoughts of thy God. What profit? pride avaunt. Look not 
to thy keeping his ordinances, and walking mournfully in deep 
humiliation before the Lord. Yet do both constantly. But 
look to a covenant God in Christ— look at the precious free- 
grace promises, which are in him : look to the Comforter, to re- 
ceive freely out of the fulness of Jesus, love and salvation. 
Look not at others with an eye of envy, but look to thyself, with 
an eye of astonishment, and adore the distinguishing love of the 
Lord. What if thou hast not expected comforts in the way — 
what if thou walkest mournfully all the way: yet thou art 
blessed, and hast blessed promises to support thee. 'Blessed 
are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted/ Matt. v. 4. 
Mind that precious word. They who sow in tears, shall reap 
i" joy* He that weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubt- 
less come again with rejoicing. Psal. cxxvi. 6. 

4 x 



DECEMBER 17.] 706 [MORNING 

Righteousness delivereth from death. Prov. xi. 4. 



When a poor sinner is brought to judge of himself according 
to the word of truth, then is he truly wise. When he sees the 
exceeding sinfulness of sin, he is humbled before the Lord. 
When he considers 'the wages of sin is death,' he fears and 
trembles. But when he is enabled to believe he is righteous in 
the sight of God, then he is truly happy. His soul rejoiceth, 
because his eyes have seen the salvation of God; and he hath 
found a righteousness that delivers from death. It is never 
well with the soul, but when in simplicity and godly sincerity, 
it forms its judgment of sin and righteousness from the word of 
the Lord. For carnal reason and fleshly wisdom, pervert and 
draw it aside from the truth as it is in Jesus. Sin is a trans- 
gression of the law, which is holy, just, and good. ' Death has 
passed upon all men.' Verily then I am a cursed sinner, and 
have need to cry daily, ' God be merciful to me ! ' Lord, deliver 
my soul from death ! What is righteousness, but a perfect obe- 
dience to the law of God? I have no righteousness in myself. 

1 have sinned. A sinner righteous in himself is a contradiction 
in terms. 

But here is our mercy: as by man, sin entered into the world, 
and death as the curse of sin : so by man came righteousness ; 
and as a blessing of it, deliverance from death. Where can we 
turn our eyes? to whom can we look for this righteousness, this 
blessing, this deliverance? to the man, mediator, surety, and 
representative of his people, Jesus, only. He is emphatically 
stiled ' the righteous. ' 1 John ii. 1. This is the comfortable 
testimony the spirit of truth bears of Jesus, 'He was made sin 
for us who knew no sin, that we (who have no righteousness in 
ourselves) might be made the righteousness of God in him/ 

2 Cor. v. 21. So the righteous Jehovah, who loveth righteous- 
ness, and whose countenance beholds the thing that is just, is 
well pleased with the members of Jesus: for they are clothed 
with his righteousness. The Lord laid their sins upon Jesus. 
The Lord imputes the righteousness of Jesus to them without 
any works of theirs. So he delivers them from deserved death 
— so he justifies them in righteousness unto eternal life : every 
believer is as perfectly righteous in Christ, as if he had never 
sinned. Here is thy happiness, oh believer! it is thy joyful 
privilege thus to judge of thyself. To live in this view of thy- 
self, is agreeable to the truth of God's word: it is witnessed to 
thy soul, by the comforter, through faith. This makes the soul 
joyful in truth. This animates to all holy obedience in love. 
This gives confidence in prayer, comfort in life, deliverance 
from death, and boldness at the awful bar of judgment. Thus 
'grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus 
Christ our Lord. 1 Rom. v. 21 



DECEMBER 17.] 707 [EVENING. 

My beloved is mine. Song ii. 16. 

Here is a knowledge worth more than heaven and earth. For 
heaven and earth shall pass away, but this knowledge endureth 
for ever. Oh happy souls, who are favoured with it, give fresh 
glory to your beloved to-night Ye, who are seeking it, rejoice. 
For he hath said, 'every one who seeketh findeth.' Matt. vii. 
8. Happy Job was favoured with it, when he was in heaviness 
through manifold temptations — broken in the place of dragons, 
and covered with the shadow of death. Then he must have ut- 
terly fainted, had he not believed. Time was, when Job could 
say, my health, my wealth, my honours, my children, my com- 
forts, but these were all dead and gone. He had nothing with- 
in, nor without, to stay his soul upon, but the word of the Lord, 
and the Lord revealed in the word. This was his support and 
his glory. Though I have lost all this, I have my Redeemer 
still. He lives. I know it. While he lives, I cannot die. 
As he has redeemed me, I cannot perish. While 1 know it, I 
cannot despair. I wall rejoice in him, though I am stript of all 
things beside him. Oh how does the whole world lie fast 
asleep, in the arms of the wicked one, without the least thought 
of, or desire after the knowledge of this precious Redeemer ! 
But how many poor sinners are saying! Oh that I knew this 
dear Redeemer was mine : Oh that I could say, ' I know my 
Redeemer liveth.' Nothing in all the world could give me 
such comfort as this. Bless the dear Spirit, for he hath given 
you peculiar knowledge of Christ, and special approbation of 
him. It is special grace, to see your misery as a sinner, and 
your want of a Redeemer, and to make Christ the choice of your 
soul. You know, you believe the Redeemer liveth. Why, all 
this is in consequence of his love to you. He chose you ; he 
loves you; he died for you: he lives to pray for you. There- 
fore he has blessed you, by sending his Spirit to you. Why 
then should unbelief so prevail in you, as to keep you from ho- 
nouring him, by claiming him as your beloved, and rejoicing in 
him as your friend ? Oh the unspeakable mercy to have such a 
Redeemer! We have redemption through his blood, even the 
forgiveness of sins: perfect peace with God, and a sure title to 
glory. Blessed be God for Jesus Christ. Oh study the work, 
the perfectly finished, and everlastingly glorious work of Christ's 
redemption. Believe his precious word of invitation, come un- 
to me, His precious promise is, I will give you rest. What 
could Christ have done more than he hath to manifest his love 
to sinners? Why then should you or I, or any poor sinner be 
kept from claiming him by faith, saying, this is my beloved and 
my friend ? Song v. 16. 



DECEMBEP 18.J 708 [MORNING 

Let the peace of God rale in your hearts, to which ye are 
called in one body ; and be ye thankful. Col. iii. 15. 

Every exhortation in the word of grace implies a contrary 
disposition in the fallen nature of saints. Because thou hast 
turbulency and disorder in thy flesh, therefore art thou, believer, 
called upon by the word, to oppose it in the grace of the Spirit. 
Here is thy daily exercise. We shall surely meet with many 
things from within and without, which are contrary to the peace 
of our minds, and the comfort of our hearts. Thou, oh man of 
God, art to flee these things : watch against them ; pray for 
victory over them. Thou hast the most powerful excitements 
hereto. Jesus hath made peace by the blood of his cross. 
Every disciple is called to the knowledge and enjoyment of it 
through faith. Called to be of that one body whereof Jesus is 
the head. Hence the hand-writing of the law of accusation is 
cancelled in the mind ; sin is dethroned in the heart; the clam- 
ours of conscience silenced ; and sweet peace with God inward- 
ly felt. Dost thou, soul, possess this happy state ? What 
then shall be the umpire ? What the determining rule of thy 
conduct? Live by the word of truth on the prince of peace ; so 
shall thy outward actions be governed right. 

Peace with God is the fruit of everlasting love. Its root was 
planted in the eternal council; it blossoms and bears fruit, in 
the life and death of Jesus; and poor sinners reap the sweet, 
heartfelt sense of it by faith. Nothing can destroy this hea- 
venly plant ; but many things may cause it to droop and wi- 
ther in sense and experience. Let the peace of God rule. 
Hence it is plain thou art exposed to many things which may 
prevent its ruling: those are to be guarded against. While the 
peace of God rears its head, and rules in the heart, its natural 
influence is to follow peace with all men. Yea the peaceful 
soul embraces every member of the prince of peace in the open 
arms of faith and love. And canst thou barter the enjoyment 
of this rich gem of thy Redeemer's crown, for the gratification of 
unbridJsd passion, unchristian resentment, undue revenge 
against thy brother? Hath thy Lord dealt so with thee? Has 
this been the rule of the meek Lamb's conduct? Thou knowest 
otherwise. i Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves.' Yes : 
avenge thyself on the enemy of thy peace. Oh disciple, thy 
pride is the cause of anger and passion. Here fix all thy indig- 
nation : against this be fired with a holy resentment. A sens of 
anger will hinder thy prayers : resentment will shut up thy spi- 
rit against gratitude and thankfulness to thy God : oh offer up 
his sweet sacrifice continually from thy heart. Beware lest the 
smoke of pride and corruptions cloud thy mind, and darken thy 
soul. Be humble. Humility is the ground of gratitude. 'Re- 
member thy calling, and study to walk worthy of it.' 



DECEMBER 18.] 709 [EVENING. 

Take no thought, saying, what shall we eat ? or what shall 
we drink ? or wherewithal shall we be clothed ? Matt. vi. 31 . 



The word of God is like a well drawn picture, which, whoever 
looks at, thinks the eyes are towards him, and fixed on him. 
There is in Christ's word, somewhat that suits our state, under 
every circumstance, and in all times and seasons. Pliny speaks 
of a rod of myrtle, which if a traveller carries in his hand, he 
never grows faint nor weary. Verily, Christ's word is like this 
rod of myrtle. For it beguiles our weary steps— smooths our 
rugged paths — braces our weak nerves — animates our weary 
minds -resolves our unreasonable doubts — forbids every anx- 
ious thought, and tormenting care. Christ would have our 
hearts simple in faith, and our hope steadily fixed on him ; so 
as not to be running out in anxious cares about a dying body, 
and a perishing world. To cure this, let it suffice, that your 
heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. 
Therefore be not of doubtful mind, as though ye were orphans, 
who have no father to love you, or provide for you. He directs 
our thoughts to his kingdom, as our first and chief concern, and 
assures us, all temporal things shall be added : or, as it were, 
thrown into the scale. If not for the body, so neither for the 
soul, should we be of doubtful minds. Our Father hath made 
ample provision for that also. (1) 'What shall we eat?' The 
most precious, heavenly, soul-nourishing food is set before us 
in the gospel : The flesh of Christ, which is meat indeed. ' The 
word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. ' John i. 14. On 
purpose that we might feed on him ; and live by him. Says he, 
'He who eateth me, even he shall live by me.' John vi. 57. 
Believing on Christ, is feeding on him. Hath your heart fed 
on Christ to-day by faith? (2) 'What shall we drink?' The 
blood of Christ. His blood is drink indeed. Says he, ' He who 
eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I 
in him.' Oh without this mutual indwelling, if we have the 
most spacious dwelling, we are under curse and wrath. But if 
Christ be in us, and we in him, we dwell in God, in heaven, in 
glory, by faith. Drink the precious, sin- atoning blood of Christ 
by faith to-night, and be thankful : (3) ' Wherewithal shall we 
be clothed?' Poor naked sinner, the robe of righteousness, the 
garment of salvation, wrought out by the elder Brother, is put 
upon thee by thy heavenly Father. It is not only unto all, 
but upon all who believe. Rom. iii. 22. Remember the 
myrtle. Carry Christ's word in the hand of faith, 'lest ye be 
wearied and faint in your minds. ' Heb xii. 3. 

Our heavenly Father will provide Theu turn your anxious thoughts to prav'rs, 

What's needful and is best ; In Jesus ever rest *. 



DECEMBER 19. J 710 [MORNING. 

And Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be 
taken away from her. Luke x. 42. 

What the Lord said of Aaron's rod, is true of the hearts of all 
his elect: 'The man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blos- 
som. ' Numb. xvii. 5. To see a dead withered stick, cut off 
from the root, bring forth blossoms, is a miracle in nature. So 
when the soul of a once dead sinner shoots forth the blossoms 
of affection to, and chooses Jesus as its portion and happiness, 
and brings forth fruits of holiness ; this is a miracle of grace. 

The love of Jesus to his people was not only conceived in his 
heart from eternity, but was manifested in his life and death 
in time. So when our hearts are made acquainted with the 
love of Jesus, it cannot be hid. When Jesus is chosen as our 
treasure, our affections cleave to him, we follow him, our de- 
light is to hear his voice, to sit at his feet, and attend upon the 
gracious words which drop from his lips. Blessed be his name, 
he indulges his people now with spiritual, real communion with 
him ; though we enjoy not his bodily presence. This is our 
heaven upon earth. But it differs from the heaven of glory in 
this ; because here are many things that interrupt our constant 
enjoyment of Jesus — Satan envies it— the flesh lusteth against 
it — the world, with its profits and pleasures, tends to allure us 
from it. And indeed the poor heart is oft times ready to fear it 
shall lose Jesus's grace and salvation. Though, like Mary, 
the soul hath chosen the good part in time, yet it sometimes 
doubts of the enjoyment of its portion in a blissful eternity. 
But that is impossible ; because Jesus is God, and it is impos- 
sible for God to lie. But had not Martha also a part in this one 
thing needful? Doubtless. But still she was ever careful, and 
too much cumbered about other things. This our Lord re- 
proves. The same grace which was effectual in Mary's heart, 
influences the heart of every disciple to the same choice; there- 
fore what Jesus said to her in the days of his flesh, is wrote by 
his Spirit for our consolation and establishment in faith and 
love. Mary displayed the greatness of her soul in being satis- 
fied with no object short of Jesus, and the humility of her heart 
in sitting at his feet. Poor doubting, fearing believer, thy 
choice of Jesus is the effect of God's choosing thee in Jesus; 
therefore thy good part, thy happy choice, shall never be taken 
from thee ; but thou shalt soon hear the voice of thy Beloved, 
saying, ' Come up hither.' ' Where 1 am, there shall my ser- 
vants be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honour.' 
John xii. 26. 

Thus saitli tlie wisdom of the Lord, The soul that seeks me shall obtain * 

Bless'd is the man that hears my word ; Immortal wealth and heav'n-y gain 

Keeps daily watch before my gates, Immortal life is his reward, 

And at my feet for mercy wails. In love and favour of his Lord. 



December 19.J 711 [evening. 

r esus said unto his disciples, if any man ivill come after 
me, let him deny himself. Matt. xvi. 24 

We are called to follow Christ in the Regeneration. Matt. 
xix. 28. That is, in that new state of things, called, 'the time 
of reformation.' Heb. ix. 10. Wherein he has set all things 
right between God and us sinners. Christ has not left us any 
thing to do, whereby to satisfy divine justice, and to fulfil the 
holy law, in order to procure God's favour, and a title to his 
kingdom ; but only to come after him, to reap all the glorious 
spoils and victories of his law-fulfilling life, and .sin- atoning 
death, in our perfect reconciliation to God, justification before 
him, acceptance and peace with him. Oh soul, this knowledge 
is essential to thy following Christ, in faith and love. Without 
this, you cannot come after him one step. Therefore in love he 
bids thee, deny thyself. As though he had said, all things in 
the old creation of fallen nature, are contrary to my spiritual 
kingdom, and oppose my reign in the heart, therefore, all in self 
must be denied. Receive this in faith, as the command of love, 
to enjoy peace and comfort in thy Lord. (1) Thy carnal rea- 
son exalts itself against the grace and truth of thy Lord. Deny 
this. (2) Thy self-righteous pride of obtaining righteousness 
by works, opposes free and full justification unto life, by the 
spotless righteousness of Christ. Renounce that. (8) The 
selfish notion of fulfilling terms and conditions of salvation, is 
contrary to following Christ, as having finished our salvation. 
Disown that. (4) Corrupt lusts will draw away thy heart 
from following Christ, in the paths of holiness. Deny them. 
(5) The pleasures of carnal sense, attract thy heart from Christ. 
Renounce them. (6) Unbelief is an enemy to thy Lord's love 
and truth. Resist it. Oppose thy Lord's word to it. (7) Doubts 
and fears, that Christ will not receive thee — will reject thee-— 
that he will not save thee to the uttermost — that thou mayest 
perish at last, will prevent thy comfortably following Christ. 
Reject them. Oppose his loving promise, to them. Lastly, 
deny, renounce and disown the notion, that thou hast any pow- 
er of thy own, to deny thyself in following Christ, and to per- 
severe to the end. Let this ever be thy prayer, ' Draw me, I 
will run after thee. 5 Song. i. 4. Christ's power of drawing, is 
our strength for denying and running. Therefore, when Christ 
says, Deny thyself, look not on him as a rigorous law-giver, to 
enslave thee under bondage ; but as a precious law-fulfiller. a 
loving Saviour, and grace bestowed on miserable sinners. He 
would have us live totally out of corrupt nature and carnal 
self, be quite happy in him ; and comfortable in following of 
him. For he saith, ' I who speak in righteousness, am mighty 
to save.' Isai. lxiii. 1. Profession is easy to hypocrites. 
Self-denial is the evidence of real disciples. 



DECEMBER 20.] 712 [MORNINO. 

Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son 
Jesus Christ, 1 John i. 3. 



The prophet asks, 'Can two walk together, except they be 
agreed?' Amos iii. 3. No. There can be no sweet communion, 
no comfortable fellowship, between God and man, except they 
be agreed. See then, oh soul, this fellowship is enjoyed by 
faith : for by faith, we are brought into agreement with God. 
Consider, how the glorious three concur \o make our souls 
thus happy. It pleased God the Father, that all fulness should 
dwell in his Son. — He determined to display all his grace and 
glory in the Mt N Jesus, for the sinner's salvation — Hence he 
saith to us, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, 
hhar ye him.' But we are averse to agree with God, and to 
hear Jesus. We had rather have fellowship with the unfruit- 
ful works of darkness, and that the devil should rule over us ; 
than that Jesus should have the whole glory of saving us by his 
grace. But the dear Spirit loves us with equally the same love 
as the Father and the Son doth, He takes the scales of igno- 
rance from our eyes; and the veil of unbelief from our hearts, 
then we fall in love with Jesus's precious person. He convin- 
ces us of our sin and misery. Oh then we gladly hear, and joy- 
fully receive Jesus to be our Saviour. Then We come to the 
exact point where the Father meets us and embraces us, even in 
his Son Jesus. He saith to us, oh my blessed sons ! All I have 
is yours. We say to him, oh our loving Father ! All we are is 
thine. And just as children of one family have sweet commu- 
nion, loving intercourse, and agreeable fellowship with each 
other, and with their common parents ; so have we, with our 
heavenly Father, and our dear brother, Jesus, in our spirits 
He speaks to us ; we hear and obey ; we pray to him : he hears 
and answers. We have fellowship in the Father's everlasting 
love : in the Son's everlasting righteousness, atonement, salva- 
tion, and intercession, through the Spirit's everlasting consola- 
tion. Oh what astonishing grace ! Oh what wonder of love is 
this ! Sinners of a mortal race, enjoy close fellowship, and in- 
timate communion, with the High and Lofty One who inhabits 
eternity. This is our highest felicity below. Here we admire, 
adore, and love. Angels, behold with wonder and joy our con- 
version to it. But, this fills with envy, and fires with rage, the 
infernal spirits. They hate the truth, and oppose our know- 
ledge and enjoyment of it. Though Satan is not acquainted 
with our sweet fellowship, yet he sees we are not delighted to 
have fellowship with him, in unfruitful works of darkness. Hence 
he is our adversary. And all the world, who are under his in- 
fluence, he stirs up with implacable enmity against us. But 
what of. all this? Faith is our victory. And as this fellowship 
is begun in faith; so the Holy Spirit will maintain it in the soul 
hy faith below, till we come to the fullest enjoyment of God 
and the Lamb above. 






DECEMBER 20.] 713 [EVENING. 

Underneath are the everlasting arms. Deut. xxxiii. 27. 

It is storied of Anteus, that every time Hercules threw hint 
to the ground, he rose up the stronger, for he go,t new strength, 
by touching his mother, the earth. This is true of the Christian. 
The more he is assaulted, and thrown down by the enemy, he 
falls into the Lord's everlasting arms, and gets fresh sirength. 
He cannot be thrown down lower than God suffers : for ' under- 
neath are God's everlasting arms.' His word is full of grace — 
His arms almighty — His love everlasting. Here is the wisdom, 
here the glory of the Lord's people, to look from themselves, to 
go out of themselves, for safety and salvation. For they rest 
upon God's word. They believe the Lord to be all that to them, 
which he has said. This is living by faith — honouring the 
Lord's truth — glorifying the Saviour's name. Why are we told, 
' Underneath are the everlasting arms. ' Because we know and 
see ourselves deserving of hell, and liable to fall into the pit of 
destruction. Therefore, the Lord would have our hearts strong 
in him, and in the power of his might, that we might not fear 
the face of any enemy, nor be dismayed under the sense of our 
own vileness, and insufficiency to stand. The spouse of Christ, 
thus sweetly expresses her comfort and safety, ' His left hand 
is under my head ; his right hand doth embrace me.' Cant. ii. 
6. Signifying, that she was encircled in the arms of her loving 
Saviour. Both hands were engaged for her safety and support. 
Oh drooping believer ! Why dost thou hang down thy head ? 
Why those dejected doubts, and distressing fears ? Look back 
to the everlasting covenant. There everlasting love presided. 
Then wast thou viewed, and thy case provided for. Look up, 
there sits a God of love on a throne of grace. There stands thy 
blessed advocate, Jesus, ever pleading thy cause. Look under- 
neath, there are the everlasting arms to sustain, and support 
thee. What power then shall prevail against thee ? Neither sin, 
death or hell, can snatch thee out of the everlasting arms of thy 
almighty God, thy reconciled Father : out of I he loving aims of 
thy gracious Redeemer: out of the powerful arms of the Holy 
Ghost, thy Sanctifier. Everlasting safety is in everlasting arms. 
Here is a covenant declaration. Exercise the covenant-grace 
of faith upon this text. (1) ' The eternal God is thy refuge/ 
Flee to him in distress. (2) His everlasting arms are under- 
neath. Rejoice in thy safety. (3) He will thrust out every 
enemy before thee, and speak destruction to them. Happy art 
thou, oh believer ! Who is like unto thee saved by thv Lord ? 

Oh Lord I bless thee for thy word. Which does such daily strength afford, 

To build my faith upon : My heav'nly race to run. m 



4 Y 



DECEMBER 21.] 714 [MORNING. 

That we might have strong consolation, who have fled for 
refuge, to lay hold on the hope set before us. Heb. vi. 18. 

Man is equally fallen from God with the devil. There is only 
this difference between them; sovereign grace provides hope 
for men, and not for devils. Jesus is the only hope for lost sin- 
ners. To him the heirs of promise flee : in him they find a re- 
fuge from every danger. Like the man-slayer under the law, 
who was in danger of death on every side, and no way of safety, 
but in the city of refuge, which God appointed for him. Here 
his life was safe : the law of God was his protection. No one 
durst take vengeance on him : such was God's provision for 
him. Infinitely superior are the settlements of grace. The sal- 
vation of the soul, with eternal life and glory are for ever se- 
cured to us, by God's immutable counsel, his inviolable pro- 
mises. — Yea more, God has pledged himself; he hath confirmed 
all by his Oath. Oh the cursed nature of unbelief! It makes 
the God of truth a liar: it would prove the God of faithfulness 
perjured. Oh the devilish nature of pride ! It would share in the 
glory of salvation ; it disowns our damned state ; and therefore 
denies the sovereignty of grace. Pride rises into wrath, at dis- 
tinguishing grace, that God should bestow his favour upon 
whom he pleaseth, which he owes to no one. For who hath de- 
served his grace? Glory to the rich grace of our God, a present 
refuge, a present hope, are freely set before us ; and strong con- 
solation enjoyed by us now. 

Are the eyes of our understanding enlightened to see Jesus, 
the hope of our calling? The insufficiency of every other hope? 
Have we fled from every refuge of lies to Jesus ? and laid hold 
on him by faith, as our only hope? This is by the grace of the 
Holy Spirit. He is our comforter : he administers strong conso- 
lation to our souls from Jesus. The l immutability of God's 
counsel ; and the confirmation of his oath centre in Jesus. See 
thy distinguishing grace, oh believer, and rejoice. Not only 
safe, but happy — not only secure, but joyful': this is grace upon 
grace. Not only glory in reversion, but grace in possession. 
You see your calling, brethren ; and the riches of your inherit- 
ance with all saints. These are your strong holds, ye prisoners 
of hope. Though imprisoned in a body of sin and death; ex- 
posed to unbelieving doubts and fears ; liable to sore trials and 
conflicts with your adversary Satan ; yet ever consider this : 
nothing but consolation, strong consolation awaits you in Christ 
Jesus. He is your constant refuge, your only hope : ' Abide in 
me,' saith the Lamb. He would have us be simple of heart ; so 
shall we be joyful in Spirit. For verily, if we look to any other 
object but Jesus, we shall smart for it. We can draw comfort 
from no other. In Jesus we can triumph with joy ; and chal- 
lenge with confidence f who shall lay any thing to the charge of 
God's elect.' Rom. viii. 33 



DECEMBER 21.] 715 [EVENING, 

Keep thy heart with all diligence. Pro v. iv. 23. 

Camden reports, that ' Redwald, king of the East-Saxons, the 
first prince of this nation who was baptized, yet in the same 
church, allowed an altar for Christ, and another for the heathen 
idols/ How many professors imitate him. Their hearts are 
not whole with Christ: (hey are sons of folly. This is a charge 
of wisdom to all her children: consider there is but one object 
can make your heart happy. There are a thousand that promise 
happiness, but only give misery. Keep thy heart in [the sense 
of] the love of God, Jude 21. Give all diligence to this blessed 
end : unless you do, vanity may prevail in the mind, error in the 
understanding, perverseness in the will, the affections may be 
inordinately set upon other objects than thy Lord, and so thy 
conscience will contract fresh guilt. Then thou mayest be left 
to bemoan a hard heart, and an absent God : darkness may sur- 
round thee — fears and terrors haunt thee — the ghosts of long 
departed sins may arise and distress thee — the prospect of death, 
and eternity, appear horrible to thee — the day of judgment 
most dreadful, while Satan triumphs over thee, with there, there, 
so would I have it. Then may thy heart upbraid thee, all this 
is come upon thee, because thou wast not diligent, to watch its 
motions, to keep out the enemy, and to keep up sweet commu- 
nion, and holy fellowship with thy best friend, thy loving Savi- 
our. Oh say not with some (who have more of the notion of 
Christianity in the head, than the experience of it in the heart) 
Why all this legal stuff about keeping the heart? Hath not the 
Lord said, 1 1 will keep it night and day, lest any hurt it ? ' Isai. 
xxvii. 3. Yes, blessed be his name, he has. Would you there- 
fore abuse his love? Behold f shew you a mystery. But it is 
the mystery of iniquity, which works in such, causing them to 
oppose the declarations and promises of the Lord, to his com- 
mands and exhortations. The former are taken up as a plea, 
for such cursed, corrupt notions. Because you depend on the 
Lord's providence for preservation, would yon be careless of the 
doors of your house, and not use diligence and care to keep 
out thieves ? Lord stir up my soul to give all diligence. Though, 
not for our diligence we shall be saved, yet, in a way of dili- 
gence, we shall escape many snares and evils, and enjoy safety 
and comfort. ' The soul of the diligent shall be made fat/ Prov. 
xiii. 4. Such shall feed upon heavenly truth, grace and love. 
Their souls shall prosper, and be in good health. While care- 
less triflers with God, and their own souls, shall go to rest with 
dejection, rise with distress, and live in awful suspense. 

No peace of soul, no jov of heart, Then oh tnv soul would'st thou enjoy 
Unless we watchful are, The smiles of thy dear Christ? 

To walk in truth, from sin depart, Whatever would thy peace destroy. 
And shun each treieh'rous snare. Be careful to resist. »i. 



DECEMBER 22.] 71(j [MORNING 

Then all the disciples forsook him and fled. Matt. xxvi. 56. 

On reading this who can refrain crying out, ' Lord what is 
man !' What danger am I in ! Lord, keep me ! What awful ef- 
fects have a fit of fear, and a frame of unbelief produced ! Here 
was the beloved disciple John, who lay in the bosom of Jesus 
— the courageous Peter, who was to die with him — the ambi- 
tious James, who requested to sit at his right hand in his king- 
dom ; with every one of the other disciples, forsaking and flying 
from innocence in distress. The shepherd was seized, and the 
affrighted sheep were instantly scattered. Provoking ingratitude! 
Dost thou think, oh my soul, thou wouldst have acted one whit 
better? Verily, if so thou art vain. Now if Jesus had chosen 
them, anil continued to love them, on condition of their faithful 
conduct towards him, this single instance was sufficient to turn 
his love to hatred, his election of them into reprobation, and 
casting them off for ever. 

What then becomes of terms and conditions of salvation ? 
The notion eclipses God's glory : feeds pride ; shackles the 
faith of sinners. If our dear Saviour was to judge of and deter- 
mine, the state of his disciples from the outward conduct as we 
too, too oft do by ourselves, might he not reason thus concern- 
ing them? ' What treachery and deceit have I met with from 
these wretches ? While in my greatest agonies, they were desti- 
tute of the least sympathizing spirit : they indulged sleep, in- 
stead of granting one friendly request, to watch with me one 
hour: though thrice awaked by me, yet they shewed no regard 
for me. At supper, they all promised to go to prison and death 
with me. Here is one rash fellow hath cut off an ear, and now, 
upon the very first sight of danger, as though they had all com- 
bined together, they are all fled from me ; and soon, the most 
daring of them all, will, with horrid oaths and curses, deny that 
he knows me.' Might we not expect to hear our Lord's sentence, 
' Cut them asunder, and divide them their portion with hypo- 
crites?' It must be so, if salvation rested upon terms and con- 
ditions. But no ; grace reigns: — not for days and years, but 
to eternal life. Astonishing as their ingratitude, highly provok- 
ing as their conduct was to Jesus, yet more astonishing his love, 
and higher his mercy surmounts than all their offences. Hence, 
amazing to read, the very first message Christ sends, is full of 
love, and fraught with affection. ' Love covers a multitude of 
sins.' Not one word of upbraiding; but, ' Go and tell my bre- 
thren, &c.' Surely, oh Jesu, never was love like thine ! What ! 
brethren still? Yes; the bond of union, the dear relation, ever 
subsists, nor sin, nor death, nor hell, shall ever destroy it. But, 
oh Christian, under a sense of' base ingratitude to, and forsak 
ing of Jesus, what wounds so deep as love? What humiliation, 
what repentance does love kindle in the heart? ' Godly sorrow 
,vorketh repentance to salvation ' 2 Cor vii. 10. 



DECEMBER 22.J 717 [EVENING 

Say to them who are of a fearful hearts be strong, fear 
vot. Isai. xxxv. 4. 



Mind the title lo this chapter; * The flourishing of Christ's 
kingdom.' What ! And yet tearful hearts in it? What sort of 
disciples are these ? There ever were such in the church : v/e 
meet with them daily. Where is the heart which at times is not 
tearful? Does not stand in need of being strengthened by the 
word, and grace of God? Oh says one, I am of a fearful heart; 
i read my doom : it is to have my part with the unbelieving, 
the abominable, murderers, &c. in the lake that burns with 
fire and brimstone, Rev. xxi. 8. Yes, this will be the certain 
portion of all, who are so fearful of their good names, and fair 
characters, as to be ashamed of Christ, and his gospel, and give 
them up for the love, and fear of this world. But not of such 
fearful hearts here spoken of. (1) This sort are rather of ' a 
hasty heart.' It discovers its state by its beating, as the pulse 
do the disorders of the body. It beats quick ; it trembles ; it 
fears the face of its enemies: it dreads destruction from them. 
(2) Such a hasty heart is precipitate and inconsiderate ; because 
it does not know so clearly, nor enjoy so comfortably, the grace 
of Christ as others do, it is hasty in writing bitter things against 
itself, and drawing black conclusions of its state. Such an one 
says, ■ I am fearful, I am not one of the elect — not a believer 
in Christ — am not sanctified by his Spirit— shall at last turn 
out a hypocrite, and bring a scandal upon Christ, and his <i s- 
pel.' Such fears are of a godly nature; they spring from goaly 
jealousy. Such are Christ's tender lambs, and timorous sheep 
therefore, he commands his ministers to say to such, ' be strong. 
Though your strength is perfect weakness, and your enemies 
powerful and innumerable, yet — what? Be strong in confidence, 
in the Lords word of grace, and truth ; in the belief of his pro- 
mises. € Fear not.' Banish your fears ; hear your Lord : look 
to him. ' Behold your God:' the God of fearful hearts, and 
trembling spirits, Your God in flesh, ' will come with ven- 
geance,' against all your enemies, even God, ' with a recom- 
pence.' His reward is with him. Nothing but love in his heart 
— his lips speak nothing but grace and truth, to fearful hearts 
and trembling souls.* ' He will come and save you.' Believe 
this : bless him for this : trust him for this : rejoice in him for 
this: wait upon him for this. Be assured of this, * The Lord 
is a God of judgment; blessed are all they who wait for him/ 
Isai. xxx. 18. 

Tho' fearful is my heart, Be strong in faith my soul, 

My Lord proclaims his grace : Honour thy faithful Lord, 

He sweetlv bids my fears depart, Who can thy fiercest foes controul : 

And sbewi his loving face. Still glory in his word. m 



DECEMBER 23.] 718 [MORNING. 

Charity shall cover the 7nultitude of sins. 1 Pet. iv. 8. 

Many sinners have and do awfully deceive their poor souls, 
by a sad perversion of these words. For thy suppose that be- 
ing charitable to the poor will cover the multitude of their 
sins from the sight of a holy, sin-avenging God. Oh fatal mis- 
take ! Hence they are encouraged in their sinful practices, from 
such a vain, unscriptural notion. It is thy mercy, believer, to 
be delivered from such delusion, by the truth as it is in Jesus. 
For to atone for sin was his blessed work. He hath done it effec- 
tually by shedding his precious blood : and every believer in 
Jesus is the only blessed man, whose sins are covered by his 
all-perfect righteousness. Here is the true source and spring of 
charity, or rather love, love to God and man. ' We love God, 
because he first loved us/ 1 John iv. 19. and through the faith 
of this we obey his commandment, \ Love one another/ 

Of this charity, or love, the most excellent things are spoken, 
1 Cor, xiii. It is in the heart of every believer. Love influences 
to put the best constructions upon the behaviour of others: to 
hide their faults with a vail of charity ; to cast a mantle of kind- 
ness over their failings. Like the painter, who drew the picture 
of Alexander, with his finger on the scar in his face : so love has 
a kind finger, to hide the sears and blemishes, and to cover the 
sins of others. Love sees no faults. See it exemplified in that 
most illustrious exemplar of charity, Jesus. In his deep and 
distressing agonies and conflicts in the garden, when one would 
have thought his dear disciples could not be so regardless of his 
sufferings, so deaf to his request as not to watch with him one 
hour. But, instead of this, they indulged themselves with sleep. 
Here love covered this fault. ' The spirit is willing. ' Love 
speaks what is right Love finds an excuse for. what is wrong, 
' The flesh is weak.' And when the same most blessed pattern 
of love hung expiring in the greatest agonies on the cross, yet 
amidst all the taunts and jeers of his enemies and murderers, 
love vented itself with his expiring bieath, f Father, forgive 
them;' adding this as a vail or covering, * for they know not 
what they do.' Thus hath Jesus left us an example. He hath 
given us a new commandment, ' Love one another.' May the 
spirit of love keep alive this heavenly temper, and blow up 
every spark into a fervent flame, that all men may know his 
disciples by this badge of charity or love, and be forced to con- 
fess, ' See how these christians love one another.' 

Love suffers long with patient eye, Malice and rage, those fires of hell 

Nor is provok'd in haste ; She quenche> Avith her tongue ; 

She lets the present injury die. Hopes and believes ail(l thinks no ill, 

\m\ long Cornets th'" [>a«t '*'ho' she endures the wrong 



DECEMBER 23.] 719 [EVENING. 

All my springs are in Thee. Psalm lxxxvii. 7. 

Philosophers, who know not God, who doth all things by his 
power, talk of an occult quality in nature ; a certain something*, 
which they can neither explain nor account for, but which doth 
wonders. Just as darkly do men speak of a light within, which 
if they are obedient to, and do not resist, will guide and sanctify 
them. But they manifest that it is not a divine light, for it teaches 
them to slight, and reject divine revelation. This is Deism. But 
the heavenly taught soul, speaks as the oracles of God. He 
confesses, Christ dwells in his heart by faith, and says, oh Jesu, 
* All my springs are in thee.' Thou art that spring, which puts, 
and keeps my soul in spiritual motion. We see the vibration 
of the balance of a watch. We know its motion is from the 
main-spring, and the union it has with it. Stop, say the sons 
of pride, compare not man to a machine. Truly, he is worse 
than a good machine, in good order. Verily, he is naturally like 
a bad machine, out of order. For Satan has dominion over him, 
rules in him, and works upon him, according to his power, Eph. 
ii. "2. Oh omnipotent Lord, it is by thy heavenly skill, our souls 
' are created, in Christ Jesus unto good works. We are thy 
workmanship/ chap. ii. 10. (1) Hence springs the good work of 
humility in the soul. I have no spring in myself — in my own 
free-will -no inherent righteousness, power, wisdom or good- 
ness. I can draw no waters of consolation, to refresh my soul, 
from any thing I am in myself, or can do for myself. I could as 
soon find a spring of water in a hot, dry, sandy desert, as in 
myself. Hence, with David, ' I am in a dry and thirsty land 
where no water is,' Psal. Ixiii. 1. But, (2) Here is the joyful 
claim of faith, ' All my springs are in thee.' Oh Jesu, when I 
find my soul dry, and parched with burning lusts — fiery darts 
from Satan — scorching temptations from the world ; the springs 
of thy love, the streams of thy grace, the fountain of thy blood, 
my Lord and my God, cool, refresh, and comfort my soul. Dear 
Lord, thou hast cried, ' If any man thirst, let him come unto me 
and drink,' John vii. 37. Oh free and precious invitation ! I 
thank thee, Lord, for it, and for the thirsting my soul has to- 
wards thee. Glory to thee, I do believe on thee. Thou hast 
said, T shall never thirst after any other but thee, for salvation, 
John vi. 35. ' For it pleased the Father, that in thee all fulness 
should dwell,' Col. i. 19. i acquiesce in it. I rejoice at it. ' Oh 
Lord, T will praise thee, though thou wast angry with me, thine 
anger is turned away and thou comfortest me.' Tsai. xii. 1. 



DECEMBER 24.] 720 [MORNING. 

Wherefore he is able to save to the uttermost all who come 
unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession 
for them. Heb. vii. 25. 

When the strong blasts of temptation blow, the swelling waves 
of corruption lift up their heads : Satan casts his fiery darts : 
the thunders of Sinai roar : the law threatens wrath and destruc- 
tion : carnal reason pleads : unbelief pronounces hopeless des- 
pair on them, happy for believers to take up the language of 
faith, expressed by the children of God of old, • We are not care- 
ful to answer in this matter : our God, whom we serve, is able 
to deliver us; and he will deliver us,' Dan. iii. lb', 17. Admi- 
rable faith and fortitude ! A shining example of Old-Testament 
saints, worthy to be imitated by New-Testament disciples. 
Such a conduct yields ease to the mind, and peace to the 
conscience; while it confesses Jesus the only Saviour, it 
gives him the glory due to his name. And, verily, according to 
their faith so it was. They were saved to the uttermost. Though 
cast into the fiery furnace, they had the presence of Jesus ; and 
he delivered them out of it unhurt. 

Who can prescribe bounds to the salvation of Jesus? He 
saves according to his ability. Who can limit that which ex- 
tends to the uttermost? Thou comer to God by Jesus, think not 
sin is too strong in thee for Jesus to save thee from. ' He is 
almighty to save to the uttermost.' Art thou not willing thus to 
be saved? Verily faith longs for it — love desires it — hope ex- 
pects it. Stagger not through unbelief. Our object of faith is 
a once crucified Jesus, an ever living interceding man and me- 
diator, and who is also the omnipotent God. Is any thing too 
hard for the Lord ? Why then should sin hold thee one moment 
under its power? why should it at all distress thy mind? Nay, 
it could not, but for thy unbelief. But is not thejstrength of Je- 
sus the most powerful encouragement for poor sinners to come 
to God continually? a throne of grace is ever open A God of 
love ' seated on it. Jesus ever lives, and always prays. A sal- 
vation to the uttermost perfection is promised — and the infi- 
nitely powerful Jehovah' able to effect it. Coming to God by 
Jesus : oh this is a sweet mystery for faith to feed upon, to be 
nourished and strengthened by ! We are confident of access, 
perfectly sure of acceptance by Jesus. We are not left to per- 
haps or peradventure, because it is not founded upon ourselves, 
upon what we have done or can do, but upon the eternal life, 
everlasting love, and unchangeable priesthood of Jesus. 

Christ over-rules all mortal tilings, Our sorrows and our tears we pour > 

And manages all our affairs : Into the bosom of our God ; 

On humble souls the King of Kings He hears us in the mournful hour, 

Bestows his counsels and his cares. And helps us bear the heavy load. 



DECEMBER 24.] 721 [EVENING. 

Lo, this is the man who made not God his strength. 
Psal. lii. 7. 



The following fact I had from my late beloved friend, and 
faithful minister of Christ, Mr. Jones. A poor infidel deist had 
conceived a strange notion, that men need not die unless they 
would. Upon his death-bed, he affected to be resolute, and bid 
God defiance. In his last moments he sprang up, gnashed with 
his teeth, and with looks of horror cried out, ' God, I will not 
die. ' With these words he expired. Oh the fearful death of 
the ungodly, who make not God their strength ! Oh the joyful 
end of the righteous, whose strength is in the Lord! They have 
hope in their death; for they make God their strength in their 
life. What can a vile sinner do to make God his friend? Where 
is the impotent sinner who can make God his strength? What 
meaneth this ? Why, God is that to every poor sinner, which the 
word reveals him, and faith takes him to be. Consider this. You 
say, I am a weak, needy creature: what saith the Lord ? 'Let 
him take hold of my strength. ' Isai. xxvii. 5. ' Thou hast 
been a strength to the poor; a strength to the needy in his dis- 
tress/ chap. xxv. 4. Again, in that sweet 52nd chapter ; the title 
of which runs thus, Christ persuadeth the church to believe his free 
redemption, The Lord calls upon poor, and needy sinners, 
* Awake, awake, put on thy strength,' ver. 1. Now hence, for 
the encouragement of our hearts, and to the joy of our souls, 
we see, that the Lord is the strength of that soul, who believes 
in him, chooses him, takes and receives him as such. Faith is 
the hand that takes hold of God's strength. Faith claims God, 
as the strength of the poor and needy. And, because our poor 
hearts are apt to grow heavy, and sleepy, neglect, and forget, 
the strength of our heart, and our portion, lo, he crieth to us 
with a mighty voice, 'Awake, awake.' Jer. xvii. Lift up 
your eyes : look unto me, who, ■ when ye were without strength, 
in due time died for the ungodly.' Rom. v. 6, Put on thy 
strength. Thou hast no inherent strength: know thy strength 
's perfect weakness. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ : he is ' the 
Lord Jehovah, in whom is everlasting strength.' Isai. xxvi. 4. 
Learn daily that blessed art, to say with St. Paul. 'When I 
am weak, then am I Strong. ' 2 Cor. xii. 10. The Lord com- 
mands you, 'Let the weak say, I am strong.' Joel iii. 1G. 
'Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.' Eph. 
vi. 10. 

God born and living here on earth, Hold fast this truth in faith, my soul, 

In flesh like to ourown ; Thro' all thy trials here ; 

To faith and joy and peace gives birth. This will thy pow'rs in \o\e controul, 

And all our sorrows drown. 'Till Christ again appear. M. 



4 z 



DECEMBER 25. j 722 [MORNING 

Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shaU 
call his name Immanuel. Isai. vii. 14. 



On this prophecy hangs the hopes of fallen sinners. Had 
this word failed, we were all damned for ever. Horror eternal 
awaited us. Hell eternal must have been our doom. God must 
be born a babe in time, or sinful man is for ever lost. But, oh 
my fellow sinners, all hail ! I congratulate you. This day is 
this scripture fulfilled. This virgin hath conceived. This Son, 
this Immanuel is born, God in our nature: God with us : God 
for us, we behold in Jesus. He says, 'I was setup from ever- 
lasting,' (as the covenant head of my people) — ' My delights 
were with the sons of men/ Prov. viii. 23—31. Oh he hath 
shewn how he delighted over us, how he rested forever in his 
love to us. For he came to visit us in our flesh. ' Verily he 
took not on him the nature of angels,' but he became a babe in 
human flesh, a man in stature; born to save, lived to justify, 
died to redeem — who? fallen angels? No. They are left reserv- 
ed in chains of darkness. But unto us sinners against God, us 
miserable apostates from God, in the very same desperate state 
as devils are : behold ' unto us a child is born ; unto us a son is 
given/ That we who are filthy by birth, and polluted by na- 
ture, might have a holy birth, and a sanctified nature in him. 
'The government is upon his shoulders/ He is our ring. 
He reigns over us, for us, and in us. Our souls, and all our 
concerns, are safe in his hands. 'His name is wonderful/ 
In his conception, his birth, his person, God and man in one 
Christ, in his life, his death, his resurrection, ascension, and 
intercession, wonderful, In his love to us, and salvation of us, 
wonderful. 'Counsellor.' He powerfully pleads our cause 
above : he sweetly counsels our hearts below to come to him ; 
so we find blessed rest in him. 'The mighty God/ No less 
could save us. Jesus is the God of our salvation. 'The 
everlasting Father/ He begets us to himself by the word 
of his grace. The most tender parent on earth never loved his 
children as Jesus loves us. 'The prince of Peace/ Isai. 
ix. 6. He is ever at peace with us, has made peace for us, be- 
stows his peace on us. 

'Oh ye sinners of the human race, if as verily as the virgin 
conceived and brought forth this son, your hearts conceive Jesus 
by faith, this will bring forth holy love to Jesus. The birth of 
Jesus is our delicious Christmas fare. Behold it, says the 
prophet : dwell on it in your minds, feed on it in your hearts. 
To conceive of our Lord becoming a babe, living in flesh for us, 
dying on the accursed tree, to take away our sins, and save our 
souls while we count all other hopes vain, oh this makes us 
keep a joyful Christmas all the year round. For this brings 
' glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to- 
wards men.' Luke ii. 14. 

For oer ballow'd ho this happy morn I God dwells on earth, llio Son of God is born. 



DECEMBER 25.] 723 [EVENING. 

Emanuel, God ivith us. Matt. i. 23. 



This is the mystery which holy angels pry into — infernal de- 
vils envy — proud infidels reject with derision— humble sinners 
glory in — and which all the redeemed round the throne above, 
are incessantly shouting, and everlastingly triumphing for. 

• Till God in human flesh I see, 
My thoughts no comfort find : 
The holy, just, and sacred Three, 
Are terrors to my mind.' 

This is the language of every sin-convinced, spiritually- en- 
lightened soul. Oh how did we talk of God in nature's dark- 
ness, when we were without Christ, having no hope, and with- 
out God in the world, even Atheists. But now, oh wonder of 
converting grace, we see, we believe, we know, God with us. 
This is the chief glory of our faith—the chief joy of our hearts. 
(I) God with us, in the eternal council and covenant before 
time. There he had our persons in view, our case at heart, and 
undertook to be our surety, our Jesus. Lo, we w T ere then given 
to him by the Father. That, (2) In the fulness of time, he 
might be God with us, in our flesh. Lo, he is born. See the 
babe. Adore the God. Rejoice in 'Emanuel, God with us.' 
That, (3) He might accomplish that in our nature, without 
which we must have been eternally damned ; but for which we 
>re everlastingly saved : namely, Finish transgression — make 
in end of sin — and bring in an everlasting righteousness — suf- 
fer, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God. 1 Pet. iii. 18. 
This is sweet in the history ; but, oh how much more so in the 
experience of the mystery. (4) God with us, living in our 
hearts, hopes and affections by the Spirit, through faith. We 
know, we taste, we feel the reality, power and comfort of this 
truth, God in Christ reconciled, not imputing our trespasses to 
us. 2 Cor. v. 19. Therefore, (5) God with us, to oppose all 
who are against us. Well might Paul ask, ' If God be for us, 
who can be against us?' Rom. viii. 31. Now may we not 
stand forth, and challenge all the powers of sin, earth, and hell, 
'Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? For 
God the justifier, and 'we the justified, are one in Christ, 'I in 
thern and thou in me,' says our Lord, John xvii. 23. Hence 
we meet in love, mutually embrace, and have fellowship one 
with another. This is the glory of Christ's nativity, brought 
into our hearts. l Christ in us the hope of glory.' Col. i. 27 
This makes a joyful soul, and a happy Christmas. 

Thoa God who came in mortal fiesli, In spirit visit ns afresh, 

The lost to seek and save : New triumphs let us have. 



DECEMBER 26. j 724 [MORNING. 

We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto 
good works, which God hath before ordained that we should 
iv a Ik in them, Ephes iL 10. 

Upon a survey of the works of creation, the psalmist cries 
out with admiration, ' Oh Lord, how manifold are thy works, in 
wisdom hast thou made them all ! ' Is such a display of wisdom 
and glory visible in the objects of time and sense, which perish 
in the using, and are destined to destruction? Oh what infinite 
riches of wisdom, glory, and love, are manifest in the new 
creation in Christ Jesus, which are of a spiritual and eternal 
nature ! Such is the economy of the covenant of grace, the glo- 
rious three persons in the ever-adorable trinity, concur in the 
salvation of sinners. God the Father elects in Christ Jesus, to 
glory, and ordains good works, as the fruits of everlasting love, 
for all the heirs of salvation to walk in. Jesus, in whom they 
are chosen, atones for all the guilt of their sins, and frees them 
from all the condemnation of the law. And the divine spirit 
creates their souls anew in righteousness, peace, and holiness. 
But why doth he say, ' created in Christ Jesus?' Because we 
are his members; one with him, beloved in him, chosen in him, 
viewed in him, loved with the very same love, as Jesus our head 
is, John xvii. 23. what is wrought in us by the power of God 
the Spirit, is not to glorify us in our own eyes : to make us in- 
dependent of our head Jesus; but to glorify him, and keep us 
in close union to, and sweet communion with him, that so our 
good works: our fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus 
Christ, may abound to the glory of God. How awful is this de- 
lusion, under pretence of exalting Jesus, to depreciate the work 
of his spirit in us? how fatal the mistake of thinking our good 
works are to recommend us to God's favour? But how does the 
devil amuse poor dead sinners with notions of good works, and 
swell them with the pride of their wo s, as though they were 
the price of God's favour, and the purchase of his kingdom. 
A.11 such works are of the flesh, they flow from pride and unbe- 
lief, and are accursed. The seventeenth article of our church 
speaks of 'walking religiously in good works.' As though 
there are no good works, but what spring from the religion of 
Jesus. Christian, what thou art called to in life, that thou art 
created to in thy soul. Those duties exhorted to in the word, 
thou hast strength to perform by the spirit. Therefore, though 
sinful and lost, in thy first creation, yet thou art saved and 
righteous by thy new creation in Christ Jesus. In him, being 
one with him, thou mayest say with Paul, 'I have all things 
and abound.' Phil. iv. 18. 

Not to the terrors of the Lord, But we are come to Sion's hill, 

The tempest, tire, and smoke, The city of our God, 

Not to the thunder of that word Where milder words declare his will, 

Which God on Sinai spoke. 4-nd sl»read his love abroad. 



DECEMBER 26. J 725 [EVENING. 

To reveal his Son in me. Gal. 1. 16. 



From hence begins spiritual life : a life from God, in God, 
with God and to God. ' By the gospel, the Son of God is re- 
vealed to us. By the Spirit he is revealed in us. External re- 
velation by the word, and internal by the Spirit, are both ne- 
cessary to salvation. Though Paul was separated from his 
mothers womb, to be called by the grace of God, yet. he had 
not this inward revelation of Jesus Christ to his heart, till he 
heard the external word of Christ with his ear, saying, ' Saul, 
Saul, why persecutest thou me?' Acts ix. 4. Hence learn to 
prize, both the outward testimony of the word, and the inward 
testimony of the Spirit. Consider, (1) To reveal, signifies to 
discover, or make clear to a person, what he did not know be- 
fore. So Phil, iii 15. '■ if in any thing ye be otherwise mind- 
ed, God shall reveal even this unto you/ So the gospel is a 
revelation of Jesus Christ, without which we could never have 
known, nor understood, that our sins are atoned by the blood, 
our persons justified by the righteousness, and our souls ever- 
lastingly redeemed and saved by the work of Christ. Is this 
knowledge, by this revelation, all that is necessary to salva- 
tion ? No. Persons may attain a notion of these things in the 
head, and understand somewhat of them, and yet the heart be 
without precious faith in, and peculiar approbation of Christ, 
destitute of the love of Christ, and of any saving hope in him. 
But, (2) This is the chief glory of our souls, the revealing Christ 
in us. Oh for the reviving comfort of this, while we consider 
it. To reveal Christ in us, is to make such a clear discovery 
of the matchless charms and inestimable glory of his person to 
our souls, which we never saw before: so that our hearts are 
enamoured with him, we choose him, love him, delight in him, 
and cleave to him in all his offices and characters. For by the 
eye of our ' soul we behold his glory, the glory as of the only 
begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth,' to us miserable 
sinners : hence he is the one beloved of our souls. Without 
this revelation of Jesus Christ in us, alas! what is all external 
profession? No more than mere task, dry formality, and heavy 
drudgery, Oh my soul, oh my dear friends, be not content to 
live, without a constant revelation of Christ to your souls. 
This makes the conscience peaceful, the heart happy, and the 
soul joyful. This inspires love, subdues lusts, captivates the 
affections, makes the whole man happy in God, and creates 
heaven in the soul. If Christ is within, in the heart, all will be 
right and well without, in the life. If you believe in Christ, as 
revealed in the word, this blessed promise is for you. Pray for 
its daily fulfilment, ' I will manifest myself unto him. ' John 
xiv 21 



DECEMBER 2?.] 726 [MORNINfi 

The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet 
shortly. Rom, xvi. 20. 

It is very common for the followers of the Lamb to reason, 
but not right, after this manner : ' how can I be a son of the God 
of peace? how can I be a subject of the prince of peace, seeing 
I am daily in war and fightings? If at any time the sweet 
sound of peace is heard in my heart, and the comforting sense 
of peace is felt in my conscience, soon some rebel lust, some 
sinful passion, or some fiery dart of the enemy, makes an attack 
upon me; hence war commences and peace is banished.' Nay 
but, soul, Jesus is still thy peace. God is ever at peace with 
thee. Glory in this always. Know thou art to fight the good 
fight of faith as a soldier of Jesus. Thy present state exposes 
thee to enemies. Being born again of the spirit, thy flesh lust- 
eth against thee, and thou feelest it, art growing under it, and 
striving against it. The strong man, Satan, who heretofore 
kept thee in possession, when thou wast at peace with him, is 
now cast out by Jesus ; therefore he besieges and attacks. The 
world with its vanities, its children with their smiles and frowns, 
promises and threataings, animated by ' the God of this world,' 
are at war with thee ; because thou art not of this world, but 
of the kingdom of Jesus. 

That this combined power opposes thee, is a scriptural mark, 
that thou art born of God. That thou art at wai with them, is 
an evidence, a happy evidence, of the life of thy soul, and of 
thy faith and love in Christ Jesus Rather let this strengthen 
thy confidence than deject thy mind. Was it any proof that 
Jesus was not the Son of God, because ^atan tried to make him 
question it, and tempted him to idolatry, covetousness, and 
self-murder? did this destroy his hope and peace in his God 
and Father? Nor need his temptations interrupt thine. Thy 
God knows thou art conflicting with Satan. It is his good 
pleasure to permit it for a season : yea, he knows also thou 
canst not bruise Satan, much less overcome him. Natural men 
are ready to ask what is this bruising of Satan : we see no 
need of it. No, it is because they lie fast, asleep in his arms : 
but'those who are awake, and flee from him, he ever tries to 
distress. But, oh Christian, here is thy comfort, Jesus has 
bruised the serpent's head. Thy assurance of victory lies in 
the almighty power of Jesus, and faithful promise of thy Father. 
Look up with confidence ; for as sure as Satan's head is bruis- 
ed, thy God, who is at peace with thee, is at war with every 
enemy that is against thee. Fight with courage. He will 
strengthen thee to stand against, yea more, give thee perfect 
victory over all the powers of darkness, all the malice of hell. 
As a vanquished foe thou shalt tread Satan under thy feet short- 
ly. '.Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear 
not : heboid, your God will come with vengeance, (against (lie 
enemy) he will come and save vou.' Isai. xxxv 4. 



DECEMBER 27.] 727 [EVENING. 

Ye are ail one in Christ Jesus. Gal. iii. 28. 



Will a covetous man be content with the notion, that he is 
rich? If your body was in pain, would it give you ease to think 
of a remedy, without experiencing its salutary effects ? What 
avail all the refined notions of eternal union, without expe- 
riencing, that the soul is vitally united to Christ, by the power 
of the Spirit, through faith? Oh my soul, I charge thee not to 
rest satisfied, with the notion of the doctrine of union, without 
the comforts of the grace of being united to Christ, and being- 
one with him in heart and affection. Oh my Jesus, to thee I 
look and pray, to find and feel more and more the sweet expe- 
rience of this. Give it my soul, out of thy fulness. Consider, 
(1) The persons here spoken of, ye. Ye Jews, who had the 
form of godliness, without the power : ye Gentile sinners, who 
once had neither the form, nor the power of Christianity : ye 
apostate sinners, who yesterday were haters of God, at enmity 
against his law, rebels against his government, in league with 
sin, death and hell, fighting under the prince of darkness : see 
what ye are now ! Behold what grace has done for you: see in- 
to whom it has implanted you. (2) 'In Christ Jesus.' Not 
only in the knowledge of him, faith in him, hope on him, and 
love to him : though all this is precious ; but much more. Ye 
are mystically, and spiritually united to Christ, as truly as your 
soul is to your body, your body to your head, or your hand to 
your body. Now Christ is your life, your husband, your wis- 
dom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. 1 Cor i. 
30. Ye are complete — perfect in him. Col ii. 10. Simply 
believe this : look to Christ for the comfort of this : glorify the 
Spirit for the grace of this. (3) 'Ye are all one in Christ.' 
Whether Jew or Gentile, churchman or dissenter, &c. we being 
many (though of different denominations and opinions) are one 
body. 1 Cor.-x. 17. Christ is the head. We are all members 
in him, and of one another. As Luther says, 'We have the 
same Christ; I, thou, and all the faithful, which Peter, Paul, 
and all the saints had.' We are all in the same Jesus : have all 
one Father: one Comforter: and are of one Spirit. Then let 
this faith quell all unholy strife, and excite all heavenly love to 
each other. Oh let us make it manifest that we are in Christ, 
by following him who is our peace, and by holding the unity of 
* the Spirit in the bond of peace.' Let us consider one ano- 
ther, to provoke unto love and good works. Heb. x. 24. 

Thou sinners only hope 3nd friend, Let faith and love and every grace 
Within my soul still reign, Within my heart abound ; 

One with ray heart unto the end, That I may prove in ev'ry place, 
Of all mv strife and pain That Jesus I »»ave foond j*. 



DECEMBER 28.J 728 [MORNING, 

Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. xiii. 14. 



Man is an active being. Happiness is his pursuit. ' Who 
will shew me any good ?' is his continual inquiry. But to seek 
it from wrong objects is his contant practice. Hence naturally 
we are ever restless and uneasy. The new-born soul only has 
found the centre of true felicity, real good, and permanent hap- 
piness, in the knowledge and enjoyment of his Saviour ! Here 
paradise is regained : a heaven of bliss is restored to his soul. 
It is the peculiar glory of the gospel, it ever presents a precious 
object to our mind, even the Lord Jesus, from whom alone we 
derive peace of conscience, joy of heart, and transport of soul. 
Is there, believer, a day in the year, an hour in the day, where- 
in thou wouldst pray to be excused from putting on the Lord 
Jesus Christ as the perfection of thy nature, and the adorning 
of thy soul? surely not. As 'one made alive from the dead,* 
the Holy Ghost, by the word, stirs up thy ' pure mind, by way 
of remembrance. ' Thou art not called to dream over dry, hea- 
thenish lectures of morality ; nor from philosophic rules to ac- 
quire this and the other habit of virtue ; neither art thou left to 
licentious liberty, to make provision for the flesh, to fulfil the 
lusts thereof. But it is to be the daily exercise of thy believ- 
ing mind to put on the Lord Jesus Christ as the essence of 
every virtue ; for in this consists all thy present comfort and 
holiness. And by this thou wilt become dead to all the pleas- 
ing, inviting objects that stand so thick around thee to beguile 
thy mind, and draw thine heart from its best friend. 

The miser calls his gold his own, it is his god. Hence he ex- 
ercises all his affections upon it, and derives all his happiness 
from it. The man of pleasure is in continual search alter the 
enjoyment of new delights from the gay surrounding objects of 
a perishing world. Infinitely greater blessings are christians 
called to. Oh believer, Jesus is thine. In the exercise of thy 
mind and the affections of thy soul , put on thy Lord continu- 
ally as thy righteousness, thy strength, thy riches, thy pleasure, 
thy honour, thy glory, thy all. Oppose Christ to all the plea- 
sures of the world, to all the delights of sense, and every scene 
of vanity. Put on Christ in thy conscience ; there plead the 
atonement of his precious blood against the guilt of sin — the 
perfection of his righteousness to every demand of the law, the 
prevalency of his intercession against all thy fears, the freeness 
and fulness of his promises against all thy doubts. Boldly 
withstand every accusation from Satan with, ' Christ hath died, 
yea rather is risen again ; and ever lives to make intercession 
for us:' ' Who is he that condemneth V Rom. viii. 34. 

Strangely, my soul, art thou array'd In sweetest harmony of praiss 

the great sacred three ; Let all lliy powers ag^e. 






DECEMBER 28.] 729 [EVENING. 

Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 
Col. iii 3. 



We are apt to mistake the words, and pervert the meaning of 
scripture. This charge is brought against us by Jeremiah : * Ye 
have perverted the words of the living God,' xxxiii. 30. This 
dejects our souls, robs Christ of the glory of our hearts, and 
prevents our holy and comfortable walk in him. See if this is 
not the case in respect to this text. Ye, believers in Christ, are 
dead, (1) ' To the law, by the body of Christ.' Rom. vii. 4. 
Being one with Christ by faith, you are dead to all legal hopes, 
from your own works. (*2) Dead to sin, being baptized into 
Christ by his Spirit, Rom. vi. 3. (3) Dead to the world, being 
crucified with Christ, Gal. vi. 14. Oh says one, and another 
sincere soul, I am not thus dead. I have no true faith. I find 
sin alive in me — legal hopes and fears cleave to me — and too 
much love of the world in me, to my grief and burden. Behold, 
here is distress through mistake. Paul doth not say, all these 
things are dead in you ; but ye are dead to them. That you are 
not in subjection to them — that they are your burden— that you 
groan under, and long for deliverance from them, are the clear- 
est proofs that you partake of the life of Christ. Glory to Jesus 
for this. Your life is hid. Entirely from carnal men. They 
cannot see the spring and motive of your conduct. Marvel not 
that they deride you for it. Your life is often hid to yourself. 
When the dunghill of corruption's steam, temptation's smoke, 
the black exhalations of unbelief arise, and Christ our life with- 
draws his presence, when it is so hid, that we fear our life is 
dead. But that is as impossible as for God to die. For our 
life is hid with Christ. Then it can never be lost. Who can 
deprive us of it? Not all the powers of sin, earth or hell. True, 
they may and do often rob our souls of the comforts and joys of our 
spiritual life, because we do not live and walk close with Christ; 
but our life is safe and secure, while all-conquering Christ lives. 
For it is also in God. God the Father chose us to eternal 
life — God the Son redeemed us to it — God the Spirit bestowed 
it upon us, therefore we can never perish — none can pluck us 
out of God's hands. We need not fear any enemy. ' If God 
be for us, who can be>against us ?' Oh believer, view your safety 
and security. Your enemies must first overcome, and take away 
the life of Christ and of God, before they can deprive you of 
your life which is hid in them. ' No weapon formed against 
thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee 
in judgment thou shalt condemn.' Isai. liv. 17. 



5 A 



DECEMBER 29.] 730 [MORNING. 

The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, 
and watch unto prayer. 1 Pet. iv. 7. 

Yesterday we were born : to day we live : to-morrow we die. 
The sum total of human life is justly calculated by the ho«ry 
headed patriarch, Jacob, ' Few and evil have the days of the 
years of my life been/ Gen. xlvii. 9. A truth this that lies level 
with the common observation and judgment of all men. But is 
admitted into the regenerate heart and conscience only with that 
importance it demands, so as suitably to affect the mind, and 
influence the conduct. Hence, the absolute necessity of divine 
faith : the continual need of the believing soul, exercising his 
meditations, upon the sure and certain approaching dissolution 
of all things. So he learns to die daily to the perishing objects 
of time and sense; and to live like himself, as an immortal in- 
habitant of a city that hath foundations, whose builder and 
maker is God. To live and lean upon our beloved Jesus as the 
stay of one's soul, and the strength of one's hope, this is true 
happiness. While all things below, perish in the using ; invi- 
sible realities ripen in prospect, and most powerfully engage our 
affections ; because they are durable and eternal. Hence, the 
soul is excited to watchfulness, that he may stand — to prayer, 
that he may be kept — and to sobriety, that he may persevere. 
Oh believer, thou canst not but count drunkenness and whore- 
dom great sins; but know also, the cares, riches, and pleasures, 
and honours of this world, as really intoxicate the mind, and 
cause the heart to be guilty of spiritual adultery, against thy 
loving lawful bridegroom Jesus, as outward gross sins do the 
body. What, need, what daily need hast thou to watch con- 
stantly, to be sober continually, and to pray alway ? Pride is 
contrary to sobriety of judgment of thyself. J_just and intem- 
perance are inconsistent with the soundness of thy faith, the 
stability of thy hope, and the exercise of thy love. These are 
ever at hand to beset thee. Say therefore, when canst thou 
dispense with a watchful frame of spirit? when intermit in 
prayer to, and dependence on thy God? Oh the sweet exercise 
of watching unto prayer, for divine power: in prayer, for sweet 
enlargements : after prayer, for a comfortable answer from our 
Lord! Ever, may this just reflection be on thy mind, when 
tempted or inclined, to cast in thy lot with the carnal, and to in- 
dulge thyself, in attending the bewitching scenes of sin, folly 
and vanity ; am I now acting like one who knows the end of all 
things is at hand ? do I believe as one in his right mind? am I 
watching unto prayer? can I desire, pray for, and expect the 
sense of Jesu's love and presence to be with me? Remember 
thy calling; it is to love and live upon an unseen Jesus ; and 
to act, as daily expecting to ' receive, the end of thy faith, tile 
salvation of thy soul.' 1 Pet. i. 9. 



DECEMBER 29.] 731 [EVENING. 

When Christ our life shall appear, then shall ye appear 
with him in glory. Col. iii. 4. 

I have read a book consisting of stories, said to be told to the 
Sultan of Arabia, to prevent a blood} 7 purpose of his against 
his Sultaness. The relator of the tales was her own sister. She 
always contrived to leave off in the midst of her story, which 
he was so delighted with, as to promise not to destroy her sister, 
till it was ended. Thus by protracting the execution, she saved 
her sister's life. Methinks there is no end to the history of 
Christ; every fresh relation of him delights the believing soul, 
and whets up an inclination to hear more of him again and 
again ; for he averted the bloody execution of law and jus- 
tice against us. — Every fresh tale of him strengthens our faith 
of salvation by him : sets our minds more and more against 
every evil, and excites us to every good. For, Christ is our 
life. Oh soul, can you ever believe too much of him, or hope 
too much in him? It is our fault, our shame, our misery, that 
w T e dwell no more on him, and converse no more with him. Is 
Christ thy life, oh my soul ? What sort of a life do I live? Je- 
sus, wash me in thy blood : Lord, pardon me by thy grace, Fa- 
vour my soul with fresh experience, that thou art my life : so 
be the death of all my sins, and the life of all my graces. Oh 
appear, appear, in the power of thy Spirit again and a-gain 
in me, before thou shalt appear in thy power and glory to me. 
Christ shall appear. What are we looking at? Why stand 
we gazing on perishing objects ? What are we waiting for? The 
Saviour? He shall appear. Perhaps the very next moment, 
as the Lord of life and death, he may say to his anjrel death, Go, 
bring that saved sinner to me, his life. Oh joyful word ! Learn 
to welcome it. Faith will. For, 'we shall appear with 
him in glory/ How shall we appear? In what we were by 
faith, were not ashamed of, but gloried in here. ' Arrayed in 
fine linen, clean and white : the rich robe of Christ's obedience, 
which is the righteousness of saints,' Rev. xix. 8. Mind, this 
is granted to us. If it was our own righteousness, we have a 
right to appear in it ; there needs no grant of it. But it is 
Christ's righteousness ; therefore a gift, by grant to us. Oh re- 
member, it is a sure and certain thing we shall appear (all 
the powers of hell cannot prevent it) with Christ in glory. Only 
believe ; and you will love Christ, rejoice to obey him, and 
long for his appearing. Oh Jesu, my life, appear to my soul 
this night in all the power of faith, the joy of hope, the comfort 
)f love, and the fellowship of peace. 



DECEMBER 30.] 732 [MORNING, 

But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through 
our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. xv. 57. 



Death, though conquered by Jesus ; though disarmed of its 
strength and sting by our victorious Lord, so that it cannot de- 
stroy, nay, not wound nor hurt the soul of any one of his dea. 
members, yet it is still an enemy, a formidable, disagreeable 
enemy, to nature. When we are left to our natural conceptions, 
death appears to us with the grim visage of the king of terrors.' 
We cannot get rid of our fears, nor are we able to make him 
put on a more amiable aspect, But when, in the simplicity of 
little children, we go to our heavenly Father, and tell him how 
we are affrighted and terrified at the thought and approach of 
this dreadful enemy, he drives away our fears and terrors, and 
relieves our minds. But how does our affectionate Father effect 
this ? by telling us we are perfect and sinless, and therefore we 
have overcome death, we shall never die, we have nothing to 
fear, death cannot hurt us ? No ; though we are sinners in our- 
selves, and as such must die ; though we are without strength 
u grapple with and subdue this powerful enemy, and though 
our bodies must fall victims to his stroke, yet, ' praise the Lord, 
oh my soul, praise him all his saints/ he giveth us the victory, 
he puts songs of triumph into our mouths, our hearts ; not foi 
what we have done, but our Father refers us to the glorious 
achievements of our elder brother Jesus ; he hath obtained a 
perfect conquest for all the children of his Father's family ; and 
victory is not only proclaimed but given. Jesus is the un- 
speakable gift of the Father's love; victory over death is given 
through Jesus ; faith to believe it in the heart, and triumph 
over it in the conscience, is his free gift also. 

Thus the Spirit testifies of, and glorifies Jesus ; thus his 
members rejoice in the truth, and are comforted by the truth. 

Death was brought into the world by the Father of lies, he 
is vanquished and destroyed by Jesus, who is essentially the 
truth. ' The soul that sinneth shall die.' Die man, or jus- 
tice must. The man Jesus, the sinner's surety, fell a sacrifice 
to this truth ; hence truth is fulfilled in his death, justice is 
satisfied, death is disarmed of its sting, which is sin. Jesus 
hath ' put away sin, by the sacrifice of himself.' Heb. ix. 26. 
' And the strength of sin, which is the law, Jesus hath perfectly 
fulfilled in his life for us/ He hath fully answered all its de- 
mands, and by him all its accusations are silenced. Precious 
Christ ! Happy believer ! What harm can the most fierce poi- 
sonous monster do thee when it hath lost its sting, and is with- 
out any strength? Most precious truth! 'Death is yours.' 
1 Cor. iii. 22. 

Now to the God of victory, Who makes us conqVors while we die, 

Immortal thanks be naid : Thro' ('hist our lis iiiff head. 






DECEMBER 30.] 733 [EVENING 

Old things are past away. 2 Cor. v. 17. 

Such is the blessedntss of every new creature in Christ. 
Every believer in him is a new creature. Mind, Paul does not 
say, Old things are passing away, but, are past away. We are 
not to understand him in an absolute, but in a qualified sense. 
For if none were new creatures, till all old things are passed 
away, we should not find one on this side heaven. Now the 
year is near at an end : do not you find your old corrupt ons 
cleaving to you ? Yea, the old man still whole and alive in 
you, just as you did at the beginning of the year, or at the be- 
ginning of days, when you first believed on Jesus, and w? 
made a new creature in him? Do not you also see just tne 
same reason to comply with these exhortations, as at iirst? 
' Put off the old man which is corrupt/ Ephes. iv. 22. ' Cleanse 
yourselves from all filthiness ot the flesh and spirit/ 2 Cor. vii. 
1. Why, if so, how can it be said, ' Old things are past away ?' 
Consider, Paul is not speaking of the old creation of fallen 
nature, but of the new creation in Christ Jesus. As men, and 
descendants from fallen Adam, all the sin and misery of our 
old nature abides with us. We are still in the flesh. In that 
dwells nothing but sin and evil. It is under the sentence, and 
must receive the wages of sin, death. But as believers in 
Christ, ' we are passed from death to life,' John v. 24. Being 
in him by faith, we are new creatures, in a new creation. Ob- 
serve in the foregoing verse, Paul is speaking of knowing- 
Christ, and men after the flesh. But now, says he, we have 
done with carnal views and fleshly knowledge : we are spiritual • 
we view and know things by faith, as new creatures in Christ 
Hence, as we are passed from our old state, old things are 
past away from us. Our old notions of God, of Christ, of salva- 
tion, our own free will, our legal righteousness, salvation by 
works, in whole or in part, &c. all are past away. Yea, our 
delight in our old companions, in the bewitching vanities of this 
old world, which is under the curse, and our manner of living 
and walking in it, are passed away. Our old way of keeping 
Christmas holy-days, and concluding the old year, in card play- 
ing and vanity is past away. And if, for conscience sake, we 
do not keep days by any religious observation of them, we do 
not spend them in our old way, by 'making provision for the 
flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.' Oh says one, I would not keep 
Christmas for the world ; it is superstitious. Pray then do not 
keep it for the devil and the flesh. ' If we live in the Spirit, let 
us walk in the Spirit.' Gal. v. 25. 

The soul that's born again in Christ, With perfect righteousness is Uest, 

Is quite in anew state, Old things are out of date. m 



DECEMBER 31 .] 734 [MORNING. 

Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, 
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared 
for you, from the foundation of the World. Matt. xxv. 34. 

This is a joyful word to our hearts now, ' Come, let us rea- 
son together, saith the Lord ; though your sins be as scarlet, 
they shall be white as snow : though they be red like crimson, 
they shall be as wool.' Isai. i. 18. This is another precious 
word from Jesus to our souls, ' Come unto me all ye that labour 
and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ' Oh but this 
last come, from the lips of our King, will be the most joyful 
crowning word of all! The best wine is reserved for the last. 
Every soul who hath tasted of the first on earth, shall assuredly 
drink his fill at the fountain-head, in a blissful, never-ending 
eternity of glory. ' Ye blessed of my Father;' beloved from 
eternity, and blessed to eternity. Chosen in me, blessed in me 
with all spiritual blessings, I was given to, I sought you, and 
gathered you to myself in time ; now come live and reign with 
me for ever in my kingdom. Oh is not the thoughts of this 
enough to make one wish to break through the walls of our 
prison, the body ! Praise, oh soul ! Call together all thy facul- 
ties! rather, oh divine Spirit, realize the view, bring near the 
solemn joyful day to our minds ! Give us even now to dwell on 
it with rapture of affections and ardour of love. 

( Inherit the kingdom prepared for you ;' not bought by your 
good works, not purchased by your well-doings, not obtained 
by your faithfulness, but the free-gift of my Father's love and 
good pleasure, richly prepared by his free-grace and bounty, 
purposely reserved for you. Come ye ; all of ye. Not one of 
my little flock shall be wanting; there is a mansion for each of 
you ere you had a being, or time commenced ; the kingdom was 
established, the heirs chosen, places prepared. I visited you 
on earth, so that you loved me, though you saw me not; I in- 
visibly worked upon your hearts, and drew them out in love to 
myself, my cause, and my brethren, so you proved yourselves 
my disciples, by following my example. Come ye, enter, possess, 
enjoy, what you were born for, born again to be meet for. Oh 
methinks it strikes one's heart with heavenly joy, to conceive of 
the loud hosannas and shoutings (oh that we may catch the 
heavenly flame) ' Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the 
throne, and unto the Lamb, unto him that loved us, and washed 
us from our sins in his own blood and hath made us kings and 
priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and domi- 
nion for ever and ever. Amen.' Rev. i. 6. 

" Now to the Lord that makes us Icuow Be humble honours paid below, 

The wonders of his dying love, And strains of nobler praise above. 



DECEMBER 31. J 735 [EVENING, 

He who endurcth to the end shall be saved. Matt. x. 22. 



We are now got to the end of another year. Look back with 
humility : look up with hope : look forward with joy ; for 
consider what great things God hath done for us. 'Now is our 
salvation nearer, than when we [first] believed.' Rom. xiii. 11. 
Salvation, oh the joyful sound! But, before the Sun of righte- 
ousness arose upon us, and displayed the glory of his finished 
salvation to our hearts, alas ! what dark, proud, ignorant no- 
tions of salvation did we entertain ( Instead of seeing righte- 
ousness as a gift by Jesus Christ, and justification of life com- 
ing by free gift, and eternal life the gift of God through Jesus 
Christ, Rom. v. 17, 18. chap. vi. 23. we vainly thought that 
salvation was to be obtained by our fulfilling certain terms and 
conditions. In our natural state of blindness, before we saw 
Jesus, we thought, enduring to the end, was the condition of 
being saved. Now we see we are ' saved in the Lord with an 
everlasting salvation.' Isai. xlv. 17. Yet some, who do not 
clearly see the glory of Christ's salvation, are puzzling them- 
selves and others, with the notion of a conditional salvation. 
If salvation is put upon our conditions, it behoves us to consi- 
der what conditions we are to perform, in order to be saved. 
Every command may be considered as a condition. If we mul- 
tiply them by four times forty-five, we shall come vastly short 
of their number. And we may be sure we shall never get to the 
end, so as to be saved by fulfilling them. Oh the arrogance of 
bankrupt sinners, whose case is quite desperate, and yet think 
of standing upon terms and conditions, with the most high God! 
But say some, though of ourselves we can do nothing, yet God 
enables by his grace, to perform the conditions of salvation. 
This is just like a creditor, demanding a large sum of an insol- 
vent debtor, who replies, I cannot pay you — I am not worth one 
farthing. But, says the creditor, I will come to terms with 
you. If you will pay me one shilling in the pound, on that 
condition, I will forgive you the whole debt. Says the penny- 
less debtor, If you will assist me with the money, I will fulfil 
your condition. Strange compact! If we must have conditions 
of salvation, they are all to be reduced to this one, If you will 
save yourselves to the end, you shall be saved in the end. Con- 
sider the evils of this proud, unscriptural notion, and reject it. 

(1) While we are taken up with finding these conditions, striv- 
ing to fulfil them, and looking for salvation by them, we sadly 
overlook precious Jesus, his blood and righteouness, and aw- 
fully depreciate and set at nought his finished salvation. And 

(2) We shall walk on very unhappily, and in the end, shall be 
very uncomfortable. What! If we strive to fulfil God's law? 
Yes, if we reject his counsel of salvation, by free gift, of free 



736 

Continued. 



grace, through the one atonement and righteousness of his be- 
loved Son, to make way for our terms and conditions of salva- 
tion. So, (3) We shall bring ourselves into bondage. Says 
Paul, * I testify to every man who is circumcised (does any 
work as a condition, to be justified and saved) that he is a 
debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of none effect to 
him.' As he seeks to be justified by the law, he is fallen from 
grace. Gal. v. 3, 4. Oh brethren ! beware, instead of enduring 
to the end by faith, that you do not stumble and fall at the very 
beginning through pride. But we begun the year, seeing Je- 
sus. We set out on our race with this free-grace truth, 
' When we had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave us all. ' Luke 
vii. 4k2. Oh in this blessed sight, and with this precious faith, 
let us endure to the end. In, and under all that we have to en- 
dure from a corrupt nature, a wicked world, and a subtle, mali- 
cious devil, nothing can bring relief to our consciences, pati- 
ence to our minds, hope to our hearts, peace to our souls, and 
joy to our spirits, but looking unto Jesus, in him we see sal- 
vation-work for ever done for us. We hear and believe his cry 
from the cross, * It is finished.' We hear him proclaim from 
his throne in glory, * It is done,' I am Alpha and Omega, 
' the beginning and the end of salvation/ Rev. xxi. 6. ' We 
are chosen in him to salvation.' We know this. How? 
* Through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.' 
2 Thess. ii. 13. ' Christ, of God, is made unto us wisdom, righ- 
teousness, sanctification and redemption. 1 Cor. i. 30. In the 
faith of this we persevere. ' By faith we endure (every fight of 
affliction) seeing him who is invisible. ' Heb xi. 27. We ' run 
with patience the race set before us' — How? Looking to terms 
and conditions of salvation fulfilled by us? Oh no! But 'look- 
ing to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.' Heb. xii. 2. 
Consider that precious word, you who are ready to think your 
faith will not hold out to the end : The same Jesus who is the 
author will be the finisher of your faith. While legal hearts 
work for life and salvation, it is the glory of gospel faith to 
live upon Jesus, who is our life and salvation, and to enjoy life 
and salvation in Christ, every step we take in the way to end- 
less life and glory. Therefore in spite of all the deceitfulness 
of sin, and the art and malice of Satan, we shall * receive the 
end of our faith, the salvation of our souls.' 1 Pet. i. 9. 

Look up for persevering grace Fear to turn back, or slight the ways 
To Jesus your best friend, Of truth and holiness : 

And hope to see his smiling face, For Jesu's lavish of his grace, 
Enduring to the end. And will with glory bless. u 



737 [morning. 

Additional Meditation for Leap-Year: Feb. 29. 
One born out of due time. 1 Cor. xv. 8. 

God's children want no other, they can have no better proof 
of the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession of 
their Jesus than what the scriptures afford : they say with their 
master, 'thy word is truth.' John xvii. 17. They wish to have 
no other ideas of God, of Christ, and of themselves than what 
the scriptures impress on their minds. They are fully satisfied 
of their hope of salvation by Jesus only. This is the reasoning 
of their faith : ' if we receive the witness of men, the witness of 
God is greater.' 1 John v. 9. God has borne witness to his 
Son Jesus in every type, ceremony, and prophecy of the Old 
Testament: and by such signs, miracles, and even by his voice 
from Heaven in the New, are as incontestible. And beside all 
these, the Spirit of God bears the inward testimony of faith, 
that our Jesus is risen. For we find our hearts attracted to 
him, our affections set on him, and we enjoy sweet fellowship 
with him. This is of distinguishing grace, ' one shall be taken 
and another left. ' 'This is hid from the wise and prudent, and 
revealed unto babes.' What shall we say to this? 'Even so 
Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' Such humble sen- 
timents are in all who have the mind of Christ. So Paul, when 
he saw himself a miracle of grace, accounted himself an abor- 
tion in nature ; as mean, as contemptible, as a child born by 
miscarriage, before its due time and proper growth ; ' the least 
of all apostles ;' yea, as though he wanted words fully to ex- 
press the opinion he had of himself, not only a sinner, but the 
chief OF Sinn ers. Not only the least, but ' me, who am less 
than the least of all saints.' Ephes. iii. 8. Paul had now done 
with his notions of fulfilling terms and conditions to obtain 
God's favour, and entitle himself to salvation. Oh now Christ 
was revealed in him! He saw his glory full of grace and truth. 
This stained all his former pride, laid his honour in the dust, 
and stopt his mouth to self-righteous confidence and human 
glorying. Strange pre-requisites Paul possessed, to qualify 
him for the grace of God! Yet no one sinner by nature can 
boast of any better. But the same Lord, who wrought effec- 
tually in Peter, was mighty in Paul, and he also converts every 
redeemed soul to Jesus. Let us not envy others their lofty 
thoughts of themselves, nor murmur against our Saviour for 
keeping us low and humble. 

But if Paul had, if all the children of God have, such mean 
contemptible thoughts of themselves, are so little and base in 
their own eyes, will not Satan attack, and aim to distress 
them? Doubtless he will. For where he cannot delude sinners 
into a notion that they are righteous and perfect in themselves, 

5 8 



7*18 [MORNING. 

he aims to distress them for want of perfection. In the day 01 
health, in the time of sickness, and perhaps, most powerfully, in 
the hour of death, Satan will inject into the mind these fiery 
darts : * you a child of God, you a member of Jesus, who never 
loved God perfectly, served him faithfully, nor obeyed him sin- 
cerely ! in all things you have sinned. His law curses you ; 
his justice is incensed against you ; his wrath is ready to fall 
on you. Your faith is fancy ; your hope delusion ; hell will be 
your portion.' Oh what can any poor sinner say to all this? 
What can he do against all this? Say! Glorify his Lord, by 
confessing, Lord I am damned, but thou hast died; but for thy 
salvation, my state is as desperate as devils. What can he do ? 
Honour his Lord, by obeying his word, 'put on the whole ar- 
mour of God, that ye may stand in this evil day, and above all 
(or rather upon all other parts of it take the shield of faith, 
whereby ye shall be able) to quench all the fiery darls of the 
wicked One.' Ephes. vi. 16. Fiery darts! Yes, being dipt in 
the wrath and terrors of a broken law, they wound, inflame, and 
bring the fire of hell into the conscience. What is this shield 
of faith? The belief that Jesus is to us sinners a Saviour; 
that his blood has perfectly atoned for our sins ; his righteous- 
ness has fully justified our persons, and that there is no con- 
demnation to us. Thus shall these fiery darts of Satan be 
quenched, and our conscience healed ; this and nothing but 
this, can effect it. Mind this precious word, 'ye shall be able.' 
The ability of our faith is nothing less than the almighty power 
of Jesus, our God. This is engaged for us. By this we shall 
stand against every assault of Satan ; and all shall issue in 
present peace of conscience, and eternal salvation of soul. 
This is the glory of a christian, to resist Satan in the faith of 
what Jesus is to him, and hath done for him. We are sure to 
overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, but in no other way. 
'Shortly, our God of peace shall for ever bruise Satan under 
our feet/ We shall return and come to Zion with songs (of 
free grace) and everlasting joy shall be on our heads, and sor- 
row and sighing shall be no more.' Isai. xxxv. 10. 

Now christian reader, I commend thee to God, and to the 
word of his grace, wishing thee sweet comfort in perusing these 
Daily Meditations. If our Lord give thee only as much in 
reading as I have found in writing them, thou wilt have great 
cause for love and praise. Accept them as the labour of one 
' who is no prophet, nor the son of a prophet;' but who can, 
from his heart, say with Gideon, ' my thousand is the meanest, 
\ am the least in my Father's house/ Judges vi. 15. Yet 
having been taught somewhat of the glory of Jesus, from the 
vord of trutl), by the grace of the Spirit, I would rejoice to 
spread the glory of my Lord's precious name, and the comforts 
of his everlastingly finished salvation, among my fellow sin- 



739 [MORNING. 

ners ; testifying that all my hope of eternal life is fixed upon 
the Son of God, who was crucified on mount Calvary ; there- 
fore would glory in being a saved sinner by the cross of Jesus, 
and in the name of a Calvaryist. 

Glory be to God in the highest. Grace be with all them 
who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. 



740 [evening. 

Feb. 29. Additional Meditation for Leap-Year. 
Out of season. 2 Tim. iv. 2. 



I have often thought, as passing by the great number of 
churches in London, what manner of stones, and what build- 
ings are here! What noble cages are these! But what pitiful 
birds occupy them! They scarce ever sing in them above once 
a week; and then, it is a strange, wild note, not the joyful song 
of salvation, by the blood and righteousness of the Son of God. 
They do not follow Paul's solemn advice, 'I charge thee before 
God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and 
dead at his appearing, and his kingdom : Preach the word, be 
instant in season, out of season.'' If Christ's ministers are thus 
charged to preach out of season, this charge is equally binding 
upon all his disciples, to hear out of season also. Consider 
some reasons for this. (1) By the preaching of the word, faith 
grows and is strengthened. This truth ever remains, and will 
be made good in experience, 'Faith cometh by hearing.' Rom. 
x. 17. (2) If faith cometh, then Christ, with peace, love, joy 
holiness and heaven, cometh to the heart. Oh then if so, need 
there be any other reason added for constant hearing? (3) Th6 
devil cometh out of season. You are never totally free from 
his force, fraud and subtilty. How can you withstand him? 
Only by resisting him stedfastly in the faith. I Pet. v. 9. How 
will you overcome him? ' Only by the blood of the Lamb, and 
the word of his testimony.' Rev. xii. 11. By constant hear- 
ing of the word, we get instructions in Satan's art and devices, 
encouragement by our Lords victory over him, and also have 
our faith strengthened to resist and overcome him. (4) Trials 
and afflictions come every day. How are we to get support and 
patience under them, comfort in them, sanctification by them, 
and a prospect of being delivered from them ? From the minis- 
try of the word. Mind what is said of disciples of old. 'Ye 
received the word in much affliction, with joy in the Holy 
Ghost.' 1 Thess. i. 6. More than twenty years ago, with 
great distress of soul, and much weakness of body, I have often 
walked near three miles to hear the word. My legs have drag- 
ged on heavily. I have been ready to say, you have often 
carried me to the play-house, and now you must carry me to 
the Lord's house. For, (5) Blessed be our Lord, by the 
preaching of the word, our doubts are resolved — our fears scat- 
tered — our hopes revived — the prospect of the heavenly world 
brightened — more clear evidence of interest in it, and assurance 
of enjoying of it obtained. The word has a native tendency to 
promote all this. And by the grace of the Spirit, souls who 
constantly attend on it, will be sure to find the sweet experi- 
ence of all this. 



AN 



INDEX 



TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE TREATED OF, 



Dbap. 


Verse 


Page 


1 Chap. 


Verse 


Page 


Chap. 


Ve-se 


Page 




Genesis. 






Joshua. 




25 


19 


643 


3 


1 


35 


7 


L9 


207 


32 


26 


113 


5 


3 


398 


23 


14 


524 


32 


31 


230 


8 


22 


261 




Judges. 




N 


EHEMl/H 


15 


12 


395 


6 


22-3 


471 


6 


11 


336 


16 


13 


126 


6 


31 


477 


.8 


10 


3/4 


18 


14 


597 


7 


2 


607 




Job. 




18 


33 


68 


10 


14 


216 


1 


21 


635 


22 


12 


449 


16 


20 


554 


2 


9 


309 


25 


22 


509 


1 


Samukl 


. 


19 


25 


506 


37 


19 


512 


12 


22 


339 


30 


23 


480 


39 


9 


701 


17 


33 


392 


36 


32 


528 


40 


7 


330 


17 


37 


115 


Psalms. 




42 


8 


232 


20 


4 


593 


2 


12 


408 


43 


30 


496 


20 


39 


464 


3 


2 


531 


45 


28 


63 L 


26 


21 


556 


5 


3 


135 


46 


30 


605 


27 


1 


240 


7 


8 


655 


8 
12 
14 
17 

20 


Exodus. 
23 

3 
13 

7 
20 


236 
246 
386 
476 
169 


28 

2 

9 

14 

15 


15 

Samuel 

8 

32 

26 


422 

164 
663 

458 


19 
23 
23 
25 
25 


1243 

1 

3 

8 
11 


71 

485 
187 
651 
212 


15 


31 


313 


25 


14 


350 


20 


25 


619 


1 


Kings. 




26 


3 


170 


33 
33 
33 
34 


11 
15 
19 

30 


695 
279' 

588 
172 


10 
14 
19 
19 
19 


2 
13 

4 
13 

20 


30 
341 

587 
560 
636 


27 
27 
27 
30 
31 


9 
13 
14 

5 
18 


652 
672 
656 

47 
402 


1 


jEVITICUS 


». 


2 Kings. 




32 


2 


16 


26 


44 


425 


7 


2 


90 


34 


2 


567 


Numbers 




8 


13 


435 


37 


5 


199 


20 


10 


381 


2 C 


ironicles. 


37 


24 


688 


Deuteronomy. 


20 


20 


242 


37 


39 


599 


30 


6 


391 


25 


9 


639 


38 


4 


33 


33 


27 


713 


25 


16 


641 


38 


4 


571 



742 



Chap. 


Verse 


Pa<?e 


Chap. 


Verse 


Page 


Chap. 


Verse 


Pa^e 


39 


7 


149 


125 


3 


130 


44 


22 


44 


40 


3 


106 


136 


23 


34 


45 


8 


348 


41 


4 


314 


139 


23-4 


39 


45 


15 


345 


42 


6 


49 


P 


ROVERBS 




45 


24 


.299 


42 


11 


109 


3 


9 


"290 


49 


15 


697 


45 


13 


145 


4 


7 


406 


51 


11 


139 


48 


14 


66 


4 


18 


85 


51 


22 


460 


51 


7 


376 


4 


23 


715 


52 


7 


196 


51 


8 


168 


11 


4 


706 


53 


5 


250 


51 


17 


179 


13 


4 


227 


53 


6 


626 


52 


7 


721 


14 


12 


318 


54 


5 


165 


55 


5 


287 


14 


32 


183 


54 


5 


346 


55 


16 


310 


17 


17 


624 


54 


5 


647 


55 


22 


413 


23 


26 


283 


54 


6 


470 


56 


3 


150 


24 


32 


41 


54 


8 


191 


63 


3 


19 


28 


1 


63 


54 


10 


13 


63 


4 


691 


28 


26 


210 


55 


1 


302 


63 


8 


627 




Song. 




55 


3 


194 


65 


4 


321 


1 


2 


674 


56 


2 


498 


68 


18 


461 


2 


16 


707 


57 


1 


334 


71 


16 


11 


3 


3 


358 


57 


18 


481 


72 


17 


380 


8 


5 


394 


59 


19 


277 


73 


24 


666 




Isaiah. 




61 


10 


388 


77 


7 


38 


1 


18 


84 


62 


2 


3 


77 


8 


56 


2 


22 


180 


65 


1 


478 


77 


10 


317 


5 


23 


200 


66 


2 


12 


84 


5 


483 


6 


5 


463 


Jeremiah 




84 


11 


289 


7 


14 


722 


3 


14 


75 


87 


7 


719 


8 


13 


67 


3 


22 


184 


89 


15 


17 


9 


6 


96 


3 


22 


186 


94 


14 


233 


12 


3 


195 


4 


2 


8 


94 


19 


353 


26 


8 


419 


4 


2 


50 


97 


11 


316 


27 


13 


494 


15 


10 


303 


104 


34 


220 


28 


16 


543 


15 


16 


161 


106 


4 


136 


28 


24 


245 


17 


5 


43 


106 


14 


211 


32 


8 


273 


20 


7 


108 


110 


3 


696 


32 


17 


555 


23 


29 


559 


113 


3 


300 


35 


4 


717 


31 


3 


676 


116 


9 


360 


40 


1 


52 


31 


34 


517 


116 


11 


488 


40 


10 


281 


32 


40 


40 


119 


25 


269 


41 


14 


499 


32 


40 


539 


119 


28 


222 


41 


17 


104 


33 


16 


157 


119 


49 


203 


42 


1 


661 


45 


5 


251 


119 


55 


426 


42 


16 


455 


Lamentations. 


119 


81 


563 


43 


21 


140 


3 


31 


340 


119 


162 


582 


43 


22 


239 


3 


40 


62 


119 


165 


445 


43 


25 


681 


Ez 


EKIEL. 




121 


1 


153 


43 


26 


683 


36 


26 





4i> 



bap. Verse 


Page 


Chap 


Verse 


Page 


Cliap. 


erse 


Page 


Daniel. 




10 


8 


659 


12 


32 


694 


3 14 


228 


10 


22 


735 


13 


24 


107 


6 5 


3'27 


10 


30 


42 


13 


23 


629 


HOSEA. 




10 


34 


578 


14 


33 


53 


2 6 


276 


10 


40 


633 


17 


4 


315 


2 14 


515 


11 


12 


32 


17 


5 


500 


2 16 


204 


11 


25-26 


311 


17 


10 


174 


2 23 


L78 


11 


29 


453 


17 


32 


598 


6 3 


1?7 


12 


20 


465 


18 


1 


98 


L3 13 


372 


12 


37 


298 


18 


9 


508 


14 8 


550 


13 


55 


46 


18 


7 


359 


Joel. 




14 


12 


325 


18 


13 


306 


3 10 


522 


14 


31 


527 


22 


35 


352 


Jonah. 




15 


23 


87 


22 


46 


580 


2 7 


355 


15 


27 


514 


22 


60 


504 


MlCAH. 




16 


24 


711 


23 


42 


22 


7 7 


623 


18 • 


20 


114 


23 


43 


121 


7 9 


29 


20 


28 


601 


24 


17 


536 


Habbakuk. 


25 


34 


734 


24 


32 


257 


2 20 


363 


26 


56 


716 


24 


38 


462 


3 19 


27 


26 


74 


596 


24 


39 


502 


Haggai. 




27 


35 


474 


24 


44 


4.90 


2 4,5 


421 


27 


42 


690 


24 


45 


213 


Zephaniah. 




Mark. 




24 


47 


173 


3 17 


120 


4 


11 


703 




John. 




3 17 


122 


4 


24 


205 


1 


12 


573 


Zechariah. 


4 


38 


608 


1 


14 


97 


3 8 


328 


5 


m 


148 


1 


17 


604 


6 13 


351 


8 


36-37 


429 


1 


29 


7 


13 9 


433 


9 


50 


92 


1 


39 


657 


Malachi. 




10 


38 


25 


3 


6 


456 


3 6 


446 


13 


37 


669 


3 


7 


473 


3 14 


705 


16 


7 


610 


3 


18 


61 


3 16 


513 




LUKK. 




3 


33 


637 


Matthew 




1 


76-77 


654 


4 


23 


166 


1 21 


331 


5 


5 


6S6 


5 


39 


521 


1 23 


723 


4 


28 


37 


5 


44 


600 


5 3 


487 


7 


35 


609 


6 


37 


142 


5 6 


535 


8 


15 


320 


6 


53 


296 


5 8 


704 


8 


21 


28 


6 


56 


295 


5 16 


572 


9 


62 


5i9 


6 


57 


680 


5 44 


377 


10 


20 


644 


6 


66 


292 


6 Jl 


530 


10 


30 


82 


6 


67 


399 


6 31 


709 


10 


42 


167 


6 


69 


621 


7 12 


125 


10 


42 


591 


7 


24 


507 


7 14 


361 


10 


.42 


710 


8 


6 


198 


9 21 


620 


11 


2 


57 


8 


31 


41 


•9 24 


459 


12 


15 


603 


8 


36 


612 



744 



Chap. 


Verse 


Page 


Chap. 


Verse 


Page 


Chap. 


Verse 


Page 


8 


47 


226 


3 


4 


190 


3 


23 


163 


10 


27 


371 


3 


19 


247 


4 


7 


495 


10 


28 


632 


3 


2! 


93 


4 


20 


162 


11 


3 


319 


3 


24 


64 


6 


12 


558 


11 


4 


249 


4 


9 


$7 


6 


19-20 


698 


11 


26 


156 


4 


14 


595 


9 


27 


231 


ii 


52 


124 


4 


15 


685 


10 


12 


160 


12 


41 


518 


4 


16 


430 


12 


3 


397 


13 


10 


76 


5 


4 


89 


13 


13 


100 


13 


17 


529 


5 


9 


412 


13 


13 


102 


13 


37 


482 


5 


10 


491 


13 


13 


132 


14 


1 


253 


5 


11 


583 


15 


6 


274 


14 


2 


284 


5 


19 


208 


15 


8 


(ad- 


14 


6 ^ 


286 


5 


19 


510 


ditional medita- 


14 


15 


73 


5 


21 


519 


tion) 




737 


14 


18 


385 


6 


1 


221 


15 


10 


294 


14 


20 


553 


6 


11 


489 


15 


10 


684 


14 


26 


545 


6 


14 


584 


15 


ir 


58 


15 


10 


143 


6 


15 


577 


15 


31 


288 


16 


2 


427 


7 


9 


671 


15 


34 


234 


16 


8 


74 


7 


18 


544 


15 


55 


54 


16 


13 


365 


7 


21 


259 


15 


57 


732 


16 


14 


493 


7 


24 


411 


15 


58 


561 


17 


20 


151 


8 


1 


537 


16 


13 


702 


16 


27 


291 


8 


9 


26 


2 Corinthians. 


16 


33 


99 


8 


10 


546 


1 


10 


680 


17 


2 


123 


8 


12 


547 


L 


20 


497 


17 


17 


5! 


8 


15 


693 


1 


22 


18 


17 


17 


682 


8 


16 


423 


3 


18 


444 


17 


19 


265 


8 


17 


606 


4 


6 


79 


20 


15 


472 


8 


26 


389 


4 


8 


548 


20 


20 


542 


8 


28 


387 


4 


13 


36 


2L 


17 


428 


8 


30 


451 


4 


18 


638 




Acts. 




8 


31 


278 


5 


1 


511 


1 


11 


590 


9 


20 


699 


5 


4 


335 


2 


40 


404 


11 


20 


201 


5 


7 


526 


3 


15 


342 


12 


1 


533 


5 


9 


586 


3 


19 


677 


12 


12 


235 


5 


15 


134 


7 


56 


243 


13 


11 


700 


5 


16 


101 


9 


6 


634 


13 


14 


728 


5 


17 


733 


9 


11 


5S9 


14 


17 


625 


5 


19 


275 


9 


31 


237 


14 


22 


566 


6 


7 


410 


10 


34-35 


347 


16 


20 


726 


7 


1 


152 


26 


19 


175 


1 Corinthians. 


7 


1 


154 




Romans. 




1 


9 


219 


7 


10 


70 


1 


16 


368 


1 


29-31 


469 


10 


5 


576 


1 


17 


326 


3 


3 


181 


11 


3 


441 


1 


18 


60 


3 


22 


617 


12 


2 


293 



745 



Cbap. Verse Page 

12 7 538 

12 8 119 

12 "9 486 

12 9 505 

12 10 540 

13 5 144 
Galatians. 

1 7 349 

1 16 725 

2 16 197 

2 20 594 

3 28 727 

4 6 442 
4 7 438 
4 7 440 

4 19 525 

5 1 585 
5 4 206 
5 6 383 
5 11 332 
5 13 479 
5 17 475 
5 22-23 467 

5 25 176 

6 3 501 
6 4 645 
6 14 431 

Ephesians. 

1 4 223 

1 6 23 

1 13 14 

2 4-5 569 
2 5 301 
2 8 628 
2 10 724 
2 13 308 
2 14 646 
4 4 266 
4 4 268 
4 5 270 
4 15 146 
4 20 420 
4 20-21 137 
4 22 520 
4 30 20 

4 30 574 

5 8 112 
5 15-16 15 



Cbap. Verse Page 

6 12 614 

6 13 252 

6 14 91 

6 14 254 

6 15 256 

6 16 258 

6 17 260 

6 17 262 

6 18 264 
Philippians. 

1 9 238 

1 11 128 

1 21 662 

2 12 570 

2 13 333 

3 8 105 
3 9 280 
3 10 564 
3 14 415 
3 17 579 

3 15 581 

4 3 434 
4 4 616 
4 6 503 
4 18 224 
4 19 642 

COLOSSIANS. 

1 12 670 

1 18 414 

1 19 118 

2 6 344 
2 10 436 
2 12 565 
2 17 396 

2 18 343 

3 3 729 
3 4 731 
3 15 708 
3 17 218 

3 24 602 

4 6 155 

1 Thessalonians. 

1 5 95 

2 13 660 

5 9 382 

2 Thessalonians. 

2 13 568 

2 16-17 407 
5 c 



Chap. 


Verse 


Page 


1 Timothy. 


1 


9 


69 


1 


15 


400 


1 


19 


263 


2 


5 


384 


2 


6 


55 


3 


9 


405 


3 


16 


229 


4 


6 


679 


4 


8 


21 


6 


8 


356 


6 


10 


354 


6 


12 


452 


2 Timothy. 


1 


9 


131 


2 


1 


450 


3 


5 


454 


3 


15 


138 


3 


16-17 


401 


4 


2 Leap- 


Year 


740 


4 


22 
Titus. 


466 


1 


1 


193 


1 


2 


305 


2 


1 


72 


2 


10 


78 


2 


11 


86 


2 


12 


88 


2 


14 


668 


3 


5 


416 


H 


FBREWS 




1 


3 


' 81 


2 


1 


209 


2 


9 


5 


2 


14 


189 


3 


6 


65 


4 


1 


379 


4 


3 


541 


4 


7 


147 


4 


15 


403 


4 


15 


552 


4 


16 


127 


5 


13 


390 


5 


14 


244 


6 


9 


10 


6 


17 


448 


6 


18 


255 



746 



Oliap. 


Verse 


Page 


Chap. 


Verse 


Page 


Chai. 


Verse 


Page 


6 


18 


714 


1 


Peter 


. 


1 


8 


648 


7 


25 


720 


1 


5 


575 


1 


9 


373 


9 


9 


640 


1 


6 


375 


2 


1 


225 


9 


24 


329 


I 


15 


622 


2 


15 


80 


10 


12 


393 


2 


2 


678 


2 


15 


417 


10 


14 


364 


2 


7 


129 


2 


20 


492 


10 


14 


366 


2 


11 


69 


2 


23 


103 


10 


23 


367 


2 


25 


217 


2 


28 


357 


10 


26-2? 


687 


3 


4 


337 


3 


1 


630 


10 


36 


59 


3 


8 


31 


3 


2 


111 


10 


38 


272 


3 


15 


443 


3 


6 


48 


10 


39 


338 


3 


21 


424 


3 


21 


158 


11 


1 


658 


4 


7 


185 


3 


23 


418 


11 


13 


304 


4 


7 


730 


3 


24 


110 


11 


13 


675 


4 


8 


718 


4 


2 


24 


11 


27 


192 


4 


16 


248 


4 


18 


202 


11 


27 


432 


5 


4 


653 


5 


1 


307 


11 


30 


665 


5 


7 


551 


5 


10 


439 


12 


1 


437 


5 


9 


94 


5 


11-12 


650 


12 


1 


562 


2 Peter. 




5 


13 


297 


12 


3 


457 


1 


1 


312 


5 


20-21 


409 


12 


4 


133 


1 


5 


611 


5 


21 


9 


12 


12 


516 


1 


9 


613 


2 John. 8 


159 


12 


14 


141 


1 


10 


534 




JUDE. 




12 


24 


523 


1 


10 


376 




1-2 


692 


13 


5 


673 


1 


10 


378 




3 


468 


13 


9 


649 


1 


11 


6!5 




4 


188 


13 


12 


271 


1 


14 


171 




20 


282 


13 


13 


45 


1 


17 


667 




21 


83 


13 


16 


267 


3 


1 


362 


Revelations. 




James. 




3 


14 


323 


1 


5 


322 


2 


14 


618 


3 


18 


215 


1 


6 


324 


3 


17 


447 


1 


John. 




1 


7 


664 


4 


6 


285 


1 


3 


712 


2 


10 


214 


4 


8 


592 


1 


7 


182 


5 


12 


484 


4 


14 


116 


1 


7 


532 


16 


15 


117 



BUNGAY : PRINTED BY JOHN CHILDS AND SON. 












Deacidified using the Bookkeeper proces 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Nov. 2005 

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